The members of the Hampton Bays Class of 2026 received their diplomas at a traditional commencement ceremony on the evening of June 25 under a tent on the high school’s athletic field.

Several speakers took the podium during the ceremony to congratulate the class and offer advice for the future, including Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen and high school Principal Christopher Richardt. Also addressing the graduates were Class of 2026 President Eman Khalid, valedictorian Taylor Meyers and salutatorian Dennis Williams.

Each of the student speakers reflected on their years in the school district and offered advice. Khalid spoke about the meaning of purpose, noting, “It’s about what you learn on the journey about yourself.”

Williams emphasized the importance of joy. “Allow yourself to seek and find joy,” he said. “Do not sit idle when it comes to finding joy.”

Meyers rounded out the student speakers, offering, “Choose what is right for you. Take time for yourself and never forget where you came from.”

Superintendent Clemensen reflected on the challenges Hampton Bays baymen faced while fishing the local waters and the resilience, determination and ingenuity they demonstrated in overcoming those obstacles. He encouraged graduates to embody those same qualities as they enter the next chapter of their lives by embracing challenges, taking risks and striving to leave every place better than they found it.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas and a performance of “Touch the Sky” by graduating members of the high school chorus.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Date Added: 6/26/2026

Members of Hampton Bays High School’s Class of 2026 visited Hampton Bays Middle and Elementary schools for a final farewell in the form of a traditional graduation walkthrough on June 22. Adorning graduation gowns, the seniors walked the halls one last time as the schools’ students and staff cheered, clapped and shouted words of congratulations.

 

Date Added: 6/22/2026

The spring sports season has wrapped up in the Hampton Bays School District with several high school athletes earning accolades. The district congratulates the following student-athletes:

Baseball
All-County: John Tedesco
All-League: James Hillen, Rocco LaFazia and Gavin Mazovec

Softball
All-Division: Olivia Spezzacatena
All-League: Louise Brumagim and Emma Grunewald

Boys Tennis
All-Conference, 2nd Team: Jaime DePalma and John DePalma
Sportsmanship Award, Division 2: Tyler Terilli

Girls Lacrosse
All-County: Eden Brown, Fiona Haddock and Taylor Meyers

Boys Lacrosse
All-County: Michael Single
All-Division: Owen Haynes and Brayden Talmage

Girls Track and Field
All-League: Madysen Frederiksen-Sorensen, Alejandra Montoya, Eleanor Ramsay and Isabella Tapasco Fajardo

Boys Track and Field
County Champion, All-Sectional, All-County, All-League: Daniel Pimenta
All-League: Ian Arias, Alan Cruz Rojas, Leonardo Diaz, Yordy Hernandez, Erick Ibanez and Daniel Ortiz

Two Hampton Bays High School students have earned 2026 Teeny Awards, which recognize student talent across 20 school districts. James Maroulas was awarded Lead Role in a Play for his performance as John Proctor in “The Crucible,” while Vasyl Eoin Datsyuk took home the Supporting Role in a Play award for his role of Reverend John Hale, also in “The Crucible.” The Hampton Bays School District congratulates these talented actors on their awards.

Date Added: 6/18/2026

In continuing its mission to take history out of the textbooks by honoring local veterans, the Hampton Bays School District celebrated its 38th Flag Day on June 12 and paid tribute to United States Air Force veteran Fred Rodriguez. 

During the celebration, second graders spoke about Rodriguez’s life, read poems and sang patriotic songs. Prior to the event, the students learned about the U.S. flag and its history. Following the ceremony, a flag was raised to honor Rodriguez.

Following graduation from high school, Rodriguez decided to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. He initially tried to join in 1982, but the recruitment quotas for that year were already met. So, he waited until 1983 and took his oath as a 19-year-old, thus starting a journey that would encompass more than 40 years of serving his country.

His first assignment was six weeks of basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After boot camp, he was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi for advanced training, where he graduated from the Administration Technical school in August 1983.

His next assignment was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but his order was soon changed, and he headed to Fort Fisher in North Carolina. He took on the serious role of defending America during the Cold War. He was assigned to the 701st Radar Squadron under the Tactical Air Command from 1983-1987. That assignment involved monitoring the airspace of the entire Eastern Seaboard searching for Russian aircraft. On many occasions, his alertness and professionalism called for Air Force F-16 interceptors to scramble and confront the Russians.

In 1987, he re-enlisted in the 106th Rescue Wing at Westhampton Beach, where he spent the next 36 years as a contracting officer, achieving the rank of senior master sergeant. His responsibilities included negotiating and awarding contracts for everything the Rescue Wing needed.

Because of his expertise, within hours after the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, he was assigned to the 53rd Troop Command responsible for ground support at Ground Zero.  This included purchasing safety equipment and coordinating housing and provisioning for over 14,000 New York National Guard troops assigned to the recovery phase at Ground Zero.

His recognitions include the National Defense Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Rodriguez is involved in several volunteer organizations on the East End and is an officer in the Hampton Bays American Legion Post 924. He lives in East Quogue with his wife of 32 years, Donna Ree, and their two Jack Russell terriers.

Click here to read Rodriguez’s full bio.

 

Date Added: 6/17/2026