Hot Topics to Focus on for 2012

For 2012 there will be thousands of stories to write, but a few are already circled as key topics for the new year. Here's a look at what to expect on @SachemPatch:

1. School Budget and Board Elections: Consdering Sachem Patch is based around coverage of the school district, no stories get as much traction and viewership compared to ones about the budget, state aide and school board trustee elections. This should be another interesting year as state aide cuts loom again.

2. Ronkonkoma Hub Project: We've only scratched the surface in terms of coverage. Expect more stories with interpersonal angles, business strategy and government affiliation with the hub project.

3. Sports, Sports and More Sports: Sachem Patch wouldn't be Sachem Patch without a plethora of Sachem sports coverage. From the immedate wrestling and basketball seasons to following Rachel Paul's final six months in high school to covering lacrosse and baseball with a deep lens in the spring and saddling up for football and soccer in the fall, 2012 will be another special season in Sachem sports history. Don't forget about coverage of Nicole Kaczmarkski's jersey retirement and progress of Sachem's pro athletes: Mike Parisi, Billy Alvino, Keith Kinkaid and Chris Manno.

4. New Government Officials: As new government officials take office in the Town of Islip and in Suffolk County, many surrounding Patch sites will explore the affects of new leadership and what's in store for the region for years to come.

5. Alumni Success: As always we'll continue to monitor the success - and sometimes downfall - of Sachem alums across the world. One major story is Britney's Wedding. Yes, there will be plenty of coverage of the wedding between Britney Spears and Jason Trawick, a Sachem alum, from tabloids around the world, but we'll try and get the local spin as much as possible this year.