Port Jefferson Middle School eighth-grader Ryan Parmegiani was honored by the district’s Board of Education for accruing 850 hours of community service. His selfless acts are consistent with the beliefs of the district, which include the idea that “an individual has a responsibility to self, family and community.”

Some of the initiatives Ryan has been involved in have been helping with the high school prom, back-to-school nights, middle school and high school drama productions and concerts, working at the elementary school after school, Camp Paquatuck cleanups and Scraggy Olympics, among others.

“Throughout his tenure as a middle school student, Ryan has devoted a great deal of energy to making a difference in the lives of so many,” said Port Jefferson Middle School Principal Dr. Robert Neidig. “His exemplary efforts have contributed to countless people and events, and I am proud of his devotion to the students and staff of the district and inspired by his spirit of volunteerism.”