Community Corner

Sachem Patch's Top Stories in 2011

A look at the 10 most captivating and interesting stories of the year.

Sachem Patch has posted thousands of stories this year with countless photos and videos, but the 10 stories below had the most impact on the community and the most traction on the site in terms of comments and user engagement.

1. : In the summer when football training camp first started, no one could have expected a Sachem vs. Sachem battle in the Suffolk County Division I playoffs. A few months later history was made when Sachem North and Sachem East met in the semifinals. It was the fourth overall time the schools have met on the gridiron. Sachem North won, 57-6, scoring the most points in a single-game in program history. The Flaming Arrows advanced to the Suffolk County championship for the third straight time and 16th time in programhi story.

2. : The Freshman Class of 2014 left a lasting impact on the Sachem community with their work in developing the 9/11 memorial that will sit outside Sachem North forever. The beams of steal from the World Trade Center are a reminder of the one of the worst days in American history and we are able to remember the men and women who lost their lives that day when we look at the touching tribute.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. : In a triumphent moment in foundation history, The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation celebrated the launch of National Rose Brucia Stranger Safety Awareness Day on Aug. 22, 2011. Founder and Sachem alum Matthew J. Barbis, with the help of his staff, have made an impact with the foundation that preaches stranger safety awareness to children and parents and will continue to grow and make a difference in this country.

4. : The Sachem East field hockey team put together a remarkable run, blitzing through its opponents in Suffolk County, Long Island and finally in New York State where the Arrows won their first state title in school history.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

5. : Arguably the highest individual honor awarded in Long Island high school sports, the Hansen Award is given to the top football player in Suffolk County. Dalton Crossan became the fourth player in Sachem's 50-year history to win the honor, turning in one of the most impressive season's in Long Island football history.

6. : Angry with the state's decision to cut $14 million in state aide from the Sachem Central School District, teachers set out on a quest to Albany to address government officials and have their voices heard. The moment garnered regional media attention.

7. , : For the first time since 1987, the Sachem North baseball team captured a Suffolk County title. Running the table in the post-season tournament, Sachem was dominant from top to bottom and put together a memorable season. Star pitcher/short stop Alec Sole won the Yastrzemski Award given to the top baseball player in Suffolk County. Brendan Garry also was named the top catcher in the county.

8. : Sachem alum Kevin Mincio took part in a cross-country bicycle ride, which started in California at friend and fallen hero Jesse Williams’ grave in June and ended at Ground Zero on Sunday, Sept. 11. Mincio, who graduated in 1989 from Sachem, spoke with students at Sachem North about his journey.

9. : Although the Sachem community did not sustain too much damage - some houses were destroyed - the story became one of the top in 2011 for all media outlets. The amount of coverage Irene garnered was immense. Sachem Patch posted more than 35 stories that week from all different angles prior to and after the storm.

10. : Though construction has not begun yet, the Hub project has been one of the top government and business stories in the Sachem community and will continue to be throughout the next few years. As of last month the project received $4 million to get the necessary sewage plant set up to begin moving along.


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