South Huntington marks 100 years with student performances, Birchwood mural and band trip highlights

The South Huntington Union Free School District opened its March meeting with a series of centennial presentations and student performances celebrating the district’s 100th year. The evening’s community-focused items included a Birchwood Intermediate School choral performance and the unveiling of a Birchwood puzzle-piece contribution to a district centennial mural, a preview of World Language Month at Walt Whitman High School, and a report from the Walt Whitman marching band about a trip to Walt Disney World.

Birchwood presentation: Principal Dimitri Bernadell introduced fifth-grade chorus members who performed two songs and presented a re‑revealed school alma mater, “The Birchwood Song.” Assistant Principal Renee Shum described the monthly “Birchwood Booster” recognition and the staff prepared a video tribute; students Skyler Sherman, Jacob Alfaro and Gabriela Ben Baruch spoke about their memories of Birchwood. The school unveiled a puzzle-piece mural contribution featuring hot-air balloons and student and staff initials on the back; art teacher Michelle Lepinto was thanked for designing the piece.

World Language Month and student performances: Walt Whitman assistant principal Yaira Castillo previewed World Language Week and invited the community to International Night, scheduled for March 13 at 7 p.m. in the PAC. Students from advanced language courses read poetry in Italian and performed a French song as part of the program to highlight language learning and cultural awareness.

Marching band: Marching band director Grama Myleski recounted a multi-day trip to Walt Disney World that included a rare parade performance, a backstage warm-up, and a studio session recording a two-to-three minute music clip for a Disney animation. He thanked Whitman principal Dr. Murphy, transportation staff, the Band Parents Association and volunteer chaperones; he said the district is already seeing savings from completed solar-installation work connected to the district’s energy performance contract.

Student and community notes: The ex officio student board member, Gracie, reported on school events — including Whitman’s GSN theme and Maplewood’s Multicultural Day — and announced Whitman’s 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian. Several board members and administrators recognized varsity athletics achievements and upcoming community events tied to the district centennial.

Ending: The presentations concluded and the board then moved to budget and business items. Administrators invited the public to upcoming events including Walt Whitman’s International Night and a planned ribbon cutting for a marine-biology room renovation.