Community Announcements
The heart of our community. Celebrations, life transitions, and public notices from your neighbors and local organizations.
Regional Spotlight
Westhampton Beach Administrator Kerry Pillittier Named East End Counselors Association's Administrator of the Year
Kerry Pillittier, Westhampton Beach School District director of student services, has been named Administrator of the Year by the East End Counselors Association for her commitment to the counseling field and student support. She was presented with the award at the association’s annual meeting. Prior to serving as director, Pillittier had been the assistant principal of the high school since 2020. During her time in the district, she has led integral initiatives to improve student attendance, promoted mental health through the No Place for Hate program and implemented mental health team meetings to support students. She also partnered with the district’s elementary and middle schools to connect high school students with younger students. Pillittier holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics with a secondary education concentration from St. Joseph’s College, a Master of Liberal Studies with a coaching concentration from Stony Brook University and an educational leadership certification from the College of Saint Rose. Date Added: 6/10/2026
Recent Community News
Westhampton Beach Administrator Kerry Pillittier Named East End Counselors Association's Administrator of the Year
Kerry Pillittier, Westhampton Beach School District director of student services, has been named Administrator of the Year by the East End Counselors Association for her commitment to the counseling field and student support. She was presented with the award at the association’s annual meeting. Prior to serving as director, Pillittier had been the assistant principal of the high school since 2020. During her time in the district, she has led integral initiatives to improve student attendance, promoted mental health through the No Place for Hate program and implemented mental health team meetings to support students. She also partnered with the district’s elementary and middle schools to connect high school students with younger students. Pillittier holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics with a secondary education concentration from St. Joseph’s College, a Master of Liberal Studies with a coaching concentration from Stony Brook University and an educational leadership certification from the College of Saint Rose. Date Added: 6/10/2026
Westhampton Beach Kindergartners Discover Science Through High School Lab Visit
Westhampton Beach Elementary School kindergartners recently enjoyed an exciting visit to the high school’s wet laboratory. They were introduced to the world of science through hands-on exploration by participating in a guided tour of the lab. They also took part in a fun scavenger hunt, searching for science-related items throughout the lab. The experience allowed the young students to explore STEM concepts and connect with high school marine students. Date Added: 6/5/2026
Obituary: Maria Guatemala vda. de Rivas
The Michael J. Grant Funeral Home of Brentwood, N.Y. is honored to oversee services for Maria Marta Guatemala vda. de Rivas. Maria will be laid to eternal rest in El Salvador.La funeraria Michael J. Grant de Brentwood, Nueva York, tiene el honor de encargarse de los servicios funerarios de María Marta Guatemala, viuda de Rivas. María será enterrada en El Salvador.
Obituary: Mark Ruperto
Mark Eric Ruperto was born on May 13, 1982 to Maria and Luis Angel Ruperto. He was the third and youngest child of this union.Mark was a hard-working family man. He was known for his sarcastic personality, quick wit, and sense of humor that could catch you off guard in the best way. He loved cars, soda, Red Bull, animals, and most importantly, his family. If you knew Mark, you knew he always had something to say and usually something funny to go with it.Mark loved fast cars, speeding down the highway in his souped-up Evo. Much like his driving style, his life was over far too fast. He had the gift of gab and could start a conversation with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether you had five minutes or an hour, Mark was going to use all of it. He was very protective of the people he loved and made sure his presence was always felt loudly and lovingly. He was an amazing husband to Melissa and a devoted father to Zamara. He shared a very special bond with his daughter, lovingly calling her “Chulita.” They were best friends who had their own unique references and understanding that only they shared. Sometimes all it took was a look for them to burst out laughing. They spent a lot of quality time together at restaurants, at the reservation, and running errands, turning even the simplest moments into lasting memories. Mark and Melissa had been together since the day he woke up in high school biology and saw her in a cute skirt. From that moment on, he was all in. They spent the next twenty-five years together, enjoying countless movie dates and meaningful time with family. Together, they built a strong foundation filled with love, loyalty, and plenty of laughter. Mark grew up with his two older siblings, Brian and Lisette. Coming from a naturally talkative family, he never had to fight to be heard, but he still made sure his voice (and opinions) made it into every conversation. He had a sarcastic sense of humor and would often make wild comments that would catch people off guard before they realized they were laughing. As a kid, he looked up to his oldest brother Brian. Although he was the youngest of this sibling group he was especially protective of his sister, Lisette, always acting like it was his job to look out for her. They took karate classes with their father and went camping as a family. The siblings remained close, supporting each other through both good and difficult times, sharing laughs, memories, and a lifetime of inside jokes. Although, he didn’t grow up along side his younger siblings he also cared deeply for them and always wished for more time with them. He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; his daughter, Zamara; his parents, Maria and Luis Angel Ruperto; his siblings, Brian, Lisette, Danielle, Jordan, and Jonathan; his niece, Charlize and his nephews, Aaron and Kameron. He was a great-uncle to Amelia, Milani, and Zhaina. He also leaves behind many extended family members and close friends. Mark will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him. His love, laughter, generosity and presence will never be forgotten. The special bond he shared with his beloved “Chulita” will live on forever in the hearts of those who witnessed their love. Above all, the love he had for his “Chulita” will remain a lasting part of his legacy.The Michael J. Grant Funeral Home of Brentwood, N.Y. is honored to oversee services for Mark Eric Ruperto. Visitation will begin on Saturday, May 23, 2026 in the afternoon from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and again in the evening from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Private Cremation.
