Congratulations to Center Moriches High School’s Class of 2024

On June 29, Center Moriches High School’s Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation during the 124th annual commencement ceremony. The graduating seniors, dressed in their red caps and gowns, processed down a red carpet in the school’s gymnasium as the symphonic band performed “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Principal Marissa Mangogna followed Senior Class President Isabella Rayburn leading everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Valedictorian Alexandra DeMatteo then performed a breathtaking rendition of the national anthem before seniors and guests took their seats.

Board of Education Vice President Marcus Babzien was the first to the podium, encouraging students to choose to do what is right and reminding them that challenges ahead shouldn’t be taken as discouragement. Rather, there’s always a reason for optimism. “The future is yours, and you are empowered to shape it,” said Mr. Babzien.

Board of Education trustee Dr. Dawn DiPeri reminded students of the importance of having good character and bringing that trait to any position or role they’ll pursue moving forward.

Next, 2024 Class President Isabella Rayburn talked about the unforgettable memories she and her fellow classmates will take with them post-graduation and how this time marks a full-circle moment of seeing their dreams become a reality. “I know that we will accomplish and be successful in anything that comes our way in this next chapter of our lives,” said Isabella.

Following Isabella’s speech, her mother, alumni and keynote speaker, Robyn Rayburn, addressed the graduates. She advised them to embrace change, surround themselves with people that lift them up, take risks and to not be afraid of failure. “It’s the lessons you’ve learned, the hardships, the triumphs and the relationships you’ve built that will guide you toward your next stage of life,” she said.

Salutatorian Tori Rudnick offered words of wisdom on venturing out of one’s comfort zone and not allowing fears to control our lives and decisions. “Every second of every day, we are living in unknowns,” said Tori. “The one thing that doesn’t have to remain a mystery to you is the key to your own happiness. You have the power to make your own self happy.”

Then, the Center Moriches symphonic band left guests and graduates in awe with their musical tribute performance of “Havana Nights.”

Next, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ronald Masera reminded students that their voices matter, that the world is waiting to hear what they have to say and that their unique perspective is invaluable. “Your voice is a powerful tool,” said Dr. Masera. “One that can inspire change, foster understanding and bring people together.”

Valedictorian Alexandra DeMatteo cautioned her classmates to not compare themselves to others, noting that comparison is the thief of joy. “The best thing you can do for yourself is shift from a mindset of comparison to collaboration,” said Alexandra.

Lastly, Principal Marissa Mangogna once again stepped to the podium. She shared inspiring quotes from members of the Class of 2024 and noted how proud she was of all their accomplishments. “You have all played an essential role in making Center Moriches High School a place where students love to be, where they thrive and grow into the best versions of themselves,” said Mrs. Mangogna.

In an exciting culmination of the ceremony, the board of education awarded diplomas to each of the seniors as they walked across the stage before officially declaring them graduates of Center Moriches High School.

2024 Graduating Class List

Alexandra DeMatteo | Valedictorian

Tori Rudnick | Salutatorian

DeMatteo Alexandra Rayburn Isabella Albino Matthew Amaya-Villatoro Lidenia Babzien Alexander Bachmore Nate Baldock Liam Beck Trevor Benzie James Elio Logan Blackwood Destiny Bohleber Cadence Bonventre Tyler Breheny Reese Bruzzone Jesse Bryant Xavier Buff Spencer Buff Stephen Buttigieg Angelina Caal Cubule' Karla Camargo Luiz Capone Daniel Caracappa Savannah Carroll Emma Chernis Madeline Chocho Cando Alison Chuquiana Canayuyo Emily Connelly Brendan Cook Tyeler Cooper Katelyn Coreas Elisa Cressy Emelynne Davila Ashley De Leon Martinez Angely Deedy James DeRosa Gavin Devaux Alex Mare Derek Standard Ryan White Cailey Dias da Silva Oliveira Lucas DiCuffa Amelia DiPeri Drew Eglevsky Lily Fahie Robert Fajardo David Foster Andrew Fox Kaylee Franke Megan Frohnhoefer Jonathan Gentile Nicholas Gilroy Alexandria Goldstein Hailey Golovin Liudvik Gonzalez Corea Ashley Gray Raymond Hart Naomi Hanley Sean Hernandez Matthew Hipp Sean Hromada Julia Irving Danica Jakubowski Hayden Jastrzebski Jordan Jones Callum Kaloski Evan Kelly Braedan Kleinman Delaney Kromhout Kyra

