Maddy Tonyes ‘26
Greenport High School is happy to welcome a new member to our educational community Ms. Samantha Volpi, our dedicated ENL teacher. When asked about her favorite part of GHS so far, Ms. Volpi doesn't hesitate that it is a close knit community. “Being from a big school and an even bigger town, it was easy to get lost.” She explains “Greenport is unique compared to other places on Long Island with its small size, but that is what gives it its charm. Here you are able to get to know everyone and make connections in a meaningful way.”
Before finding her calling in education, Ms. Volpi worked in a variety of customer focused roles. From serving coffee as a barista at starbucks to working in restaurants catering. “Jobs where I worked directly with people are the ones that made me the happiest!” Ms. Volpi says which is what led her into pursuing education.
She grew up in Patchogue and graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 2017. While she didn’t gravitate toward sports, she found her place in clubs and music, and enjoyed reading books whenever she could. She was a dedicated clarinet player in the school's marching band and a passionate participant in Model United Nations “It was through MUN that I gained excellent public speaking skills and a deeper understanding of advocacy and diplomacy.” she recalls.
Ms. Volpi earned her associates degree from Suffolk community college, where she also studied abroad in Spain which was a formative experience that deepened her love for language and culture. She then attended stony brook university, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in spanish language and literature and psychology. Most recently, she completed her masters in teaching English as a new language.
Her path to becoming an ENL teacher was paved by two great passions, her love for reading and her love for the Spanish language. “It felt appropriate to combine my two loves into one profession.” she said. “There is nothing else I would rather be doing than working directly with the youth and assisting them with the acquisition of the English language. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing the eyes of a child light up when they understand a concept or can apply what they have learned.”
When asked about her proudest accomplishment, her answer is deeply personal and inspiring. “I think my greatest accomplishment is that I have now become the adult who I needed as a little kid. I am proud to be my authentic self, and there is no greater accomplishment than that.”
Ms. Volpi also had a few words of advice for students: “Always listen to your gut and never accept less than what you deserve. There is nobody who knows what you need, or who you are better than you, so don't fall for the pressure society puts on us to be someone other than exactly who you are. You know you, so listen to you.” But she also encourages students to stay open to guidance: “Be open to feedback and advice from reliable adults and peers who understand and respect you.”
Greenport High School is fortunate to have a teacher as passionate, thoughtful, and inspiring as Ms. Volpi. Her presence is already enriching the lives of students, and we are excited to see the many ways she will continue to impact our school community.