Huntington's Class of 2011 Graduates
An ominous evening sky didn't dampen the mood inside the Huntington High School auditorium last Friday as the Class of 2011 graduated before a packed house of teachers, family and friends. The 90-minute ceremony marked the school's 150th commencement.
As the senior marched into the auditorium to Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance No. 1," there weren't many dry eyes. It was both a happy and sad time for many as both students and family members knew the event signified an end of one chapter of life and the beginning of a new one.
For valedictorian Carolyn Fante, who is headed to the University of Pennsylvania, the ceremony culminated four amazing years. She moved to Huntington from Brooklyn for the start of her freshman year quickly earned the admiration and loyalty of classmates and teachers.
"There are truly incredible people in Huntington who I have loved knowing over the past four years," Ms. Fante said during her address, which was delivered flawlessly. "They have impressed me so much and while I may have initially thought there were too many people with blonde hair, I have discovered that Huntington is rich with diversity – diversity of views, personalities, styles, interests and backgrounds – more than I can count! The talents of my classmates have never ceased to amaze me, whether in theater, athletics, art, music or academics, we all have so much that we bring to the table. I am surprised everyday by the things my classmates have done. Don't forget about what you have achieved in high school and keep building on it because each of us has the ability to do something great and wonderful with our futures."
The event had been scheduled for Blue Devil Stadium, but the threat of inclement weather led to a midday announcement that the graduation exercises would be held indoors. The change didn't seem to faze anyone. The seniors appeared content in their seats throughout the program, listening to the speakers.
"Members of the Class of 2011 have shown a passion for life and a dedication to peers that are both strong and genuine," Principal Dr. Carmela Leonardi said. "They enjoy expressing their individuality while at the same time they team up with peers to support their community by volunteering for local organizations and fundraising for needy causes."
The commencement ceremony included a performance by the high school orchestra under the direction of music teacher Veronica Mainville. The choir sang "For Good" from the Broadway musical, Wicked from the auditorium's balcony.
Watched Each Other Grow
"Throughout the past four years we have all watched each other grow and become the young men and women we are today," said Loyola-bound Alexa Giammarino, president of the Class of 2011. "We have started our journey through life together, but now it is time for us to seek our futures independently. The different roads we can take will compliment our many different personalities and talents."
The Class of 2011 received $10,776,423 in scholarship money, an increase of more than $3 million compared to last year. Of the 255 graduating seniors, 93 percent plan to attend college, another four percent are headed to vocational and career programs, one percent is taking a year off to travel to Israel and work with AmeriCorps and two percent intend to enter the workforce full-time.
Life Journey is Unpredictable
"I would like to begin by talking about journeys and how sometimes the journey brings you back home," said Superintendent John J. Finello who is retiring after a 39-year career in the district. "In some ways, today, for me, is about being home. On this same day in 1968, I was sitting in one of those chairs inside the auditorium. I can say with certainty that I didn't expect to be the superintendent of schools in Huntington and a commencement speaker today."
Mr. Finello implored the graduates to be ready and open for any bend in the road ahead. "Your life journey is unpredictable and will provide challenges, rewards and joys as you travel the many bends in the road," he said. "If you master the art of listening to your mind and heart while trusting your instincts, you will greet the unexpected with wonder not fear. Look beyond the comfortable choices, be a little daring and trust in yourself."
Huntington High School's college counseling center processed 1,490 college applications for the senior class. Graduates are headed to many of the top colleges and universities in the country including Harvard, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Julliard, Boston College, the Cooper Union, Fordham University, James Madison, Loyola University, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Northeastern and Northwestern, Purdue, Tulane, Villanova, all the top SUNY schools and dozens of other public and private institutions.
"Take Pride in Our Work"
"Many of the lessons we learned in high school should also be carried into the future, and will help us excel wherever we are heading," said salutatorian Michelle Byrne, who is headed to Cornell University. "One of the most important lessons may have been the hardest to learn. Teachers who taught us to take pride in our work have given us invaluable advice, even though we might have disliked them for harsh grading and acceptance of only our best work. If you do not have any pride in what you are doing, then why exactly are you doing it in the first place? In the future, you are allowed to choose your own schedule, what classes you wish to take and what you want to major in. If there is no pride in the assignments that you do in order to achieve your goal, then how are you supposed to take pride in your profession later in life? If there is no pride, then there is no point. Pride allows you to be confidant in what you do, and helps you enjoy the tasks put before you."
Smarter, Kinder, Wackier Group
Senior Alexandra Kiley, who served as the high school G.O. president this year and who will attend Harvard College in the fall, gave a heartfelt address. She recalled her early days as a student council president at J. Taylor Finley Middle School and with the "truths" she has learned along the way.
"I'd just like to say goodbye," Ms. Kiley told classmates near the end of her address. "I couldn't have picked smarter, kinder, wackier or better group to spend high school with. I know that the Class of 2011 will bring its spirit, diversity and enthusiasm to the world. Next year in travels, colleges and careers, I'm sure that you will all be a force to be reckoned with. Good luck Class of 2011 and thanks for everything."
Dr. Leonardi said the graduates have plans to study a litany of interesting academic majors including forestry, photography, elementary education, computer science, naval architecture, vocal performance, film production, political science, accounting, nursing, health science, software engineering, marketing, fashion design and merchandizing, criminal justice, culinary arts, wildlife science, athletic training, biochemical, mechanical and electric engineering, English, business, occupational therapy, social work, video game design and development.
Path to Different Wonders
"Everyone is on a path all leading to a million different wonders, however it is up to you to choose which of those wonders you want to discover and explore," Ms. Giammarino said. "Accentuate your talents and reach for nothing but the stars. Hard work will eventually pay off, but always make sure you are steering with your heart."
Many seniors played roles in the commencement. Jonah Kramer served as master of ceremonies. Kaitlyn Millner and Evan Stillman carried the Huntington High School banner into the auditorium and Dante Allen and Louis Puca served as flag bearers. John Coffey led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lauren Corcoran sang a stirring rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." Rebecca Deegan, Danielle Cerezo, Shayne Larkin, Benjamin Jensen, Alexandra Kiley and Mr. Allen introduced speakers.
"Stay True to Yourselves"
"The exciting careers you are pursuing will present both challenges and satisfactions," Dr. Leonardi said. "Stay true to yourselves. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed: 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.' I encourage all of you to remain focused on the goals you have set for yourselves."
Faculty class advisors Eliana Oranges and Lori Kenny announced the name of each graduate before diplomas were presented by members of the Huntington School Board.
Many seniors struggled with their emotions, realizing that ready or not, they will be leaving the nest that has served as home for many years. "You can always turn to the people surrounding you, even if they no longer live five minutes away; they are only a phone call away if you really need them," Ms. Byrne said. "This made me realize that we are not saying a true goodbye today and helped me write what I am saying to you now."
School Board President Bill Dwyer departed from tradition when he allotted two minutes of his time in two 60-second blocks to trustees Christine Bene and Richard McGrath. Mrs. Bene's son, Andrew is a member of the Class of 2011 as are Mr. McGrath's twin sons, Kenneth and John. The assembled seniors gave a warm welcome to the two trustees as each approached the microphone and proceeded to give short emotion-laden addresses.
After the graduates tossed their caps into the air, the Class of 2011 marched out of the Huntington High School auditorium and into history. Graduates and their families milled about in the outdoor plaza for more than an hour, posing for photos and saying goodbye to one another. It seemed like many didn't want the moment to ever end.