A sea of blue caps and gowns filled Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports Complex, June 20, as 584 Massapequa High School seniors graduated before a packed house of family, friends and staff.
The ceremony opened with a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” by senior members of the Chordettes and Crooners, and College American Sign Language (ASL) students, followed by speeches from Class of 2016 president Jake Rosenblum, General Organization president Christian Bounamassa, valedictorian Joseph Prusan and salutatorian Juliet Remi.
As class president, Rosenblum quoted author J.K. Rowling.
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default,” he said. Then challenged his peers to “pursue your dreams and do not let the fear of failure deter you from them.”
Bounamassa approached the podium with a selfie stick and took a photo with retiring principal Dr. Barbara Williams before speaking about the many opportunities Massapequa High School offers students and the great potential his classmates hold for the future. He also praised Dr. Williams for being “the Chieftain behind ensuring our experience here at the high school was as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”
Prusan spoke about his appreciation for different points of view among his classmates, which he found most compelling in his English class as students of various interests and talents fostered discussions that expressed “diversity of thought.”
Remi said to her peers, “I’ve learned that a Chief is not merely an athlete, a scholar or an actor…A Chief is not defined by one trait, but one who grows to possess a variety of skills, talents and passions. A Chief is a leader and one I am confident will make a significant impact on this world.”
After the speeches, the Board of Education presented an Honor Award from each academic department to deserving students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Special recognition was given to eight members of the Class of 2016 who will serve as members of the United States Armed Forces.
Students crossed the stage, shaking hands with members of the Board of Education and Central Administration who congratulated them as they received their diplomas. When the last diploma was handed out to graduates, two honorary diplomas were presented, one by Superintendent Lucille F. Iconis to retiring Principal Dr. Williams and the other from Williams to retiring Dean of Students Patrick Howard. After thunderous applause for their service, Williams proudly presented the Class of 2016 to the cheering crowd as the new graduates sent their mortarboards flying.
Members of the Class of 2016 were awarded a total of $39.4 million in scholarships and will attend Ivy League colleges, such as Cornell University, Dartmouth College, and 163 other colleges and universities across 24 states and Washington D.C. Eight students will venture to locations more than 1,800 miles from Massapequa, including San Diego State University (CA), University of California-Los Angeles, United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School (CO) and University of Colorado at Boulder. Eight students will serve in the United States Armed Forces. Five students have enlisted in the Army, Navy or Marine Corp. Three students will attend the Unit ed States Air Force Academy, Unites States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
