Massapequa’s Ames campus was clamoring with excitement as 40 alumni returned to the classroom to share a host of advice with freshmen during the ninth annual Alumni Career Day. Speaking with passion for their chosen fields were alumni in professions ranging from doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, teachers and business professionals who graduated between 1966 and 2001.
This year’s keynote speaker was Berner High School alumnus and acclaimed pianist, Wade Preston, who is most noted for his part as the Piano Man in the Broadway show Movin’ Out. Preston spoke of his experiences of standing in for Billy Joel during the months of rehearsals needed for the Last Play at Shea concerts and having the honor of performing at the Pennsylvania Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC, for President Barack Obama and Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Preston also spoke about his country-blues band Shotgun Wedding that released a debut album, South of Somewhere, and what it is like to pursue a career as a musician.
“The event is an invaluable experience for our students as they have the opportunity to learn firsthand about so many fields that they may consider pursuing,” said business teacher Christine Poggioli, who coordinates the event with guidance counselor Katherine Balcuk. “Special thanks go out to alumnus Mr. David Riederman, who lines up the alumni for the event and, has made it a huge success year after year, thanks to his ongoing efforts.”
The Massapequa Partnership for Career Development, an advisory board set up to help students bridge the gap between school and the workplace, and the Ames campus also extend their gratitude to all those involved in making career day a huge success.
—Submitted by
Massapequa Public Schools
