William Floyd teachers honor Class of 2026 students enlisting in U.S. military

William Floyd Class of 2026 includes a dozen students who are enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation, the district announced Monday.

William Floyd United Teachers President Mike Devenney joined William Paca Middle School teachers Kari Garfen, U.S. Navy veteran Jason Melito, and William Floyd High School Principal Philip Scotto during a special recognition ceremony last week to honor the the students for their commitment to military service,

The soon-to-be graduates received district-branded alumni apparel in appreciation of their upcoming service. Each student received a T-shirt and sweatshirt reading “William Floyd Alumni” on the front and the emblem of their chosen military branch on the back.

Students entering military service include: Gabby Alligood (Navy), Dayami Carbajal Serrano (U.S. Marine Corps), Christopher Chimbo Perez (USMC), Aldaine Forskin (USMC), Marquis Johnson (USMC), Nicolaus Lattanzi (USMC), Adrianna Quinones (U.S. Air Force), Carmelo Ramos (USMC), Zachary Rupeck (Coast Guard), Sieem St. Fleur (Navy), Joshua Wildgoose (Navy) and Michael Zaug (USMC).

“Fewer than one percent of Americans choose to enter the Armed Forces, making these students part of an elite group willing to answer the call to duty,” Melito said. “We are honored to recognize their commitment to our country.”

Devenney said the recognition offered a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge the students’ next steps.

“It was a privilege to meet these students and learn about their future plans. We wish them every success and thank them for their dedication to our country,” he said.

The students also took part in the 11th annual “Our Community Salutes” Brookhaven recognition ceremony and will wear military sashes representing their branches during the graduation ceremony later this month.

_{Top: William Floyd High School Principal Philip Scotto, William Floyd High School English teacher and WFUT president Mike Devenney, Jason Melito, William Paca Middle School teacher and Navy veteran, and Kari Garfen, William Paca Middle School teacher and WFUT local action committee chair, are pictured with some of the students enlisting in the military after graduation (courtesy photo).}