The Bellport High School Class of 2024 received an introduction to the various aspects of high school life during a virtual orientation, held on August 18. The 17-minute recorded video introduced incoming freshmen to administrators and faculty and briefed students on sports and extracurricular opportunities, guidance goals, student government and ways to prepare for a school year like no other.

During his introductory remarks, Principal Timothy Hogan noted that faculty and staff have worked hard over the summer to ensure a positive experience during a school year that will bring a whole set of new challenges for students and staff.

“This will be a year that requires our collective patience, cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure a positive first year for all of you at Bellport High School,” Mr. Hogan said.

Freshman adviser Rob Galasso noted that the freshmen will have an amazing four years with memories that will last a lifetime. “Coronavirus, social distancing and face masks are not going to get in our way,” Mr. Galasso said.

Other speakers included ninth grade Assistant Principal Erika Della Rosa, Director of Health, Athletics and Physical Education Robert McIntyre, Director of Guidance and Counseling Program Jenna Restivo, Freshman Adviser Amy Krawczyk, Compass Unity Representatives Lynette Murphy and Lacey Donlon and Student Council Adviser Ellen Hoffman.

Student Council President Jack Frankie encouraged freshmen to become involved in extracurricular activities, especially student council. “Now is the best time to come together and unite as one for a common goal to help your school and community,” Frankie said.

The virtual orientation was followed by a Google Meet session on August 21 so students and parents could ask administrators and faculty pertinent questions about the reopening process. School officially begins on September 8 and plans for reopening can be viewed on the District website.

Bellport High School’s theatre art program is pleased to announce that student-thespian Jack Burkhardt was the recipient of a coveted 2020 Teeny Award for his supporting male role as Lumiere in the school’s musical “Beauty and the Beast.” The award was presented during a virtual awards ceremony, held by East End Arts on July 23.

“This is a terrific accomplishment,” Art Department Chairperson Barbara Gallagher said. “Jack is an extremely talented actor and the District congratulates him on this special achievement.”

Each year, Bellport High School is one of 18 school theater programs whose productions are celebrated by the East End Arts for student talent and excellence in acting, production, pit orchestra, stage management, lighting design and crew and more. This year, the theatre program received 36 nominations for its productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Game’s Afoot.”

Bellport High School junior Charlotte Kellogg has been chosen by QuestBridge to be a 2020 College Prep Scholar for having demonstrated high academic achievement.

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit institution that connects the country’s most exceptional students with leading educational institutions and further academic opportunities at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. Charlotte is one of 3,770 high school juniors named a 2020 College Prep Scholar out of a pool of 12,600 applications nationwide, and later in the fall, will potentially be matched with a full scholarship to one of QuestBridge’s 42 partner colleges. As a College Prep Scholar, Charlotte will also receive exclusive awards and access to opportunities to develop a strong college application. Awards for being a College Prep Scholar also include opportunities to attend summer programs at Yale, Stanford and the University of Chicago.

Charlotte is an Advanced Placement student and a member of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society, where she serves as corresponding secretary. She is also president of the Chess Club and math team and recently assisted in forming the previously defunct debate club. Charlotte also spends time with computer club activities and drama club. Although not a varsity athlete, Charlotte maintains a rigorous personal athletic program in which she trains with weights and participates in functional training, such as everyday moving and compound exercises.
Charlotte said she does not have her eye on a particular college or university at this time but will pursue an academic program that allows her to combine computer science and statistics.

The District congratulates Charlotte on this outstanding academic accomplishment and best wishes for success in the QuestBridge College Prep Scholar Program.