Suffolk Reporter

Thirty-five seniors from William Floyd High School were recognized for their academic achievements at the 34th annual Town of Brookhaven Black History Month Celebration. The event took place earlier this month at Brookhaven Town Hall, where students from William Floyd and 13 other school districts within the town were honored for maintaining a grade point average of 90 or higher. This marks the largest group of William Floyd students to receive this honor in the school's history.

The list of William Floyd honorees includes Nia Alicea, Amadou Balde, Aisha Barrie, Kadiatou Barry, Aissata Barry, Schuyler Berrios, Shadaia Boggett, Jonathan Bowden, Adriannah Bradley, Jared Brutus, Guerns Charles, Joshua Crespo, Haywood Cunningham, Michael Dennis-Daniels, Te’Aja Diaz, Aiyesha Dorset, Lateisha Edouard, Asiah Ferrson, Jehan Green, Calasia Hill, Jayda Hubbard-Wirts, Jayden Johnson, Renae-Marie Kelly, Donovan Latendresse, Patrick Lospinuso , Kyara Lubitz , Rylan Maynard , Liam Mehmel , Olivia Phillips , Anthony Quintero , Mali Roberts , Misa-Lyn Shaw , Tatyana Thawe , Dejanae Thomas and Adrianna Tolentino.

The event was organized by the Town of Brookhaven Black History Commission. This organization aims to celebrate and acknowledge contributions made by Black Americans while fostering an appreciation for Black culture among younger generations. The theme for this year was “African Americans and Labor,” featuring performances and cultural presentations alongside the student recognitions.

Dr. Michelle Raysor delivered a keynote address encouraging hard work and perseverance. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico stated: “Black history is American history," adding that everyone should strive daily to "reaffirm the dignity of every human being and the successes of our youth who are the future." He congratulated all students with best wishes as they move on to college.