Obituary: Maria Guatemala vda. de Rivas
The Michael J. Grant Funeral Home of Brentwood, N.Y. is honored to oversee services for Maria Marta Guatemala vda. de Rivas. Maria will be laid to eternal rest in El Salvador.La funeraria Michael J. Grant de Brentwood, Nueva York, tiene el honor de encargarse de los servicios funerarios de María Marta Guatemala, viuda de Rivas. María será enterrada en El Salvador.
Obituary: Dona Heester, Formerly of Kings Park
With heavy hearts, the family of Dona J. (Aldridge) Heester, age 93, announces her passing after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Dona passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by the love and care of her children. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, the late George E. “Eddie” Heester.Born in Erie, Pennsylvania on September 24, 1932, Dona was the daughter of the late Helen A. (Kuntz) Rudden and Richard R. Aldridge. Early in life Dona moved to New York and lived in Queens and the Bronx where she spent her childhood. Her younger years were spent tap dancing (since age 2), modeling and performing on stage. Tap Dancing was her passion which continued until her mid-80s.Dona met the love of her life Eddie in 1958 and married shortly thereafter. They settled in Kings Park for over 30 years where together they raised 11 children. Dona and Eddie were devoted parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park where Dona was president of the Rosary Society for over 25 years, a member of Altar Society and was known for organizing church receptions with her beloved Eddie. After their children were grown, they moved and settled in Coram where they belonged to Infant Jesus, RCC in Port Jefferson. Dona was a faithful and devoted servant to our Lord, and known to say a daily Rosary, praying for her children and anyone in need. She was known to check-in on those she prayed for and cherished every prayer offered. As a wife and homemaker, Dona took great pride in her home and could fix anything. Strong, independent, innovative and always organized, Dona was known for keeping her children in check, always with love, prayers and the best intentions. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She never wavered and always put her trust in God.Dona leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, including her children, Richard (Angela), Deborah (Daniel), Laura, Susan (Kenneth), John, James (Maura), Nancy (Joseph), Karen (William), Thomas (Nicole), Katherine and Donna (Darren), 11 grandchildren and her great-grandson, Johnny, who lovingly called her Grammy Nan.Funeral Services for Dona will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from Grant-Marinello Funeral Home to Infant Jesus in Port Jefferson, to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am. A private burial will follow. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made online to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.
42 Westhampton Beach High School Students Earn NYS Seal of Biliteracy
The Westhampton Beach School District is pleased to announce that 42 students have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages through coursework, presentations, interviews and assessments in listening, speaking, reading and writing. As the inaugural recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy at Westhampton Beach High School, the students earned recognition in Spanish, French, Polish, Greek and Portuguese. Their achievement reflects academic excellence, dedication and a commitment to becoming globally minded communicators. The Westhampton Beach School District congratulates its Seal of Biliteracy recipients: French and Spanish Chelsea Aguirre, Mynor Chacon-Fuentes, Abigail Gomez and Michelle Rodriguez Polish and Spanish Olivia Purta Portuguese and Spanish Pedro Otavio Nascimento French Zachary Berger, Nicholas Gomez, Emma O’Came, Nathan Perl and John Patrick Reilly Greek Constantine Reilly Spanish, Seniors Priscila Barros Ribeiro, Ava Combuechen, Hailey Cuzco, Jenna DiDomenico, Emily Edwards, Ava Failla, Matthew Hernandez, Brooke Huwer, Mitchell Li, Thomas Machin, Tessa Mongelluzzo, Annabelle Najdzion, Hannah Perez, Christopher Ramos, Rebecca Reilley, Andrea Salazar Alcantara, Brady Schultz, Sarah Simonetta, Shannon Simonetta, Noor Sohail, Angela Tran and Emma Vaz Spanish, Juniors José Aguilar Tzoc, Elhani Armijos, Damari Bazan Berrezueta, Daphne Garcia, David Meyers, Annabella Pirroni, Jennifer Santiago and Vilma Vasquez Date Added: 6/9/2026
Five Westhampton Beach athletes commit to colleges
Five more Westhampton Beach High School senior athletes penned their names to letters of intent during a recent college signing ceremony. They join 16 of their peers who committed in the fall. The Westhampton Beach School District congratulates the following students: Jude Allen, volleyball, SUNY New Paltz Katie Burke, softball, Adelphi University Jacob Permakoff, baseball, SUNY Cortland Kara Salvaggio, cheerleading, Endicott College Reese Smith, baseball, SUNY Maritime
Over 40 Westhampton Beach High School Students Gain Real-World Experience Through Southampton Town Youth Court
