A dozen dedicated Islip High School seniors recently signed national letters of intent confirming their commitment to participate in collegiate athletics next fall. School administrators and proud family members joined the student-athletes for a Nov. 13 recognition ceremony in the school’s cafeteria, congratulating them on their decisions.

The students signing to continue their athletic careers in college include Sara Geldmacher (lacrosse, Long Island University), Anthony Giel (baseball, SUNY Old Westbury), Erik Heimlich (lacrosse, Bryant University), Olivia Johnson (golf, SUNY Geneseo), Nicole Matute (soccer, University of Rochester), Peighton McKenna (soccer, Mercy University), Alex Rahner (baseball, American International College), Dylan Ruland (baseball, Mercy University), Dylan Smith (lacrosse, Stony Brook University), Michael Vitale (lacrosse, Mercy University), Jack Whitehouse (lacrosse, Long Island University) and Callahan Zusi (lacrosse, Springfield College).

“The passion, the dedication, the time management and the natural leadership that comes with being an athlete at the level that you are now and will continue to be, it’s something that’s very special, very unique,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “I applaud you and can only imagine the doors that will continue to open for you, and I know that you will open doors for kids who are coming through this high school who are just a little bit younger.”

“My message is always the same,” Assistant Principal Charlie Rizzuto said. “Don’t underestimate the power of the little things while you’re an athlete on a college campus and playing for a team.”

“To continue on in your sport after high school really is a testament in itself, and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you,” Athletic Director John Sparacio told the seniors. “Like I said at the beginning of the year, make every single step count. You guys obviously are doing that because that’s why you’re going to the next level, and that’s a great thing to do.”

Date Added: 11/25/2024