Family, friends, administrators and teachers assembled on the football field of Carle Place High School last weekend to congratulate 139 graduates as they received their high school diplomas at the school’s 58th annual commencement ceremony.
Board of Education President Barry Dennis yielded the welcome address to fellow board member John DiFrisco, whose son, Jack, was among the graduates.
In his speech, DiFrisco told the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments, as they are “a prelude to what lies ahead.” “Never stop challenging yourself, and don’t be afraid of mistakes,” he said.
In her salutatory address, Jillian Mannarino reminisced about the past 13 years, while valedictorian Francesca Lim said in her speech, “Go ahead and change your minds, follow your passions and stay true to yourselves.”
Superintendent of Schools David Flatley challenged the graduates to show gratitude by doing such tasks as helping to clear the table and take out the trash. “As you do these things, realize that gratitude is a great virtue,” he said.
Student Organization President Alec Visslailli used his time at the podium to reflect on his past high school experiences. Student Matthew Pasquarella, who gave the farewell address, said emphatically, “Push yourself to be the greatest human beings you can be.”
Before receiving their diplomas, Principal Thomas DePaola urged the students to take the valuable lessons they had learned in high school and begin their new journey.
Providing musical accompaniment during the ceremony was the high school band, conducted by Kevin Kavanagh. In addition, a select number of seniors performed John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s “In My Life.”
