Islip High School held an unveiling ceremony on April 29 for the school’s First Responder Wall of Honor, recognizing 91 members with a commemorative plate on the Wall with their names, graduation years, and service emblems for fire, police or emergency medical services. Each member met the eligibility requirements of being an Islip High School graduate and having provided honorable service as a first responder with either 10 years or more on the job or a line of duty incident. Over 100 people attended the memorable event, including proud representatives from the Islip Fire Department, Suffolk County Police Department 3rd Precinct and the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips.

After a procession of flags, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by senior Gavin Williams, founder of the high school’s First Responder Club and an Exchange Ambulance volunteer. The Wall of Honor was then unveiled by art teacher Jenna Buzzeo, who had painted the background mural with her Art Club, and Assistant Principal Meghan Stern.

Seniors Keira Ferrera and Kailey Roarty, members of the school’s American Experience civics course who assisted building administration in seeing the Wall of Honor project come to fruition, served as student masters of ceremonies. Other speakers included Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, former Islip Fire Department Chief Joseph Marino, Suffolk County Police Department Inspector David Regina, Exchange Ambulance of the Islips 2nd Assistant Chief Joseph Mendola and business teacher Renee Clock.

“I would like to personally thank our honorees for this incredible example and very high bar that you have set for our high school students today,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said.

“This experience has meant so much to us, because we found importance in showing gratitude for those who served and continue to serve in our community,” Ferrera said.

“This project has not just been about displaying plaques,” Roarty told the honorees. “To us, this Wall of Honor brings awareness to your sacrifice and honors your dedication.”

“Coming from a family with a long line of service heroes made this project all the more special to me,” Buzzeo said. “I know the weight your family members feel when you kiss them goodbye to go to your next shift. I know the adrenaline that goes through your body when an alarm sounds and calls come in, and I have witnessed the fast decision making that has saved countless of lives. To be able to paint this wall for you with my students was a great honor. Your jobs are not easy, and you often carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, but know that your family, friends and community members can never thank you enough for all that you do. You are the real-life superheroes. Thank you, Islip alumni, for being the lifesavers that you are.”

“Your unwavering commitment to protecting our community serves as a powerful example for us all,” Stern said. “May this wall stand as a lasting tribute to your courage, your sacrifice and your service, and be a daily reminder of our school’s motto: enter to learn and go forth to serve.”

“What an example you are setting for the rest of the schools across the town, the county and quite frankly, the nation,” Carpenter said. “To have this monument be a visible example every single day, so that students walk by and see it, is only going to inspire them.”

“On behalf of myself and members of the Islip Fire Department, I want to thank the staff of the high school for putting this together and acknowledging those who have walked the halls of this buildings and upon graduation, chose to dedicate themselves to serve the public as a first responder,” Marino said.

“It is unbelievable what the staff and the school has put together here,” Regina said. “This is especially great coming from young people, and it means a lot to all of us first responders to be acknowledged this way.”

“EMTs who provide medical care, police officers who ensure our safety and firefighters who bravely face fires put their lives on the line to protect us every single day,” Mendola said. “Their bravery is inspiring, and we appreciate the sacrifices they have made. What they do is more than a job, it is a calling to serve and protect. Thank you to all our first responders, especially our local heroes being honored today. You truly deserve recognition, and our community is safer and better because of your service.”

“Our first responders symbolize dedication, perseverance and the ability to adapt to any situation for the general well-being of our community,” Clock said. “As alumni of Islip High School, we are so very proud of you, as we are of our students who continue to get involved in community initiatives. This project is an example of our students learning beyond academics and developing roots in their community. Thank you for being positive role models for our students, for your dedication to your profession, and for your continued support and partnership with the Islip learning community.”

Date Added: 5/12/2025