Blue caps flew in the air as Massapequa High School seniors heard their final words as students in the district: “Class dismissed.” Following that declaration by Principal Patrick DiClemente, they officially became graduates.
The 613 students were part of the 61st class to graduate from the school during a ceremony at Hofstra University on June 19. The milestone marked a new beginning in their lives, as the graduates will head to college, join the workforce or enlist in the armed services.
“Our senior class represents an outstanding composition of students who will go in diverse directions,” DiClemente said.
Valedictorian Daniel Urli told his peers that they all have so much more left to accomplish in their lives. The top-ranked senior encouraged them to follow their passions, expand their boundaries and have some fun along the way.
Christopher Hadsall, salutatorian of the Class of 2017, said that the journey from kindergartners to high school graduates has made them all a little more human. They demonstrated humility and determination, longed for companionship, searched for inspiration and celebrated achievements.
“We made it,” he said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brightly upon us.”
General Organization President Kristen Ader compared navigating high school to learning how to drive, and senior year was like “your parents handing you the keys to your car and letting you go.” She reminded her classmates that, as they begin new chapters in their lives, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Following the presentations of awards to recognize one student in each subject area, the graduates received their diplomas, moved their tassels from right to left and joined the ranks of Massapequa High School alumni.
—Story and photos submitted by the Massapequa School District