Over 40 Westhampton Beach High School students gained valuable, real-world experience by participating in the Town of Southampton’s Youth Court this school year. The program offers students the opportunity to take part in a peer-led approach to the justice system. Students serve as judges, attorneys and jurors in real cases involving youth offenders. Cases range from trespassing to driving without a license to underage drinking. While working on cases, students learn more about how laws are applied and how civic responsibility plays an important role in resolving conflicts. Participating students were: Elhani Armijos, Tess Ashley, Tyler Bennett, Luca Caumartin, Lea Cavaliere, Leah Centeno-Peipman, Kannon Davis, Charlotte Dennehy, Casey Farrell, August Feldman, Anthony Garcia Telo, Olivia Gonzalez, Nico Grazina, Abigail Halloran, Grace Hart, Niko Leontaritis, Reily Maloney, Vanessa Marte, Lily Mensch, Lily Messina, Alexander Moran, Annabelle Najdzion, Erik Olsson, Angel Oregon, Mathew Palamidessi, Ticianna Panza, Peyton Parkes, Riley Parkes, Phineas Pendergast, Leo Perl, Eleanor Ramsay, Leah Ravin, Rafael Remetta, Catherine Robesch, Liam Sarian, Camilo Taberas, Angelina Takemoto, Matias Triaca, Simona Volpe, Alexa Wittmann, Sophia Zaleski, Maggie Zheng and Elly Ziccardi.
Westhampton Beach Elementary School Hosts Spring Formal Luncheon
Dressed in fancy spring outfits, Westhampton Beach Elementary School students were all smiles as they participated in their school’s annual Spring Formal Luncheon on May 19. As part of the event, the PTA decorated the cafeteria with balloons and colored tablecloths and helped to serve students a special lunch and dessert. Date Added: 5/22/2026
Westhampton Beach fifth graders graduate from D.A.R.E. program
Westhampton Beach Elementary School recently celebrated its annual fifth grade D.A.R.E. graduation, marking the completion of a meaningful 10-week program led by School Resource Officer Tony Vecchio. Through the program, students participated in lessons designed to promote healthy choices, build self-confidence and strengthen decision-making and communication skills. As part of the graduation celebration, students Tori Carrick, Jennifer Lopez Reinero, Jasmine Poolo and Valentin Triaca shared their D.A.R.E. essays with the graduating class in a symbolic “passing of the torch” for next year’s program participants.
Easter Blessings from Immaculate Conception
As we gather to celebrate Easter in our parish of the Immaculate Conception, we quietly rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The empty tomb gently reminds us that even in life’s trials, God’s love remains faithful and steady. Easter speaks to us of simple but profound hope that light overcomes darkness and... Source
Reminder: Westhampton Beach School District Budget Vote and Election
Click here for additional information. Date Added: 5/18/2026
Westhampton Beach Middle School Students Participate in Mock Trial
Seventh and eighth grade Westhampton Beach Middle School students recently put their legal knowledge and public speaking skills to the test during an in-school mock trial competition with Hampton Bays Middle School. Students from both mock trial teams prepared extensively for the event, taking on the roles of attorneys and witnesses. They undertook legal research and practiced delivering opening and closing statements, making objections, submitting evidence and conducting direct, cross and redirect examinations. The Westhampton Beach Middle School mock trial program is spearheaded by teacher Kelly Massaro, who created the initiative to give local schools the opportunity to compete against one another in an authentic courtroom-style setting. Students also worked closely with local attorney Thomas Gibbons, who provided guidance and support throughout the preparation process. During the competition, the cases were presented before a panel of three judges with extensive legal backgrounds, giving students valuable real-world feedback and insight. Date Added: 5/12/2026
Stay up-to-date with Westhampton Beach Senior High School Events
Westhampton Beach Senior High School Calendar displays events and important dates for school activities. Check back regularly for updates.
Westhampton Beach HS Announces Q4 Honor Roll
Westhampton Beach High School is pleased to announce the Fourth Quarter Honor Roll for the 2023-2024 school year. The students listed below have earned honor roll status. [List of student names]
New Student Government at Westhampton Beach HS
Westhampton Beach High School is excited to introduce the newly elected Student Government officers for the [Year] school year. We look forward to their leadership and contributions to our school community. [List of officer names and positions]
- Share local celebrations and life transitions.
- Maintain a respectful and supportive tone.
- Verify event details before posting.
- No commercial advertising in announcements.
Teeny Awards Ceremony
Josh Gates
Better off Alone
NEW ENGLAND'S ODD & UNUSUAL SHOW
Freedom Fest 2026
Celebrate Together
Sharing announcements helps build a stronger, more connected community.