Scenes from Centereach High School’s graduation. Photos courtesy MCCSD
Middle Country Central School District celebrates 2024 high school graduates
Newfield High School and Centereach High School, of Middle Country Central School District, hosted respective commencement ceremonies for their 2024 graduating classes Thursday, June 27.
The ceremonies highlighted the achievements of the graduating seniors, while looking forward to their futures.
The event was attended by students, families, faculty and distinguished guests.
“Congratulations to the exceptional Class of 2024. These remarkable young individuals have positively influenced the Middle Country community through their academic and personal accomplishments, excelling in academics, creativity and athletics,” said Scott Graviano, principal of Newfield High School.
During the graduation ceremonies, the Class of 2024’s valedictorian and salutatorian took the podium to reflect on the last four years of their high school journeys, and expressed their gratitude to their teachers, parents and peers. The valedictorians are Michael Cosmo for Centereach and Saitta Roy for Newfield. The salutatorians are Gregory Mears for Centereach and Danica Lyktey for Newfield.
“I am immensely proud of the Class of 2024, and all they have accomplished,” said Centereach High School principal, Thomas Bell. “I’d like to thank our teachers, staff and families for their relentless support and dedication to our students’ success. We look forward to seeing the amazing futures this class will create.”
For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ achievements, please visit the district’s website at www.mccsd.net.
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s Class of 2024 graduates celebrated their commencement ceremony on June 28. Photo courtesy of Elwood School District
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2024, in a poignant ceremony.
This milestone event marked the students’ culmination of years of hard work, dedication and academic achievement.
Amidst a backdrop of cheers, applause and heartfelt speeches, the graduates of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School bid farewell to their alma mater, and embarked on the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony was attended by proud parents, family members, faculty and distinguished guests.
Superintendent Jessica Schmettan, and High School Principal, John Ruggero, delivered a heartfelt address to the graduating seniors.
As the evening concluded with the traditional tossing of caps, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of optimism and excitement for the bright futures that lie ahead for the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students.
For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District, and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org, and follow our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.
Rocky Point High School Commencement Day photos.
Photos courtesy of Rocky Point school district.
Members of Rocky Point High School’s Class of 2024 began the next stage of their lives at the district’s annual commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 26. As the students proudly walked onto the school’s football field, the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” greeted them. The ceremony began with a welcome from Principal James Moeller, who thanked administrators, board of education members, educators, parents and family members for their collective guidance and support along the students’ path to success.
Student Renee Ortiz sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” accompanied by the high school band conducted by Amy Schecher. This was followed by Exhortation Speaker Parker Matzen, who shared the history and lessons he learned along with his peers. Moeller then expressed his pride in the Class of 2024, applauding their achievements in school and in the community. He tied Dr. Seuss’ book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” with the steps the students took to get to this point, sharing memories of serving as the middle school principal while they were there. He highlighted the inaugural Unified Basketball team as a true showing of Rocky Point community and pride, and spotlighted other athletic teams, academic accomplishments and achievements in the arts.
Superintendent of Schools Scott O’Brien spoke next, sharing the symbolism of Rocky Point’s mascot — the eagle. He noted that eagles are not just symbols of strength and freedom but also share valuable lessons about perseverance, growing stronger and more confident until they fly one day effortlessly across the sky. He stated that, just like Rocky Point’s esteemed mascot, the students have embodied resilience, strength and grace throughout their educational journey in Rocky Point.
Valedictorian Isabella Rooney and salutatorian Sofia Haviland each addressed their fellow classmates, sharing words of remembrance from their time spent in Rocky Point, as well as encouragement for their peers’ new journey ahead.
Board of Education President Jessica Ward then officially presented the candidates for graduation to all those in attendance.
Middle Country Central School District. File photo
The Middle Country Central School District announced that Michael Cosmo from Centereach High School and Saitta Roy from Newfield High School are their schools’ respective Class of 2024 valedictorians, while Gregory Mears from Centereach High School and Danica Lyktey from Newfield High School are the salutatorians.
Throughout their four years in high school, these students excelled academically, were active community members, and participated in various extracurricular activities.
Centereach High School Class of 2024 valedictorian Michael Cosmo achieved outstanding academic success during his high school tenure. His weighted GPA of 103.9 is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Michael’s academic achievements include completing 13 AP classes and two additional college-level courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Beyond academics, Michael has made significant contributions to all facets of Centereach High School. He serves as the GO treasurer, demonstrating his leadership and involvement in school activities. Michael’s talents extend to the arts and athletics as well. He excels as a musician, playing the trumpet in the school’s jazz band and pit orchestra, and as a varsity basketball player and captain of the varsity tennis team. He has been recognized as an Academic All-County player by Suffolk County basketball coaches.
Moreover, Michael has shown a commitment to community service, tutoring elementary students, volunteering at basketball camps, and participating in Tri-M Music Honor Society-sponsored events. After graduation, Michael plans to pursue a career in law at Georgetown University, building on his internships with local lawmakers during high school.
Centereach High School Class of 2024 salutatorian Gregory Mears also achieved academic success. His combined SAT score of 1530 places him in the top 1% of all students nationally. Gregory has completed 11 AP classes and four additional college-level courses, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Scholarship Commended student. He is a valued member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
In addition to his academic achievements, Gregory is deeply involved in Centereach High School’s co-curricular activities. He holds the position of vice president of the science club, co-founded the school’s chess club, and actively participates in Tri-M Music Honor Society-sponsored events. Gregory’s commitment to community service is evident through his hours spent with the Avalon Nature Initiative in Stony Brook. As a talented musician, he serves as principal bassist in the Philharmonic and chamber orchestras. Gregory embodies the spirit of the music department and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. After graduation, Gregory plans to pursue English literature at Colby College in Maine.
Newfield High School Class of 2024 valedictorian Saitta Roy boasts a weighted GPA of 102.19 and will have the potential to graduate in June with more than 30 college credits. She keeps herself busy as a member of the school’s mock trial team, the crochet club, the newspaper club, and the pit orchestra. She is also the vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and president of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Saitta works at the Middle Country Public Library and serves as a tutor, also known as a homework pal, for elementary-age students. Saitta has accumulated over 100 hours of community service as a book buddy, making donations to Stony Brook Hospital through the crochet club, serving food at the New Lane Elementary School MVP dance, and running a station at the Bicycle Path Literacy Expo through the National Honor Society. Saitta will be attending the University of Notre Dame, where she will major in mechanical engineering on her way to law school.
Newfield High School Class of 2024 salutatorian Danica Lyktey earned the number two spot out of 324 seniors, maintaining a 101.68 weighted GPA. She took a total of 15 AP and college-level classes throughout her high school career. Danica has the potential to graduate with more than 40 college credits.
Danica is an active member of the Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and is part of the school’s varsity kickline. Outside of school, she is a competitive dancer at Inspirations Performing Arts Centre and this year she is teaching a class for 3- to 6-year-old students. Danica will be attending SUNY Binghamton in the fall, majoring in psychology.
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the district’s website: www.mccsd.net.
It’s hard to believe that we are in the midst of another college graduation season. As an educator, I have valued my time teaching college and graduate students.
Since the pandemic, educating college students has changed radically. Their academic skills could be stronger, as well as their critical thinking and analytical writing skills. However, I have still found them open to new ideas and broader perspectives on their view of the world. Like many of my colleagues, I am concerned about their tendency towards isolation and their disconnectedness from their peers.
This graduation season has been challenging with the college student protests around the country. Unfortunately, these protests have further polarized our nation.
The right to protest is every American’s right, whether we support the issue or not. What is important for those who protest to know and practice is peace and nonviolence at all costs. Hateful speech is not nonviolent; provocative speech often spurs on violence. In my Social Science classes and Graduate School classes we discussed the war in the Middle East and the senseless loss of innocent life, among the Israelis and the Palestinians. War never resolves conflict; it only perpetuates more violence and hate.
Teaching Social Science and Graduate School Social Work provided a forum at the end of the semester to begin this important conversation. As always, I urged my students to be sociologically mindful and when it comes to this very sensitive issue to respond, not to react.
Graduates, as you continue your journey, do not let the social filters of our time enable bigotry, exclusivity and social injustice. Always speak up and work for human rights. Try to realize that being human and sensitive to others is more important than any successful academic record. Try showing compassion and understanding rooted in justice.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch and a warm smile be yours every day of your life. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending. Teach love to those who only know hate. And let that love embrace you as you continue in the world.
Don’t be blinded by those who tend to use shame, blame, guilt and religion to shackle people down and divide them. Set people free with your respect and non-judgmental way.
May your moral compass be grounded in respect for all human beings no matter what their color, their race, their creed or sexual orientation. May this compass guide you on a path that is committed to working for peace and social justice. As Gandhi once said, “be the change you hope for the world.”
Congratulations college graduates of 2024. Thank you for making the world a little richer, a little brighter, and a little bit more hopeful.
Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.
Anthony S. Fauci, MD, addressing the RSOM graduating Class of 2024. Credit: Arthur Fredericks
By Daniel Dunaief
Daniel Dunaief
Speaking in a front of a receptive, appreciative and celebratory audience of 125 graduates of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University who gave him a standing ovation before and after his commencement address, Dr Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, shared some thoughts on the hard lessons learned from the last four years.
Dr. Fauci currently serves as Distinguished University Professor at the Georgetown University School of Medicine and the McCourt School of Public Policy and also serves as Distinguished Senior Scholar at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law.
“I speak not only of lessons we have learned that can help us prepare for the next public health challenge, but, more importantly, of lessons that will apply to your future professional and personal experiences that are far removed from pandemic outbreaks,” Fauci said, after complimenting the class on persevering in their training despite the challenges and losses.
To start with, he suggested these new doctors expect the unexpected. In the early phase of the pandemic, the virus revealed multiple secrets, “some of which caught us somewhat by surprise,” Fauci said. “As well prepared as we thought we were, we learned that SARS-Cov2 is often transmitted from people who are infected but have no symptoms.”
Additionally, the virus continually mutated, forming more transmissable variants that caused illness even in those who had already contracted the virus.
“Each revelation not only humbled us, but served as a stark reminder that, when facing novel and unanticipated challenges in life, as you all will I promise, any predictions we might make about what will happen next or how the situation will unfold must always be provisional,” Fauci said.
Dealing with these challenges requires being open-minded and flexible in assessing situations as new information emerges.
He cautioned the new doctors and scientists to beware of the insidious nature of anti science.
Even as doctors have used data and evidence learning to gain new insights and as the stepping stones of science, anti science became “louder and more entrenched over time. This phenomenon is deeply disturbing” as it undermines evidence-based medicine and sends the foundation of the social order down a slippery slope.
Even as science was under attack, so, too, were scientists. “During the past four years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the mischaracterization, distortion and even vilification of solid evidence-based findings and even of scientists themselves,” Fauci continued.
Mixing with these anti science notions were conspiracy theories, which created public confusion and eroded trust in evidence-based public health principals.
“This became crystal clear as we fought to overcome false rumors about the mRNA Covid vaccines during the roll out” of vaccines which Dr. Peter Igarashi, Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine estimated in his introduction for Dr. Fauci saved more than 20 million lives in their first year of availability.
“I can confirm today that Bill Gates [the former CEO of Microsoft] and I did not put chips in the Covid vaccines,” Fauci said. “And, no, Covid vaccines are not responsible for more deaths than Covid.”
The worldwide disparagement of scientific evidence is threatening other aspects of public health, he said, as parents are opting out of immunizing their children, which is leading to the recent clusters of measles cases, he added.
Elements of society are “driven by a cacophony of falsehoods, lies and conspiracy theories that get repeated often enough that after a while, they become unchallenged,” he said. That leads to what he described as a “normalization of untruths.”
