It was a weekend filled with pride and joyous celebration, as the Sewanhaka Central High School District honored more than 1,200 graduates from Elmont Memorial High School, Floral Park Memorial High School, H. Frank Carey High School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School and Sewanhaka High School at five commencement ceremonies, held at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University, from June 28-29.
To the triumphant tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the students entered the arena with bright smiles, waving to the cheering family members and friends in the audience. They were led by their respective principals and Superintendent of Schools Regina M. Agrusa, along with additional school and district administrators, as well as Board of Education members.
The ceremonies featured inspiring and reflective speeches from the valedictorians, salutatorians, Class or Student Council presidents, the principals and Ms. Agrusa.
“Our school district has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a place of growth, discovery and connection,” Ms. Agrusa stated. “Here, you have not only acquired knowledge from textbooks, but also invaluable life lessons: perseverance in the face of challenges, the power of kindness, the strength found in diversity, and that together we are always better.”
Along with the speeches, music selections were performed by the bands and choruses. At Sewanhaka High School’s ceremony, the orchestra also performed.
This year, each building recognized one graduating senior with the prestigious Portrait of a Graduate Award. These honored students were chosen for exemplifying the district’s vision by demonstrating outstanding achievements in the five competencies: Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Empathy and Perseverance. The award recipients are Reymon Alvarez Arias at Elmont Memorial, Oscar Dalton at Floral Park Memorial, Jonathan Barcia at H. Frank Carey, Suha Tasfia at New Hyde Park Memorial and
Roosvelly Charles at Sewanhaka.
Following their walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, the graduates returned to their seats and marked the significant moment by shifting the tassels on their caps from right to left, officially concluding the ceremony.
Photos from each ceremony can be found on the respective school pages.