Horizons - Volume 6 - Issue 14 - January 19, 2024 - Hauppauge High School Hosts an IB Alumni Reunion

Aug 24, 2026

Hauppauge High School hosted an IB Alumni Reunion on January 12, bringing back nine graduates to share how the IB Diploma Programme prepared them for university. Alumni discussed skills for college success, including managing stress from test-taking, writing research-heavy assignments, improving study habits, and strengthening work ethic and accountability. They also emphasized that IB supports learning to learn and benefits students beyond advanced tracks, while school leaders highlighted measurable outcomes and encouraged broader IB participation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

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Pages18

Reading Time28 min

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Hauppauge High School Hosts an IB Alumni Reunion

Alumni panel: college transitions and IB benefits

School leadership: program impact and enrollment details

IB Diploma structure and participation outcomes

H o r i z o n s Volume 6, Issue 14-January 19, 2024 HAUPPAUGE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS AN“IB ALUMNI REUNION” By: Andrea Darbee HS Assistant Principal On Friday, January 12th, Hauppauge High School hosted an IB Alumni Reunion. Nine graduates from the classes of 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 returned to the high school to share their college experiences and to reflect on how the IB Diploma Programme (DP) prepared them for university. In attendance were Mackenzie Buscarino (‘22), Abigail Clark (‘21), Colin Happe (‘21), Devin Giordano (‘20), Kira Giordano (‘18), Holly McGullum (‘21), Jalaj Mehta (‘21), Dominic Pacileo (‘20), and Noah Schwartzaptfel (‘21.) The event included a meet and greet with teachers and administrators and two-panel sessions. The audience for the first-panel session were teachers and administrators. Students enrolled in IB classes as well as prospective IB students had the opportunity to attend the second session. Ms. Anne Stebbins, IB Coordinator, organized the event with the support of Principal Joseph Wieckhorst, and Assistant Principal Andrea Darbee. During the panels, Hauppauge students fielded questions about their transition to college and the skills required for success at university. Ms. Stebbins also asked the alumni to share the extent to which specific aspects of the IB Diploma enhanced college preparedness. Colin Happe (‘21), a graduate student at Binghamton University, stated,“[IB students] have an edge on their fellow classmates in all [college] classes.” He spoke about how the DP programme prepared him for the stress of test-taking in college. Jalaj Mehta (‘21), an undergraduate student at Columbia University, shared that IB courses taught him how to take long tests. He added jovially that there are many long tests in college. The panel participants also agreed that the DP improved their work ethic, taught them how to scaffold longer assignments, take self-accountability for their work, and enhanced their study skills. Abigail Clarke (‘21), an undergraduate student at Long Island University-CW Post, added,“Freshman year is easier than what you do in IB.” The alumni participants discussed the research and writing skills developed throughout the IB Programme. Colin Happe (‘21) reflected, “You will write a tremendous amount in college.” The other eight participants agreed, sharing that the focus on written assessments in the DP improved their fluency, topic selection, and their ability to write multiple text types for different audiences. Devin Giordano (‘20), an undergraduate student at John Hopkins University, added,“[Professors] don’t teach you how to write in college. They expect that you knowhow to write.” Abigail Clarke expanded on the statement, sharing “Your freshman writing classes will be a breeze. You already know how to write a thesis statement, how to research, and how to organize your writing.” Mackenzie Buscarino (‘22) even shared that she still uses NoodleTools at Binghamton University to organize her citations. Upon reflection, Abigail Clarke implored current Hauppauge students to take IB Language and Literature; “If you don’t take the full diploma, take IB English,”Abigail concluded. “That course teaches you how to write.” When asked to share final words of wisdom with current students, the panelists had this to say.“High School students should be less focused on grades. Just try your best. You’ll have failures and successes. You will learn from your failures”(Happe ‘21) . “The IB program prepares you not just for freshman year but for the next four years and the rest of your life” (D. Giordano ‘20) . Mackenzie Buscarino (‘22) contemplated how her IB courses encouraged her to think for herself, a necessary skill in college. Kira Giordano (‘18), an undergraduate at Penn State who will start law school in the fall, was pleased that the IB programme taught her about herself as a thinker and a person. Holly McGullam,(‘21), an undergraduate student at University of

FAQs

What was the purpose of the IB Alumni Reunion at Hauppauge High School?

The event brought IB alumni back to share their college experiences and reflect on how the IB Diploma Programme prepared them for university.

What benefits did alumni describe from their IB coursework?

Alumni highlighted improved work ethic, better study skills, the ability to scaffold longer assignments, and stronger writing and research capabilities for college assessments.

When can students enroll in the IB Diploma Programme and what does it require?

Students are eligible to enroll in the IB Diploma Programme during their junior year, taking courses across core subject areas plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS requirements.

Aug 24, 2026

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