The Hicksville High School Class of 2013 took their seats on McCormack Field at the start of their graduation with the hum of excitement from family and friends behind them, a podium seating a variety of school administrators and honored guests before them, and a very bright future within their grasp.
“This afternoon we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Hicksville High School’s Class of 2013,” said Principal Brijinder Singh in her opening address. “Dream big and make it your choice to have a great future.”
The graduating students of this 99th commencement exercise may arguably be considered one of the best and brightest in the school’s history.
“You have defined yourself as a special class in so many ways,” said Superintendent of Schools Maureen Bright. “You have taken the many opportunities afforded to you and used them to help mold yourself, your future and our world.”
It was noted, among their other outstanding achievements, that this group had garnered over $17 million in scholarship monies.
“The uniting factor here is Hicksville High School, which has functioned as an important tool to shape our lives for the future,” said salutatorian Rakshit Tyagi, who is continuing his education at Cornell University this fall.
The high school chorus, which had opened the ceremony with the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” again displayed their vocal talents with their singing of Alan Menkin’s “Go the Distance.” They were directed and accompanied on piano by Michele Emeric.
“Life is not a spectator sport; be an active participant in everything you do,” valedictorian Melissa Hammer advised her classmates. “We need to value our lives for the time we have and strive to make a difference in the world around us.” Hammer will be attending Harvard University in the fall.
A special presentation was made to honor retired U.S. Army Captain Nancy Hogan, a Hall of Fame inductee and Hicksville High School graduate.
“I hope that you have made these past four years some of the best years of your life,” said Board of Education Vice President Dolores Garger, whose daughter Caitlyn was among this year’s graduates and one of the top 25 students asked to stand in an acknowledgment of academic achievement.
The presentation of graduates, conducted by Director of Student Activities Joan Deem, led to the conclusion of the ceremony and the advancement of this class to the beginning of the path to their next milestone.
