Kristen DeGiorgio, an alumna of Eastport‑South Manor High School, urged the Board of Education on Oct. 8 to reconsider any reductions to the district’s theater program, saying theater coursework helped her graduate with an advanced regents diploma and enter college with transferable credits.

DeGiorgio told the board the theater department provided a five‑unit arts sequence that, under New York State rules, can satisfy a world‑language reciprocity requirement for an advanced diploma. “The theater courses I have taken here at ESM not only allowed me to graduate with advanced regents diploma due to a New York State satisfied requirement in place of world language called the 5 unit sequence in arts,” she said, and added she brought state guidance documentation with her for board review.

She described further benefits from the program beyond classroom content, saying theater courses provided college credit and helped her complete part of a college concentration in speech. “Theater is more than just curtains and costumes. It's a vital education program with state recognized academic value, college transfer potential, and lifelong impact,” DeGiorgio said.

DeGiorgio closed by asking the board to “please reconsider any cuts to the theater program,” saying the teachers and departmental relationships had a lasting positive effect on students.

Meeting procedure: the district clerk accepted documents DeGiorgio said she brought for the board record; the board did not take action on the theater program during the Oct. 8 meeting.