Rudnick Tori Krauss Daniel Krauss John Kuzmech Georgia LaClair Thomas Larin Galvez Felipe Leuthardt Aiden Loguercio Anthony Loguercio Vincent Lutz Evan Lyons Nicholas Langdon Ryan Madigan Ryan Marrin Grace Mazza Jacob Metzler Taylor Meyer Kyle Miguel Cardona Cristian Mitchell Lauryn Montesanto Sophia Muench Christian Naples Samantha Navas Paula Pascucci Ella Passolo-Richards Reef Pedersen John Pendzick Victoria Pestanio Rachel Phillips Olivia Pinzon Michelle Ramirez Anais Pisciotta Sophia Planz Connor Pomara Dante Powell Emma Raimondi Sophia Raupp Chloe Raynor Anthony Reed Noah Rodriguez-Barrientos Neydi Roenbeck Emily Tietjen Christopher Brackett Christiana Green Tristen Gregory James Mack Andrice Owens Nabria Palomino Cambria Rotunda Nicholas Romano Kailey Schebler Rivienne Sears Ashlee Semiken-Venegas Natalie Shedrick Marcellus Sims Robert Singleton Selena Stanek Barry Stewart Charles Stypulkowski Megan Suruy Jazmine Szumczyk Carley Teto Jack Thomas Nsiah Titus Jazmin Trace Madison Trifan Mark Trionfo Joseph Valdes Canales Elmer Weidner Nicholas Zosimo Tyler

Valedictorian Alexandra DeMatteo

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Valedictorian Alexandra DeMatteo is a well-rounded student with incredible accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom. DeMatteo’s coursework immerses her in the Advanced Placement curriculum. Her academic excellence led to her involvement in the Foreign Language Honor Society, where she serves as president, the Music Honor Society, where she is secretary, as well as membership to the English, Math, Science and Social Studies Honor Societies. Notably, DeMatteo earned the Seal of Biliteracy after taking Advanced Placement, college-level Spanish. Additionally, DeMatteo was the class president in her freshman and junior years. She holds leadership roles in several school clubs, including the vocal club and art club. This school year, DeMatteo was selected by the New York State School Music Association as an All-State musician to perform in the 2023 Winter Conference.

Her passion for the fine arts extends outside of Center Moriches High School. DeMatteo is an assistant teacher at the Stage Door School of Dance where she ensures a safe and productive environment for children taking dance. Additionally, she was the original actress in the role of Via in the pre-Broadway workshop of the new musical adaptation of “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio.

Salutatorian Tori Rudnick

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Salutatorian Tori Rudnick is actively involved in the Center Moriches High School community. Impressively, she is a member of eight honor societies spanning different academic areas, including the New York State Science Honor Society, where she serves as vice president, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where she served as president during her junior year. For the past three years, Rudnick has performed alongside drama club productions as a member of the pit band. She also performs in the symphonic band at the high school. Her musical excellence has earned her positions in selective ensembles throughout her high school career, including the All-State Symphonic Band and the NYSCAME Orchestra and Band. Rudnick is also a member of the art club at Center Moriches High School. Her works have been featured in several exhibitions, including at the Parrish Museum and Congressional Art Show.

Outside of the classroom, Rudnick dedicates her time to enhancing her skills in the arts. Since 2020, she has been a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York. Currently, she plays with the Suffolk Principal Orchestra. Membership to this organization has allowed Rudnick to perform at Carnegie Hall and overseas. Additionally, she has been a dancer for 14 years and takes classes at Royalenova Performing Arts.