Before most of their classmates receive diplomas later this month, two Eastport-South Manor seniors have already answered a different call: service to our great nation.
The Eastport-South Manor Central School District honored Class of 2026 graduates Maeve Gayer and Madison Heaney during a special graduation ceremony at a recent Board of Education meeting, recognizing military commitments that will prevent them from attending the district's traditional commencement exercises.
Gayer is preparing to serve in the United States Air Force, while Heaney will attend a Naval ROTC indoctrination program after earning a prestigious national scholarship. She will attend Virginia Tech, where she plans to study biological sciences as a member of the university's Corps of Cadets.
A processional of bagpipes led school officials, board members and the graduates into the ceremony. Junior-Senior High School Principal Salvatore Alaimo praised both students for their dedication and willingness to serve.
“It is no coincidence that both these graduates share the exact same position on the athletic field, they are goalies,” Alaimo said. “In sports, the goalie is the last line of defense. It's a position that requires absolute focus, a spirit and the willingness to stand in the gap to protect the team. It makes perfect sense that both of these young women are stepping out of our stadium and onto the national stage to protect our country.”
During the ceremony, Eastport-South Manor Challenge Coins were presented to the graduates by Board of Education trustees David Samartino and Joseph Sammarco, both military veterans.
The event concluded with Superintendent Joseph A. Steimel officially certifying Gayer and Heaney as graduates of the Eastport-South Manor Central School District.
District officials congratulated both students on their achievements and thanked them for their commitment to military service.