After 33 years, Matthew Keltos, the vice principal at Commack High School, will be retiring in June.
Keltos is an alumnus having graduated from Commack High School North in 1987. He originally didn’t plan to pursue education, and wanted to become a physical therapist, until he found his love for history and decided to become a history teacher.
“I was more of a humanities guy. I was more attuned to the history side and I found I’d taken a lot of history courses as my electives, which eventually became part of my college degree. Looking at it from that sense, I didn’t think I was going to go into education,” said Keltos.
First a social studies teacher, then the chairman of the social studies department, and later the assistant principal, Keltos then became vice principal. He grew to love the administrative side of education and still found ways to be able to interact with students.
“I applied to be the chair of the social studies department and I got involved in that. Then, after five years, I thought let me try the AP [assistant principal] job […] so I did continuing [education], for a while, I led driver’s [education] for a while. I met different segments of students I probably wouldn’t have had conversations with […] you just give yourself other opportunities really to get to know people,” said Keltos.
Keltos has always had a strong presence within the high school. He constantly stays after school to attend different events such as sports games, concerts and school performances. He also forms strong relationships with the student body, with many still keeping in touch with him even after they’ve left the high school.
“He is a ball of energy […] He has a really unique way of making everyone in the room feel valued [and], feel like he really is interested in what you have to say and what you believe. He’s a master of relationships, he builds strong relationships with everyone and it’s why so many people consistently keep in touch with him and come back and see him,” said assistant principal Eric Biagi.
Colleagues know him for his positive attitude and friendly demeanor.
“He is just one of the most friendliest, honest, and loyal people I think I’ve ever met. He is just there for everybody whenever you need him […] no matter who you are, he will be there for you,” said principal Carrie Lipenholtz.
Keltos has been a significant part of the Commack community, having shaped the journey of numerous students at Commack High School, and he leaves behind meaningful advice for students.
“Just be kind to people. High school’s tough enough as it is with all the work you have to do and or the things you have to navigate through, you don’t have to laugh at the kid who trips down the stairs, you don’t have to alienate a kid sitting at a table all on his own, just be nice to people sometimes and that ends up being the things that you remember the most,” said Keltos.
