Huntington School Briefs

Huntington High School is mourning the loss of alumnus Kaila Marie Harlan, a member of the Class of 2009 who passed away on August 29 after a courageous battle with leukemia. She turned 22 years old on August 27.

In 2011, Ms. Harlan was about to enter her junior year at York College in Pennsylvania, where was studying nursing, when a routine blood test revealed she had leukemia. Intensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant followed, requiring her to put college on hold.

The Huntington High School Key Club teamed up with local parent and performer Linda Ray to produce a talent show in the school auditorium which raised thousands of dollars to help Ms. Harlan and her family with bills related to her treatment. A crowd of more than 300 turned out for the event, which included performances, raffles and auctions. Ms. Harlan was a Key Club member during her high school years. She was also a member of the Blue Devil marching band.

The lifelong Huntington resident is survived by her parents, Steven and Anne and her brother, Michael. Visitation was held at M.A. Connell Funeral Home in Huntington Station on Monday, September 2. A funeral Mass was offered at St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington village on Tuesday with interment following at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Southdown PTA Line-up

The Southdown Primary School PTA has announced its slate of officers for the 2013/14 school year. The organization will be led by co-Presidents Kerri Brandine and Liz Cordiero, co-Vice-Presidents Denise Murtagh and Kerry Rinaldi, Treasurer Heather Spatafora, Corresponding Secretary Laura Befumo and Recording Secretary Joy Borenstein. Janine Luca and Meghan Buffa will serve as delegates to the PTA Council. Jackie Joseph will be the PTA historian.

NHS Executive Board Set

The executive board of the Nathan Hale chapter of the National Honor Society at Huntington High School includes Olivia Palmer (president), Summer Rudish (vice president), Cynthia Gowani (secretary), Molly Brambil (treasurer) and Caitlin Yabroudy. Teacher Joseph Cohen will serve as the organization’s faculty advisor.

Jefferson PTA Officers

The Jefferson Primary School PTA’s 2013/14 officers are in place. The slate includes co-Presidents Blake Dunn and Kara Pitti, co-Vice-Presidents Stephanie Hurless and Juan Ramirez, Treasurer Andrea Morris, Corresponding Secretary Donna Kye and Recording Secretary Dana Luluwich. PTA Council Delegates Cynthia Bellissimo and Ellen Heller round-out the line-up.

HHS PTSA Membership

The Huntington High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association is signing up new members. “Our PTSA is another wonderful way for our school to be a community,” said Nancy Shivers, the organization’s membership chairperson. “We serve our school and work on many committees to ensure a successful high school experience for all and we support and maintain scholarship programs.”

Single membership for parents is $9 ($10 with a mini-calendar). Two members are $18 ($19 with a mini-calendar). Student membership is $7.

Checks payable to HHS PTSA can be mailed to Huntington High School, HHS PTSA, Oakwood & McKay Roads, Huntington, NY 11743 or they can be brought to the high school’s “Meet the Teacher Night” on Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m.

Contact Mrs. Shivers at nancybshivers@aol.com for more information.

Pat Dillon Reflects

Patricia Dillon is entering her fourth year as the Huntington High School librarian after spending the previous two decades in the district on the elementary level. But, she isn’t a rookie to the high school scene. She worked as the Herricks High School librarian for eight years at the start of her long career.

“One of the best things about being at Huntington High School is seeing the students I served years ago [on the elementary level],” Mrs. Dillon said. “I find it so much fun to see how well they are doing and how they have grown up. I guess I am very fortunate having gone full circle; starting in a high school and ending up in one where ‘my children’ are.”

Blue Devil Marching Band’s Website

The Huntington High School Blue Devil marching band has a sleek website at www.huntingtonband.net. It is loaded with photos and videos, historical archives, band news, competition schedules, directions to events, announcements, links, forms, contact information, an alumni section, a drill guide and rehearsal schedule, commentary and messages from band leaders.

HHS Student Government

Teachers Fred Bisogno and Anthony Troffa are back as the Huntington High School student government advisors. This year’s slate of officers includes President Alex Castillo, Vice President Cynthia Gowani, Treasurer Ryan Newell, Recording Secretary Gabriella Mandriota, Corresponding Secretary Donovan Richardson and historian Kira Bergman.