Community Columns

Mattituck News: Here’s some positive education news

Despite all the negative news in education these days, the Mattituck-Cutchogue school district remains focused on doing great things for kids. One of its proudest accomplishments is the incredible art program that promotes the passion and creative energy many of our students have for the arts. The New York State Art Teachers Association Art Portfolio exhibit, representing over 200 talented Suffolk County students, was recently on view at the Anthony Giordano Gallery at Dowling College. Mattituck High School students swept the awards this year, which is not a small feat. Congratulations to winners Sarah Pfennig, first place; Emma Leaden, second place; and Adrianna Lawson, third place. Great job!

Southold Relay for Life takes place this Saturday, May 30, from noon to midnight at Jean Cochran Park. This is the relay’s 10th year and the event has raised over $1 million thus far. Register to participate at relayforlife.org/southoldny. For more information, contact Claire Smith, [email protected] or 631-300-3146.

Cutchogue East Elementary’s Hope Team is raffling off a Quilt for Hope to support the American Cancer Society. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be purchased at either the high school or elementary school before the Relay for Life event.

Birthday wishes go out to Erik Koch, Aidan Carter, Wendy Zuhoski, Peter Rauseo, Matt Wilsberg, Jeff Smith, Michael Lentini, Cory Dolson, Anne Smith and Lareann Volinski.

I got a call recently from a mom who wanted to update me about her son, Morgan Barta, MHS Class of 2000. Morgan has had a busy life. A proud member of the Marine Corps, he was an aviation crew chief until recently, when he graduated as a gunnery sergeant from The Citadel. Morgan has done three tours as a drill instructor at Parris Island, where he instructed some of Mattituck’s students. Thank you for your service, Morgan. You make Mattituck proud!

The MacDonald family has been really busy. Jaimie recently earned a master’s in literacy from LIU and is now teaching fifth grade in the Riverhead school district. If you know this family, you know soccer is in their blood, so it’s no surprise that in their spare time sisters Kelly and Jaimie, both MHS alumnae and former varsity soccer players, currently play for the L.I. Women’s Soccer League and are surely becoming a force to be reckoned with!

Bev Wowak at Mattituck-Laurel Library wants everyone to know that copies of “Vanished” by Joseph Finder, the June book discussion title, are ready for pickup. The discussion takes place Thursday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Special thanks to the PTSA for once again hosting the pre-prom reception for this year’s MHS prom. Seeing the community gather to celebrate and admire our kids as they enjoy a milestone of their high school career was priceless.

R031209_Arslanian_RContact Mattituck columnist Pat Arslanian at [email protected] or 298-8489.