Fauci sees this happening on a daily basis, propagated by information platforms, social media and enterprises passing themselves off as news organizations. With doctors entering a field in which evidence and data-driven conclusions inform their decisions, they need to “push back on these distortions of truth and reality.”
He appealed to the graduates to accept a collective responsibility not to accept the normalization of untruths passively, which enables propaganda and the core principals of a just social order to begin to erode.
Fauci exhorted students to “seek and listen to opinions that differ from your own” and to analyze information which they have learned to do in medical school.
“Our collective future truly is in your hands,” Fauci said.
Fauci also urged these doctors and scientists to take care of their patients and to advance knowledge for the “good of humankind.”
The number of Advanced Placement courses has expanded dramatically since parents were the age of their high school children.
Whereas we could have taken, say, four or five APs, the modern high school student can graduate with considerably more.
Current students can and sometimes do take as many as eight, nine, 10 or more AP classes, in the hopes of knocking the socks off college admissions counselors, guidance counselors and future prospective employers. All those AP classes can also give students enough college credits to help them graduate in under four years.
I’d like to propose my own list of AP classes for future generations.
— AP Listening. So many people love to talk, to hear their own voices, and to tell others how they’re wrong even before people can share a fully formed opinion. In this class, students would be required to listen to new ideas, to consider them and to react and interact with others. Speaking would be considerably less important than listening carefully.
— AP Conspiracy Theory. We all know that conspiracy theories are as ubiquitous as “Welcome” signs in corner stores. This AP class would look deeply at some of the most detailed conspiracy theories, giving students a chance to question everyone and everything, including those people who create and pass along conspiracies.
— AP Saying No. To borrow from former First Lady Nancy Reagan, saying “no” to drugs, among other things, is a healthy and important part of growing up and making the most of the college experience. The class could provide students with a wide range of situations in which students say “no” without damaging their ego or social status.
— AP Social Media Etiquette, or SME, for short. Some seniors get into colleges well before their colleagues. When they do, they post pictures of themselves on campus, their parents wearing gear from the school that admitted them, and the school emblem or insignia with confetti coming down from the top of the screen. Yes, you got into college, and yes, that’s wonderful, but other members of your class are still applying and don’t need to feel awful because they haven’t gotten in anywhere yet.
— AP It’s Not About Me (or, perhaps, INAM). Yes, this is a bit like a psychology class, but instead of studying theories and psychology legends, these students could explore real-life scenarios in which, say, Sue becomes angry with John. John may not have done anything in particular, but Sue may be reacting to someone else in her life, like her parents forcing her to take AP It’s Not About Me instead of going to soccer practice.
— AP Take Responsibility. When something goes wrong at school, work or in the house, it’s far too easy to point the finger at someone else. In this class, students can learn how to take responsibility, when it’s appropriate, and demonstrate courage, leadership, and initiative in accepting responsibility for their mistakes.
— AP Personal History. Each of us has our own story to tell. Colleges urge prospective students to find their authentic voice. That’s not always easy in a world filled with formulas and scripted and structured writing. In this personal history class, students could take a microscope to their own lives and to the lives of their extended family, understanding and exploring characteristics and life stories. Students might discover family patterns they wish to emulate or to avoid at all costs.
— AP Tail Wagging. While the world is filled with problems, students could explore modern and historical moments and ideas that inspire them and that give them reasons to celebrate. This class could blend a combination of historical triumphs with small daily reasons to celebrate or, if you prefer, to wag your tail.
— AP Get to Know Your Parents. High school students who are well ahead of their time emotionally and intellectually may come to the conclusion many others reach before their mid 20’s: that their parents are, big shock here, people! Yeah, we do ridiculous thing like send them in the wrong clothing to school, miss important dances, and embarrass them by kissing them in front of their friends. This course could help accelerate the process of seeing parents for the imperfect creatures who love them unconditionally.
