For the first time in Sachem history the faculty included district alumni in September 1964. An article in the August 1964 issue of “Sachem News,” published by the district’s board of education, welcomed five members from Sachem’s Class of 1960, the second ever in district history, as new employees.
Marjorie Kirchner of Lake Ronkonkoma, and Hilda Marquez of Farmingville were assigned to teach at Nokomis Elementary School.
Ken Brady of Lake Ronkonkoma taught social studies at Sachem High School.
John Cassese of Holbrook taught physical education at Gatelot Avenue Elementary School. Tom Sabatelle, who was incorrectly referred to as John in the article, of Lake Ronkonkoma taught physical education at Sagamore Junior High.
You may recognize some of these names. Sabatelle, who won the Van Norr Award as the top male senior athlete in Sachem in 1960, went on to be the second athletic director in Sachem history. He served as a member of the faculty and administration in Sachem for over 30 years.
John Cassese, who later earned his doctorate and was known as Dr. Cassese to many, worked his way through the teaching ranks and was a principal and assistant principal at a number of buildings in Sachem.
Brady was instrumental in researching and keeping record of Sachem’s early history. He put together the history compilation about Sachem’s consolidation and centralization from 1800-1955 as a leader in Sachem’s now defunct Local Studies Committee.
Since 1964, thousands of alumni have gone on to work, teach and coach in the Sachem Central School District.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro