Sunshine Center Celebrates Graduating Class

The graduating class of the Sunshine Prevention Center, an alternate education service based in Centereach, is looking forward to college and other opportunities as they commenced during a special ceremony cheered on by their teachers and local dignitaries who support the special school.

“Changing lives through alternate education and prevention” is the motto of the school committed to the academic achievement, social and life success of at-risk individuals. During a tearful ceremony that featured heart rendering success stories from parents and students alike, five students received their diplomas, while eight moved up to higher grades. The students had disengaged from the educational process due to various issues and were empowered to take responsibility for their own actions and make better choices for their future, including living up to their potential by graduating.

Students from the Sunshine Prevention Center celebrate receiving their diplomas or moving up to higher grades. File Photo

“These are remarkable achievements,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Edward Romaine, who attended the graduation. “These students were faced with great difficulties in their lives and overcame them. Thanks to their own perseverance, and a staff of dedicated teachers and staff, they are moving ahead with their lives. We are so very proud of each and every one of them,” Romaine said.

The school subscribes to P.E.A.C.E.--Prevention Education And Cultural Enrichment in its academic instruction, programs and parent support. “I was out of options with my child and the Sunshine Center was a Godsend,” said one grateful parent of a graduating senior. “Little did I realize that I was to be fully involved in the program as well.”

Elected officials help the students and their families celebrate the special occasion. File Photo

A beautiful analogy was offered about Japanese pottery and how the cracks are always filled in, because it is never perfect. Everyone has their setbacks, but we learn how to cope and deal with our lives and its challenges. ​Everyone at the event was filled with a sense of pride, excitement and community.

Aside from an entire row of elected officials attending the ceremony, the school is supported by any number of local groups and businesses. Its campus is a quiet and safe place where students are taught how to rise above their problems and make a success of themselves. Administrators from the school districts sending students to the center were also full of praise.

The Sunshine Prevention Center Graduating Class:

Giselle Baltazar–Sachem

Mason Donnelly Pliakis–Longwood

Fernando Mejia–Comsewogue

Miranda Mills–Longwood

Elliot Rosenberg–Patchogue/Medford

Moving up to the next grade:

Jada Brame–William Floyd

Malisha Delva–Amityville

Travis Frick–Central Islip

Lainey Folz–Bay Shore

Ashley Hernandez–Central Islip

Grant Robinson–Hauppauge

Giovanni Sanders–Rocky Point

Sianna Soto–Patchogue/Medford