A scene from Harborfields High School 2023 graduation ceremony. Photo from Harborfields Central School Distrct
A scene from Harborfields High School 2023 graduation ceremony. Photo from Harborfields Central School Distrct
A scene from Harborfields High School 2023 graduation ceremony. Photo from Harborfields Central School Distrct
A scene from Harborfields High School 2023 graduation ceremony. Photo from Harborfields Central School Distrct
Valedictorian Lindsay Sung addressed the Class of 2023 at Harborfields High
School’s commencement ceremony on June 24. Photo from Harborfields Central School District
Salutatorian Alexa Best addressed the Class of 2023 at Harborfields High School’s commencement ceremony on June 24. Photo from Harborfields Central School District
For the Harborfields High School Class of 2023, the overcast skies on the morning of June 24 were not reflected in the brightness of the seniors’ spirits as they celebrated the school’s 64th commencement ceremony.
Superintendent Rory Manning was introduced by student Nahrahel Louis. After prompting a round of applause for the seniors, Manning asked them to put down their phones, be present in the moment and look at their families in the stands, before leading them in a relaxing mindfulness exercise and discussing the value of shared experiences.
“You, the amazing Class of 2023, continue to earn recognition for your academic prowess, your athletic feats, your musical talents and for doing the little things each day to be at your best,” Manning said. “We have all been through a lot, some more than others, but we all have shared experiences that make us a family. Enjoy this moment and be present.”
Salutatorian Alexa Best asked her classmates to recall an ordinary day attending school at Harborfields.
“On such a momentous occasion, it is easy to get caught up in this one large achievement and forget what brought us here,” Best said. “I want you to forget graduating for a moment, and instead pretend that you are all here celebrating that ordinary day you imagined. Imagine that one ordinary day is just as important as graduating from high school. My point is, we should give ourselves permission to appreciate the small moments in life. There is beauty in those ordinary days and memories. These are the moments that make graduating worth something. You’re not here celebrating the fact that you completed all your credits required by the New York State Education Department. You’re here celebrating the fact that you have woke up every day for the past four years to come to this school and see these people.”
Valedictorian Lindsay Sung pondered being ready for this major transition and lauded the power of connection.
“After today, I realize that we’re getting never back together, we’ll all be off in our adult lives doing our own adult things,” Sung said. “I think back to freshman year when I felt that high school was the scariest thing ever. But we survived, and high school doesn’t seem so scary anymore. While the transitions are scary in the moment, if we take it one day at a time, we’ll soon look back and suddenly it won’t be so frightening. In fact, it will seem as though time has slipped through our fingers before we even realize it, just like high school has. Even though we are on our own now, we are not alone. It is important to remember that we are moving forward together. We will forever and always be connected.”
Class President Alexandra Ebanks used her background in music as a keynote.
“Our commencement day is not just a milestone, but a musical piece of sorts, one that marks the end of a movement,” Ebanks said. “As our symphony’s movement draws to a close, we are reminded of the unity in our ensemble. This isn’t an end, but a transition to a new movement in our own song. May we continue to make music that rings true to our shared past, while creating harmonies for our future. Let us carry with us the lessons we have learned, humming the tunes of unity, resilience and love. From the first note to the last, we are one Harborfields Class of 2023.”
The day’s featured speaker, as chosen by the students, was history teacher Daniel Greening. Introduced by Student Government Vice President Elizabeth Kelly, Greening used the book “The Pioneers” as a springboard for advice.
“Life will be tough, but if you work hard and rely on people around you like the people you have in this community, you will be able to accomplish anything in this shining city upon a hill,” Greening said. “You are a special group of young people who have persevered over the past four extremely arduous years and have found yourself sitting here in front of friends, family and loved ones. Now it is your time to pioneer your own
journey. This great country has a history of providing opportunities for those who work hard, are resilient and take on any challenge in order to improve life for themselves and those around them. You are capable and strong young men and women who need to lead us into the next generation.”
