Mattituck-Laurel: Kudos to NJROTC cadets

Despite the stifling heat last week, brides and grooms continued to celebrate the beginning of their lives together. On one of the hottest days of the year, Jason Wesnofske and Christina D’Eletto looked cool and content as they exchanged vows at St. Isidore Church in Riverhead. Truly a vision, Christina looked like a princess when the church doors opened for her walk down the aisle on the arm of her dad, Thomas. Standing by her side during this momentous occasion were maid of honor Amanda Nethaway; bridesmaids Ashley Sawicki, Sarah Doroski, Danielle Cirimello, Marie Anderson and Nicole Schwartz; and flower girl Bianca Secaida. Jason was joined on the altar by his brother Justin as best man. The groomsmen were Dan Blados, Ryan Wesnofske, Michael D’Eletto, Eugene Wesnofske III and Michael McBride and the rings entrusted to ring bearer Christian Secaida. Seeing students from classes that Christina and Jason have taught, sitting in the pews to help celebrate their wedding was a true testament to what great teachers the Wesnofskes are. Congratulations and may every day of your lives be as happy as your wedding day!
Dawn DeRosa was cool, calm and collected as she walked down the ramp at Chateau La Mer to become Mrs. Steven Muscarella. With the beautiful Great South Bay as the backdrop, this happy couple was surrounded by family and friends who shared in their happiness. Best wishes to the Muscarellas as they begin their lives together.
Speaking of marriage, happy anniversary wishes go to Wayne and Cathy Dries, who toast their years together on Aug. 2.
Happy birthday wishes to Dick Harned, who cuts his cake July 28, and to the following folks who also celebrate this week: Kaylan O’Brian, Lee Carlson, Karen Diffley, Tyler Cande and Christopher Busch.
Our award-winning NJROTC cadets recently spent two weeks at the naval station in Newport, R.I. Kudos to the following moms, aides and cadets-in-training for their awards/positions: Maureen Dacimo, Gray Platoon mom; Jean Mahoney, Blue Platoon mom; academic aides Allison Mickaliger and Katherine Bertschi; Blue Platoon aides Matt Ireland and Kerri Hands; Gold Platoon graduates Nick Connell and Samantha Fasolino; Blue Platoon graduates Eddie Wright and Katie Saporita; Green Platoon graduates Emmett Bufkins and Lyndsie Taylor (who was also Green Platoon Iron Lady graduate for physical fitness); Gray Platoon graduates Caitlin Penny (also Gray Platoon Iron Lady honor graduate for physical fitness); Richie Smith, who was the Gray Platoon’s graduate, honor graduate and Iron Man graduate for physical fitness; Natasha VanDeWetering, graduate and overall honor graduate for Gray Platoon, with the highest average in all areas of the training!
And the best for last: Green Platoon graduate Casianne Pelan was, for the first time in the history of our unit, the Distinguished Graduate of the entire Academy — No. 1 out of 143 cadets, graduating with the coveted Silver Cord. Way to go, Casianne! Only 17 awards are given to individual cadets at graduation and our cadets took home six of them! Our NJROTC continues to make all of us proud!