A longtime Sachem teacher and successful Sachem alumnus were recognized for their powerful connection by having a room named in their honor.
The Robert Gerstenberg–Christopher Macchio Music Room was dedicated at Samoset Middle School. Gerstenberg taught at Sachem for more than 30 years, and Macchio, who graduated from Sachem in 1996, went on to become America’s Presidential Tenor.
The room is the exact location where Gerstenberg inspired Macchio to spend his life in music. The building was known as Sachem South then.
Gerstenberg, 85, joined the event via Zoom from South Carolina. Macchio spoke to the crowd about the direct impact his teacher had on his life and then sang part of “Nessun Dorma.”
The Sachem Alumni Association organized the event and was the driving force behind the room dedication.