Floral Park Memorial High School’s Class of 2015 marched regally to “Pomp and Circumstance” as they eagerly waited to be awarded their high school diplomas at the school’s 58th annual commencement.
The momentous ceremony included words of encouragement and advice from Senator Charles Schumer, who told students about the two most important tests in life, the Monday morning test and the Friday afternoon test.
“When you wake up Monday morning and you feel in the pit of your stomach, ‘I want to go to work’ and you go home Friday afternoon to your family and you say “I can’t wait to go home,’ he said. “Well if you can yes to both of those tests, than your life has been good to you. Don’t complain.”
Senator Jack Martins, Village of Floral Park trustee Dominick Longobardi and Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Ferrie also addressed the graduating class. Ferrie, who quoted Jim Hayhurst, Sr., author of The Right Mountain: Lessons from Everest on the Real Meaning of Success, encouraged students to uncover their core values and use them as a template to test their decisions in life.
Salutatorian Molly Dixon told classmates the possibilities for their future were endless, while Valedictorian Nicholas Konzelman urged seniors to continue to work hard.
“To reach your goals and to reach your full potential you must work hard. I will not tell you that your efforts will be rewarded tomorrow, a year from now or even 10 years from now, I do not know when your efforts will be rewarded, but hard work will pay off,” Konzelman said. Also highlighting the ceremony were musical performances by the school’s band and the L.I. Sounds choir group, under the direction of Samantha Koch. Students were then awarded their diplomas and celebrated by tossing their caps.
—Submitted by Sewanhaka High School District
