Moriches Bay Buzz: Saluting the graduates

With local high school graduations at hand, it only seemed fitting to pay tribute to the Class of 2011. Congratulations to each and every one of you on a job well done.

A special shout-out goes to this year’s Center Moriches High School valedictorian, Steven Procopio, and salutatorian, Rebecca Endres. Both have equally impressive resumés, and a mere .16 points separate the two.

Procopio is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Honor Society and Music Honor Society. In addition, he was a member of the boys varsity soccer team that won the state championship in 2009. He will attend Sienna College in Albany this fall, where he plans to study political science.

Endres plans to attend Adelphi University, where she will major in English. She is a member of the National Honor Society; English Honor Society; Foreign Language Honor Society; DECA Club; and Interact. She has been actively involved in the annual Center Moriches Relay for Life, and has written for “Center Moriches District News,” as well as the school newspaper, “The Center of Attention.”

Area summer camps: It won’t be long before summer vacation is officially here, which also means summer camp for many. The choices for programs seem endless, but here are a few that parents might want to check out:

* The Olympic Camp, co-sponsored by Kids in Control and the Moriches Community Center, is available to children in grades 2-7. There are two sessions, July 18-22, and Aug. 8-12. Both will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Clayton Huey Elementary School athletic fields, 511 Main St., in Center Moriches. The cost is $125 per session, although scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. Call Kelly or Anthony at 631-909-1455 for more information.

* The Moriches Community Center will also present its annual Camp Creativity, now in its ninth year. The week-long camp will run sessions through the month of July, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Clayton Huey Elementary School. Activities include arts and crafts projects, games, activities, and light refreshments. The cost is $49 per camper. Visit www.morichescommunitycenter.org, to fill out a registration form.

* MYO basketball, available for kids in grades 6-9, will take place from June 27-July 1, and again July 5-8. The cost of the camp is $150. Participants will learn and/or continue to build on fundamental skills, such as dribbling, shooting, speed and agility. For more information, call coach Anthony Parlata at 631-909-1455.

Fireworks on the Bay: Celebrate Independence Day aboard “The Rosie” fishing boat, as she cruises Moriches Bay in search of fireworks galore. Hosted by the Moriches Bay Civic Association, the event is open to individuals 16 and older. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent. Tickets are $45 per person, or $80 a couple, and include beer, wine, soda and finger foods. “The Rosie” will set sail at 6 p.m. from the Center Yacht Club, 222 Old Neck Rd., and make its way back at 10:30 p.m. A rain date of July 8 has been scheduled. Visit morichesbaycivic.org or email mbcainfo@optonline.net, for more information.

Pictured above: Steven Procopio , Center Moriches High School valedictorian