Congratulations to our Walt Whitman Class of 2024 graduates who have made the decision to serve in the armed forces. The district held its annual Military Recognition Breakfast on June 6th at the James Kaden Administrative Offices where local dignitaries and veterans joined family, administrators and school board members to applaud the four seniors who will be joining the armed services after graduation. Each one of these students is joining institutions steeped in history and tradition with long, storied pasts in defense of our country.

“Congratulations on your decision to join the armed forces. This is not an easy decision.  You had a lot of choices, a lot of options. You chose to represent our country. And for that I thank you and congratulate you for all that you're planning to do for yourself and for this country,” said Superintendent Vito D’Elia.

Alexandro Feliciano is joining the United States Army.  Colton Kraese has enlisted in  the United States Navy.  Shaun Murphy will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  Marcus Nazario is joining the United States Air Force.

As principal John Murphy commended the seniors on their “deep sense of duty and a willingness to sacrifice for the safety and freedom of others,” he was not only addressing his students, but also his son, Shaun, a member of this year’s Whitman graduating class and a soon-to-be West Point cadet.  Dr. Murphy extended his “heartfelt thanks” to the other military parents for their “instrumental guidance and support in shaping these young men and women.”

To the students who are about to leave the halls of Whitman and settle in for a new way of life, Dr. Murphy said,  “As you prepare to embark on your journey, remember that you carry the support and pride of your families and the entire school community. The lessons you have learned here, both in the classroom and beyond, will serve you well as you face the challenges ahead. You have become a thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient group of individuals ready to take on the world.  Please know that your service is not taken lightly, and we appreciate all you do for our community and our country.”  

Several other Whitman seniors, who are not going into military service, were also recognized by the armed services for their accomplishments in high school including distinguished scholastic, athletic, musical and leadership excellence.

The military recognition breakfast has become an annual graduation tradition in the district purposely held on June 6th every year on what has become known as “D-Day.”  It marks the largest seaborne invasion in history when 150,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II pushing back against the Axis forces of Germany, Italy and Japan.

• Photo Gallery

(left to right) Shaun Murphy will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  Marcus Nazario is joining the United States Air Force. Colton Kraese has enlisted in  the United States Navy. Alexandro Feliciano is joining the United States Army.

Proud veteran and American Legion Post 1244 Commander, Carlo Giordano, joined us as the morning's keynote speaker to express his thanks to our students. 

Supervisor Ed Smyth (left), along with Tom Donnelly and numerous town representatives, came to congratulate and honor our graduating seniors. The four were sent home with proclamations, awards, and advice from those who have experience serving our country. 

At the morning celebration, we were also fortunate to present a number of Military Senior Awards. Congratulations to the following recipients:
United States Marine Corp
Distinguished Athlete: John Lineen
Distinguished Athlete: Iris Hoffman
Scholastic Excellence: Makayla Castillo 
Musical Excellence: Chris Macaluso 

United States Navy
Outstanding Athlete Award: Kathleen O’Mara 
Distinguished Scholar Award: Elana Denis 
Inspirational Leadership Award: Mason Peretson 

United States Air Force
Math and Science Award: Amanda Knudsen 
Certificate of Appreciation: Connor Basedow