Huntington Commencement Notebook
Huntington High School G.O. President Alexandra Kiley gave a reflective, humorous and touching address at the commencement. She began by reaching into the past.
"In eighth grade, I was the Finley Middle School [student council] president," Ms. Kiley said. "One of my priorities was to organize a school dance. I had this grand "inclusion illusion." It would be a glitter-coated, dimly-lit extravaganza. Our entire class would attend. Every few months, I persuaded administration to give it a go. I made flyers and accosted my poor unsuspecting classmates, urging them to buy tickets. And without fail, before each dance, we'd sell like twenty. Needless to say, each time the dance was canceled."
It took Ms. Kiley time to understand the dynamic at work. "Only within my last year of high school did I come to terms with the truth behind those unsold dance tickets," she said. "It wasn't apathy. I'm sure that at some schools, dances are pretty happenin'. Huntington is not one of those schools, but that isn't bad. Huntington students are eclectic and don't all fit the same mold. I've realized that everyone has their own thing – even if it's not the same. I'm happy that we're all so different. I'd much prefer to support my classmates in their various games, concerts, food drives and plays than to have everyone at one dance."
Cristina Badalamenti's Bittersweet Day
Cristina Badalamenti is headed to Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. The Huntington High School Class of 2011 member compiled an impressive record over the past four years and she was both happy and sad last Friday night.
"Graduation was a day that I've been looking forward to for a while, but now that it finally came, it's just unreal," Ms. Badalamenti said. "It was a bittersweet day because I'm so excited for the future, but a little sad because my classmates, whom I've known for so many years, and I are all going our separate ways."
The teenager built a fine academic record at Huntington High School and was a star athlete, too. She will always remember the day of her graduation.
"Although the weather didn't cooperate, the ceremony itself was very nice and enjoyable," Ms. Badalamenti said. "The speakers did a great job and it really gave us a sense of all the great things that we accomplished as a group. The chorus singing 'For Good' was a nice addition to the ceremony and definitely got the water works going! It was just a touching moment that I'll most likely never forget! All in all, commencement was a great experience and it's such a great feeling to receive my diploma and to be officially onto my next journey!
Ben Jensen's Insightful Introduction
Senior Benjamin Jensen, who is headed to the University of Vermont to study captive wildlife care and education, introduced Huntington School Board President Bill Dwyer to the commencement crowd last Friday night. The two have a long history together and the teenager gave the crowd some insight into the man.
Most people know Mr. Dwyer as a district trustee or Huntington Village Lacrosse Assn. officer and coach. "I know Bill in a different light," Mr. Jensen said. "I know he can ride a unicycle. Bill has been my neighbor my whole life and because of this, I have many fond memories from spending time with him, his wife Karen and his three sons, Brad, Brendan and Ethan."
As Mr. Jensen reached one milestone after another, Mr. Dwyer has never been too far away. "Bill taught me to ride a bike," Mr. Jensen said. "He set me on a bike and told me that riding was easy and that I could do it. It may sound like your standard 'learn to ride' speech, especially when I add that I was reminded to keep peddling. Yet, I could sense Bill's genuine confidence in me and desire to see me succeed and it worked. I started riding furious circles in the front yard."
Another memorable afternoon was spent in the Dwyer yard in a "mud slip-and-slide when an average hot summer sprinkler day turned extraordinary," Mr. Jensen said. "Bill introduced me to skateboarding and to Thanksgiving Day football games at the high school. So, I am grateful for the many good things Bill Dwyer has introduced me to and I am now pleased to introduce Bill Dwyer to you."
Alexa Giammarino Reflects
Class of 2011 President Alexa Giammarino has had a few days to reflect on the commencement. "Graduation was so bittersweet," she said. "At first, I didn't think I would cry or get emotional because I was so excited for college, but I realized that I wouldn't be seeing my friends for such a long time while in college. It all really hit me at graduation."
Ms. Giammarino, who presented the class gift to the school during a commencement address, is headed to Loyola College in Maryland. "My last year at Huntington High School I met the most amazing group of kids that I can definitely call my best friends," she said. "They have taught me so much in such a short period of time and I know we will all be close friends forever."
An accomplished dancer, Ms. Giammarino was one of the stars on the Highsteppers, Huntington's competitive dance team. The group will certainly miss the energetic teenager.
"As for the actual graduation, I along with all the other speakers was super nervous, but I know how to work with my nerves from dance performances, because I always get nervous before I go on stage to dance," Ms, Giammarino said. "Before we went on stage, all the speakers had a pep talk, which definitely relieved a lot of our nerves. Overall, it was such an amazing ceremony, definitely one I'll never forget."
The Alma Mater's Words
Following the presentation of diplomas, the school's alma mater song rang out. Few in the auditorium could sing the words from memory. Fortunately, the lyrics were printed on the back page of the commencement program,
"Honor to Huntington Now that our tasks are done. We will remember the days we spent within thine halls. And e'en though we now must part loyal in every heart, O ye of Huntington we will be true." |
Remembering First Huntington Graduates
The Class of 2011 continues the unbroken line of Huntington graduates dating to
Friday, July 18, 1862 when Charles H. Baldwin, Ella J. Conlin, Emma F. Downs, James T. McKay, William G. Nicoll and John S. Sherill received the first diplomas issued by the Huntington Union School during a 2 p.m. ceremony that included a valedictory address by Mr. Nicoll.
Leroy Grumman's 1911 Salutatory Address
At the 50th Huntington High School commencement on Tuesday, June 20, 1911 at 8:15 p.m., Leroy Randle Grumman gave a salutatory address titled "The Aeroplane" to his classmates in Assembly Hall of the "new" high school building (now the current town hall).
Mr. Grumman would go on to become arguably Huntington's most famous graduate, founding the Grumman Aircraft Company, which played a key role in building planes that helped win World War II. Grumman also created the Lunar Escape Module, integral to the program that allowed man to walk on the moon.