Thousands attended the “We Are Sachem” rally held at Sachem High School North on Saturday, March 9.
Meant to shed light on the wonderful tradition of Sachem and the countless offerings for students, the rally was attended by a handful of local politicians, who are fighting to get some state aid restored to the school district for the 2013-14 budget.
Countless students gave speeches and performed with their respective teams, groups and organizations in the gymnasium at North. An overflow crowd was watching as events transpired on massive video screens in the auditorium.
From a robotics team demonstration to drama students on every level performing, cheer and dance teams doing their best routines, and heartfelt presentations from some of Sachem’s current top student leaders, the afternoon served as a brilliant reminder of how powerful an impact Sachem has on its students and the community.
The event was organized by countless volunteers and members from the Sachem community, specifically Dana Platin and Sal Tripi, co-chairs of Sachem’s Legislative Committee.
Quotables …
Sachem Superintendent James Nolan: This was a sure sign of our Sachem Family and how much our school means to us that everyone was here. Everyday I come to work I celebrate with the Sachem Family and that Sachem Family consists of over 60 years of our beautiful students, families and employees. This was in no way a gathering of people to complain. This was a gathering of people to celebrate the greatness of our school district. We hope Governor Cuomo and other state politicians take notice of Sachem’s pride and honor. We are a district that relies on state aid and to be cut like we have, it’s detrimental to the future of our district.
Sachem Assistant Superintendent for Business Bruce Singer: From the positive energy in this room the state politicians in Albany are going to hear our words. It’s this kind of good work that is going to help our finances out, to prepare the children and the parents and educational programs in the school district.
Sachem Board President Rob Scavo: As a result of the reduction in state aid to the Sachem Central School District, the future of our academic, athletic and co-curricular programs that have been in existence for more than 50 years are now in jeopardy of being lost. Over the past few years, our district has suffered a substantial loss of state aid putting us at the same level of aid that we received in 2004-2005. With the rising cost of unfunded state mandates and the increase in state pension cost paired with the reduction of aid to our district, this has created a tremendous fiscal shortfall threatening many future educational opportunities for our students. The Sachem students and residents deserve better and we need to stand together as a community to send a clear message to Albany that the proposed reduction in aid is Unacceptable and We Demand our fair share of aid for our Sachem students and residents.
Sachem Board Vice President Sal Tripi: “The state has delivered a devastating blow to the Sachem community. As a Board member, resident and parent, I am very concerned about our future. The Sachem residents are showing their true colors by joining together to raise attention to the situation. We are hopeful that our state officials will stand with us and help us get our appropriate state aid to Sachem. It is not acceptable to me and the thousands of Sachem residents to receive $14 million less in state aid than we did in 2008 when during the same time the state has mandated us to have millions of incremental expenditures. Our school district and our community are at risk.
Co-Chair of Sachem Legislative Committee, Dana Platin: The energy in the air was incredible and Sachem North was overflowing with an abundance of Sachem pride and spirit. There was an infectious excitement buzzing all around and it far exceeded our expectations. Once again, the Sachem family proved to everyone, loud and clear, that we are an extraordinary community filled with very special people. There was a moment for me when I became extremely emotional. I stood beside the podium, listening to the roar of the massive crowd cheering on our students. I looked around the gym to see parents, children, teachers, administrators and so many of our legislators all in attendance, and then I had an unbelievable “wow” moment. This was exactly what we had hoped for and planned for. This day had truly become a momentous occasion; a celebration of everything Sachem embodies and a showcase for all we need to keep fighting to for. This was a day that made us all realize what it means when we say, “We Are Sachem” and what a fantastic way to show the world!
Sachem North senior John Quinn: The brotherhood I’ve formed with my fellow teammates has helped make me the person I am today. Thanks to the lacrosse program I’ll be going on to the next level to play the sport I love in college. I have two younger siblings in the Sachem School District. I want them to have the same opportunities as I had here at Sachem, they deserve it. From sports to academics to arts and music, Sachem has so much to offer its students. Our future generations deserve the best education and experience possible. Most importantly I want the next generation to be proud to call themselves Sachem students because I know I’m proud to wear the name across my chest.
Sachem North senior Francesca Barilla: Sachem is not just a school district to me. It’s my family and my second home. The relationships I have forged with friends, teachers, coaches and teammates have shaped me into the person that I am today. I would not trade the experience of being a Sachem student for the world.
Sachem North senior Steven Mills: I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of a great school district. It has allowed me to be the best person I can be, not only academically, but athletically too. I’ve grown up with great support from family, coaches and teachers, who told me if I work hard I can be successful. I have also been successful because of the activities that have been offered here at Sachem. There is a tradition in Sachem that has set standards of excellence that all students must strive for.
Sachem East senior Steven Casali: Sachem has brought me great opportunities. I won the best running back award, the best linebacker award, the best player in Suffolk County, the Hansen, but most of all I was able to get a scholarship to UMass and play at the next level. For the future of Sachem, I want everyone to have the same opportunities that I had and I hope their dreams come true too.
PHOTOS: Click here to see images from the event
VIDEO: Watch the Sachem alumni video played during the rally
(Official release of Sachem Central School District)