Mattituck-Cutchogue School community honors future U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman with special surprise graduation ceremony

Mattituck-Cutchogue school community came together on June 22 to celebrate a special member of the high school Class of 2026 with a surprise graduation ceremony. Due to her military reporting obligations, Page Kellershon is unable to participate in the district’s traditional commencement ceremony but thanks to her friend, Holly Raventlow, and the school staff, she was celebrated in true TUCKER pride before her deployment. 

The moment in the making started on Dec. 10, 2025, when Congressman Nick LaLota’s Office called with exciting news – that Page had received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

The ceremony brought together district administrators, faculty, family members, classmates, NJROTC cadets, and community supporters to celebrate Page’s accomplishments, leadership and future service to the country. The event featured a formal Presentation of the Colors by the Mattituck High School NJROTC unit, student speakers, musical performances, the presentation of her diploma and the traditional tassel turning. The ceremony has been thoughtfully planned to ensure that Page and her family can experience the traditions and memories of graduation — including the opportunity to walk into the packed auditorium to Pomp and Circumstance Graduation March song as she was recognized by the community that has supported her throughout her educational journey.

“Page’s appointment to the United States Naval Academy is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to her hard work, leadership, character and dedication to service,” said Mattituck High School Principal Patrick Burke. “While her commitment to our country prevents her from participating in our traditional graduation ceremony, we wanted to ensure that she and her family had the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone surrounded by the people who have supported her every step of the way.”

An appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy is one of the highest honors a high school student can achieve. Candidates undergo a highly competitive selection process evaluating academic excellence, leadership ability, physical fitness and commitment to serving the nation.

The special ceremony recognized a young woman whose accomplishments reflect the values of leadership, integrity, discipline and service above self. Superintendent Shawn Petretti presented Page with her diploma and spoke about the overwhelming support shown by the Mattituck-Cutchogue community. The large turnout of students, staff, family members, cadets and community supporters served as a powerful reminder that Page is a true example of what Mattituck is all about.

Following the ceremony, as Page greeted friends, classmates, teachers and family members, she summed up the moment perfectly by saying, “Now I have closure.” Just days earlier, Page had shared how difficult it was knowing she would miss the traditional graduation experience and the sense of closure that comes with turning the “page” to a new chapter in life. Completely surprised and overwhelmed by the celebration planned in her honor, Page was able to experience the traditions, memories and support of the community that has stood behind her throughout her journey.

 

Photo Captions: 

1: Mattituck High School senior Page Kellershon was celebrated in a special graduation ceremony, as her military commitment to the U.S. Naval Academy would not allow her to participate in the school’s traditional graduation ceremony. 

2: Mattituck High School senior receives her high school diploma from Superintendent of Schools Shawn Petretti and Principal Patrick Burke. 

3: Thanks to the efforts of her close friend Holly Raventlow (right), Mattituck High School senior Page Kellershon was celebrated during a special graduation ceremony in advance of her reporting to the U.S. Naval Academy. 

 

Photo courtesy of the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District