Teachers, Students and Alumni Honored at 2nd Annual Sachem Education Foundation Gala

Another memorable and historic night for the Sachem community unfolded as the Sachem Education Foundation hosted its second annual gala, bringing together educators, alumni, students, and community leaders in support of a shared mission: enhancing opportunities for students across the district.

The event served as both a celebration and a call to action, raising funds to support grants that enrich programming for Sachem students in grades K–12. The grant application process is expected to open in May, continuing the foundation’s commitment to investing in innovative and impactful educational initiatives.

The Sachem Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by dedicated community leaders to help create enriching experiences for Sachem students.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of this year’s honorees, a group that exemplifies excellence across all facets of the Sachem community, from current students to accomplished alumni and impactful educators:

• Tom Sabatelle ’60 – Walter C. Dunham Leadership Award
• Christy Zummo – Educational Impact Honoree
• Jaimie DiPalma – Educational Impact Honoree
• Mark Ciaburri ’14 – Alumni Excellence Honoree
• Matthew Riss ’14 – Alumni Excellence Honoree
• Alyssa Tappin ’26 – Student Leadership Honoree
• Joseph Buono ’26 – Student Leadership Honoree
• Sachem Public Library – Outstanding Community Organization

The gala underscored the power of community-driven support in public education, reinforcing a shared belief that meaningful investment today creates lasting impact for future generations.

With continued community support, the Sachem Education Foundation is poised to expand its reach and further its mission of providing resources that elevate the educational experience for all Sachem students.