Finally, Principal Marie Netto addressed her charges, using the Centennial Light, the world’s longest burning light bulb, as a metaphor.
“Even the smallest light can shine bright and make a difference, and that is exactly what I hope you all realize is within each of you,” Netto said. “In fact, your radiance is evident in this very moment as you sit in the campus of Harborfields High School as unique individuals alongside your classmates, supported by family, friends and faculty who share in celebrating your commencement. Just like a prism breaks light into a spectrum of colors, each of you has your own unique talents and abilities that can bring color and beauty to the world. My hope for you is that you will always embrace your individuality and let your light shine, for it is in being true to yourself that you will make the greatest impact.”
As a reminder, each graduate received a gift prism with their diplomas, before joyfully hurling their caps to the sky and walking out as new alumni.
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School graduates celebrate after the
school’s commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo from Elwood School District
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School graduates celebrate after the
school’s commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo from Elwood School District
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School seniors turned their tassels to close the
school’s commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo from Elwood School District
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School seniors proudly received their diplomas at
the school’s commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo by Elwood School District
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2023 graduation speaker Kevin
Golden spoke at the school’s commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo by Elwood School District
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School valedictorian James Rourke the school’s
commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo from Elwood School District
Elwood-John H. Glenn High School salutatorian Emily LaMena the school’s
commencement ceremony on June 23. Photo from Elwood School District
While inclement weather led to an indoor ceremony in the school’s Performing Arts Center, pride and excitement were in ample supply as Elwood-John H. Glenn High School held its 61st commencement on June 23.
The students of Glenn’s Class of 2023 processed in until a sea of blue and white filled the front rows.
Principal Corey McNamara posed a thought-provoking question in his welcome address, asking “What is the purpose of high school? I don’t know if there’s one answer that universally applies. For each and every one of you, the purpose of high school likely varies. For some, your purpose was to get good grades to get into a good college on your path to a good career. Some have aspirations for a different pathway, such as a trade or military service. Some wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves by joining our clubs. For some, maybe the purpose was just to have a place where they can go to challenge themselves, find advice or simply talk to someone. For others, the purpose was to socialize and make strong, meaningful friendships that will last forever and help them get through the toughest of times. I’m sure there are many other ideas out there, but I believe there is one thing that high school has done for everyone — it teaches us to be resilient.”
Next was Kenneth Bossert, giving his final graduation address as superintendent of schools and earning a well-deserved honorary diploma.
“The last seven years has afforded me the opportunity to interact with many members of this senior class,” Bossert said. “They arrived at Elwood Middle School as anxious sixth graders at the same time as I arrived as an anxious superintendent. I’ve had the pleasure of observing them in classrooms and hallways, in the cafeteria, on the fields, on the courts and on this stage. They’ve shared their talents in academics, athletics, the arts, music and drama with their families and the community. Seniors, you have brought positive attention to our school district, as Elwood-John H. Glenn has been identified as one of the top high schools in both the state and the nation. You have a lot to be proud of in the Class of 2023.”
“As a pediatrician in the community and a parent of one of the seniors in the Class of 2023,” board of education member Dr. Sara Siddiqui said, “I have seen your display of strength and resilience as you matured into young adults and am proud to see all that you have accomplished. It gives me great joy to be able to celebrate with you. I have seen your class rise to the challenges and support each other, one of the benefits of a tight-knit community like Elwood. What truly sets this class apart is the adaptability you have exhibited. Early in your high school years, the pandemic tested your resolve, forcing you to change your learning environment and change your high school experience. You navigated these challenges with determination and steadfastness. You gave your time and energy to help your friends and family and community, and because of that, you were able to be resilient and move forward. The skills that you have obtained by learning to adapt and face your challenges will provide a foundation that can be used in any path you choose for the
future. The community will always be here for you when you need us.”
Salutatorian Emily LaMena, a gifted track athlete, drew inspiration from the spirit of running for her address.
