Meet Patchogue-Medford High School’s 2024 top 10:
No. 1: Rithika Sivapokaran, Valedictorian
Hometown: Medford
GPA: 105.24 (weighted)
College: Princeton …
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Meet Patchogue-Medford High School’s 2024 top 10:
No. 1: Rithika Sivapokaran, Valedictorian
Words of Advice: “As I reflect on my high school journey, I’m truly grateful for the countless memories and lessons learned that I can now share with others. The accomplishments I have made thus far have illuminated the advantages of hard work, setting personal goals, and staying organized by planning ahead. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone as it not only reveals your potentiall, but also makes life a little more interesting!
Through connections with teachers and my guidance counselor, I’ve come to understand the profound truth in seeking guidance, having mentors/role models, and cultivating your curiosity through questions. In times of uncertainty, you must never forget to remain true to yourself, your values, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Finally, the most important advice I would like to offer is to be a good human. Foster kindness, extend a helping hand, and show compassion towards others. These simple acts can make a world of difference in both your life and the lives of those around you.”
Favorite High School Memory: “I’m truly grateful for all the memories I’ve made in high school, and it’s tough to choose just one favorite. But if I had to pick, homecoming and Raider Bowl would be at the top of my list! A lot of sweat, tears, and tissue paper went into these events, but it all paid off in the end. I’ll never forget the chariot race, where I got dragged around in a bedsheet—that’s a memory that’ll stick with me forever! Nobody does homecoming like Pat-Med!”
No. 2: Andrew Rettig, Salutatorian
Words of Advice: “To the graduating Class of 2024, I encourage you to continue challenging yourselves. I’m all about setting clear goals and working hard to achieve them. Staying organized is key and when I hit roadblocks, I’m not afraid to ask for help. Balancing work and hanging out with my friends keeps me sane, and I recommend you do the same! Every setback is just a chance to grow, and you must believe in yourself every step of the way. Consistency is key, and celebrating even the smallest victories can keep you going strong. Stay motivated by visualizing your success and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Trust me, you got this!”
What I will miss about Pat-Med: “The camaraderie with classmates, the excitement of school events, and the memories with friends only scratch the surface of the impact Pat-Med has had on me. Yet, what I will truly miss about Pat-Med is the incredible teachers who often go unrecognized. These teachers share my stress, share my laughter, and stand by me through every victory and every downfall.”
No. 3: Isabella Salducco, Co-Essayist
Words of Advice: “Graduation is bittersweet. One final time we will all gather, dressing our very best and spending the night celebrating each other and our accomplishments. We survived high school! For many of us, this will be our final chance to interact—our final farewell to those who we have spent the majority of our lives with, studying, smiling, sobbing, surviving. Every emotion associated with high school. Gone. The slate is wiped clean with only our memories to remind us of our origins. The times ahead are unsettling, scary, but inevitable. But we have to remember to feel excited; we are about to enter the next stage of our lives. It is a good thing! Some of us are going on to become journalists, athletes or doctors. We are off to accomplish bigger and better things—embrace it! Enjoy the next stages in your life. While the future is uncertain, it will be what you make of it. Make it count. I truly believe that your life is too short to waste away in fear.”
No. 3: Carlo Costigliola, Co-Essayist
Words of Advice: “Some of the best advice I can offer to the graduating class is to stay involved in the Raider community after graduation. Commitment to Pat-Med is more than just a nostalgic gesture, instead being a symbol of the bonds created during your time here. Whether it's cheering on the sidelines at a sports game or applauding at a performance, participating in any community event reinforces the sense of pride and camaraderie that is at the heart of our district. In continuing to be an active part of the Raider community, you not only honor your own journey as a former student accomplishing great things after graduation but also contribute to the ongoing legacy of Pat-Med as a dedicated community member. So, whenever you're in the area, don't hesitate to stop by the high school to keep that fiery Raider spirit ablaze.”
What I Will Miss: “Adjusting to no longer being a Pat-Med student will be difficult, and one aspect I'll particularly miss about the school is simply strolling through its hallways. I’ll always remember feeling lost while navigating the red-and-black-painted maze of our school as a freshman, but now I will feel lost leaving. While I know that graduation will not be farewell to Pat-Med, it is certainly the end of a chapter of my life in which this district was the central setting, and it will take some time for me to grow accustomed to this saddening truth. However, with the friends I have made and skills I have learned during my time here, I am sure that my endeavors beyond high school will yield success, even if they won’t take place near the red-and-black hallways I have grown to love.”
No. 5: Mallory Rettig
No. 6: Bryan Frascogna
No. 7: Ceania Rei Gonzales
No. 8: Lara Granja
No. 9: Maria Barrera
No. 10: Brenna Connelly
SENIOR PROM – Monday, June 3
The evening will begin with a Mocktail Hour in the high school library and transition to a night of dancing and a good time on Patchogue’s beautiful Main Street. Rain dates are June 10 and June 17.
GRADUATION – Tuesday, June 25
Commencement exercises will be held at the Patchogue-Medford High School Raider Stadium. The processional onto the field will start at 6:50 p.m. Commencement will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Rain date: Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m.
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