Bellport High School student-athletes Aarilin Pitre and Giulia Gannon were recently awarded All-League titles at the Suffolk County Softball Coaches Association’s 43rd annual banquet.

The sophomores earned the accolades for their athletic ability and talent. Pitre is an outfielder and Gannon plays shortstop.

The South Country Central School District extends its congratulations to Pitre and Gannon.

Date Added: 8/5/2022

The South Country School District is pleased to announce that over 95% of Bellport High School graduates earned a prestigious New York State Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas.

Students were presented with the opportunity to earn the seal after the high school was accepted in 2021 as a pilot school for the New York State Education Department’s Seal of Civic Readiness program following an extensive application process led by Director of Humanities Jaclyn O'Hagan and high school social studies teacher Andrew Budris.

The students earned the seal through the school’s work with the pilot program and a partnership between teachers, administrators, students and NYSED. This broad participation was accomplished by including all students in the program, from general education and special education to English as a New Language and Advanced Placement students.

The Civic Readiness initiative has students work toward a common goal to better their school and community. They select issues, conduct research and present their findings during a culminating Civics Day presentation to their peers, teachers and Board of Education members. Projects have included improving mental health services for students, asking for county government to improve the walkability and cleanliness of roadways, obtaining grants for music and sports participation at the elementary level, and adding recess for middle school students. The program also shapes students to become citizens who form their own opinions and take action to serve their community.

Date Added: 7/18/2022

The accomplishments of the Bellport High School Class of 2022 were celebrated during a graduation ceremony on June 24. As family and friends looked on, the class was praised for overcoming the pandemic era and working to achieve important milestones in their educational careers.

Welcoming the students was Principal Erika Della Rosa. During her introductory comments, Della Rosa spoke about the uniqueness of the South Country School District and the challenges faced by the graduating class, particularly COVID-19. Despite this, she noted, “You learned to make lemonade out of lemons on a regular basis. That is a testament to your strength and courage.” She added, “I challenge you to remember these past four years and know that learning from the obstacles you faced will keep you on track.”

Essayist Eric Ciavatta discussed memories of the past 13 years. “We made it and it wasn’t like ‘High School Musical’ at all, but here we are on our graduation day about to walk out. How quickly that time has passed,” he said. “High school was not easy, but we persevered through many challenges.”

During his salutatory address, Calvin Pedatella offered advice to the graduates that was once offered to him as a PAL football player. “Each of you has the ability to succeed at the next level if you are willing to work hard and find ways to improve,” he said. “We are a diverse group, and despite our differences, we are graduating together. We can all enter the next phase of our lives knowing that we always have the support of the Bellport community. Let’s make sure each of us takes a little part of Bellport with us.”

Rounding out the speeches was valedictorian Rianna Raghunandan, who spoke about the unknowns of the future. “As much of the future may hold many unknowns, [it also] holds incredible potential — the kind of potential I have seen in all of you seniors,” she said. “We are moving forward in our lives with direction and motivation.” She concluded, “We are starting new paths, but this school where we have grown will always be a part of us, and we should never forget the place we call home as we soar into the future.”

After the celebratory speeches, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani certified the diplomas and announced that the seniors had completed the requirements for graduation. Board President E. Anne Hayes then led the students in the traditional moving of the tassel, symbolizing that the seniors were now alumni of the South Country Central School District.

Date Added: 6/28/2022

Wearing red, white and blue graduation gowns, members of the Bellport High School Class of 2022 recently marched down the halls of their former elementary schools to both reminisce and serve as inspiration to current students. The graduates were met with cheers, applause and colorful signs bearing messages of congratulations.

Date Added: 6/24/2022

Bellport High School seniors Natalie Gentzel and Calvin Pedatella were recently honored as nominees for the prestigious 22nd annual Butch Dellecave Awards.

The top Suffolk County female and male awards are presented to student-athletes who demonstrate impressive academic and athletic achievements. The awards are named for Dellecave, who served as an educator at Connetquot for 30 years, was a sports official in Suffolk County for nearly 20 years and founded the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Gentzel earned a nomination for maintaining a 98 GPA and her athletic ability in volleyball and track. She holds an All-Classification title in volleyball and All-County titles in track for the 100- and 400-meter hurdles.

Pedatella was presented with a nomination for maintaining a 102 GPA and excelling in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He holds All-State and All-Long Island titles in football and is a two-time All-League wrestler.

The South Country School District congratulates both students on their achievements.

Date Added: 6/21/2022