“Life is much like running in that it is a testament to endurance, perseverance and determination,” LaMena said. “It is a journey that requires both physical and mental strength. Each step we take builds our character, shapes our resilience and propels us forward toward our goals. In life as in running, success is not always measured by winning, but by the time and effort we invest, the barriers we break and the obstacles we overcome. Throughout our high school years, we have faced our own unique hurdles. We’ve encountered rigorous exams and demanding coursework. We’ve tackled complex concepts and sought knowledge beyond the boundaries of textbooks. Of course, we’ve stumbled and made mistakes along the way. We’ve also risen to the occasion, embracing the challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. We’ve learned to rise above setbacks, harness our inner strength and strive for greatness despite the odds. Our journey in high school has not been a sprint, but a marathon, and here we are crossing the finish line.”
Valedictorian James Rourke invoked the seniors’ shared history.
“These past four years have been a whirlwind of growth, challenges and unforgettable moments,” Rourke said. “We pushed ourselves in the classroom with new and more difficult courses, taking online and hybrid forms of schooling in stride, while juggling extracurricular activities and jobs. As we bid farewell to the halls that have shaped us into the remarkable individuals we are today, let us remember the memories that have
woven themselves into the fabric of our lives. May we continue to find joy, embrace laughter and approach life’s ups and downs with the same spirit and openness to change that brought us here today. I’m confident that each and every one of us is more than equipped to handle whatever comes next. The future is ours to shape.”
Shah then extolled the virtues of Elwood’s small, tight-knit school community before introducing Class of 2023 graduation speaker Kevin Golden, chosen by his peers as a student who exemplifies John Glenn’s spirit. His humorous speech focused on happiness and change.
“We live our lives to try and achieve goals, but if the ultimate goal is happiness, why wait?” Golden asked. “I urge every single one of you to enjoy the journey as much as the milestones. Everyone will encounter some roadblocks along the way that make the journey even more interesting. One major roadblock that we encounter is change. Change is meeting new people, living in different places, attracting new things, so embrace it. Goals are great, but look for the good in each day. Maintain a positive mindset and always
remember to keep smiling, keep laughing and live that happy life we all aspire to live.”
“This milestone is no easy feat,” board of education President James Tomeo said. “Many of you had to work extremely hard, take multiple pathways to achieve your successes, and had many ups and many downs in order to get to this point. The board of education extends our admiration, congratulations and well wishes for all your future endeavors. As you go out into this world, it sometimes may be divided and at times seem uncertain, but nothing is uncertain. You know your journey, you know your purpose, you know who you are and you know what you believe in. Stay true to yourself. Remember your roots and where you come from. Elwood will always and forever be home.
”Once the diplomas were handed out, tassels turned and caps flung to the rafters, the new Knights alumni walked out into the night, ready to begin the next phase of their lives.
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
A scene from the Smithtown High School East's 2023 graduation. Photo from Smithtown Central School District
Even the threat of rain couldn’t damper the spirits of 337 Smithtown High School East students as they celebrated their graduation ceremony on June 22.
Early morning, the plan was to move the graduation ceremony indoors, but as the weather improved, crews at Smithtown High School East and Smithtown High School West worked feverishly to return the celebration outdoors.
Once the ceremony began, Smithtown High School East Principal Robert Rose addressed his graduating class. “I am truly humbled of your powers in the classroom, on the stage in the arts and on the athletic fields,” Rose said. “I’ve always said Smithtown East is a special place and that is primarily because of you.”
Assistant Superintendent Kevin Simmons, who was the principal at East for a little over three years before moving to the district office, was the keynote speaker.
Sophia Augier, Smithtown High School East honor speaker, spoke to her class about overcoming the pandemic, sticking together and to “remember the significance of treating each other with kindness and respect.”
Senior Class President Caileigh Harrigan also praised her class for their hard work while keeping an eye toward the future.
After the congratulatory speeches, students were awarded their diplomas by the board of education and school counselors. The seniors then participated in the traditional moving of the tassels to indicate their becoming alumni of the Smithtown Central School District.
