Northport HS Celebrates 1st PORT Academy Graduation

NORTHPORT, NY — Eleven Northport High School seniors enrolled in the district’s Program of Resilient Teens (PORT) enjoyed a special graduation ceremony, according to the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District. The ceremony was held at the William J. Brosnan building in June.

While the program was established five years ago, this was its first separate graduation ceremony to celebrate the program’s seniors.

As the celebration began, the district’s Director of Student Support Services Shannon Dantuono acknowledged the special attributes of the PORT students and their exceptional accomplishments during their time with the district.

"The students here today have mastered the art of resilience while also demonstrating other equally important qualities that will serve them well in the future," she said during her commencement speech.

Teachers and counselors each shared a specific word to describe the 11 students. These words, called "warrior qualities," ranged from "fierce" to "strength."

"It is our hope that you will carry these warrior qualities with you as you face the next chapter in your journey," Dantuono told the students.