The Sachem High School North Class of 2020 was recently honored during a collection of graduation ceremonies held July 23-24 at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium. To ensure safety, strict guidelines were put in place, such as requiring masks when social distancing was not possible and seating individual families a minimum of six feet apart.
The ceremonies began in traditional fashion, with “Pomp and Circumstance” playing over the stadium speakers before Principal Patti Trombetta took the stage. She began by acknowledging those students who would be serving in the armed forces, which was aptly followed with a recorded rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by the seniors-only symphonic choir. She then addressed the graduates-to-be with a congratulatory speech.
“This has certainly been a very difficult school year,” Trombetta said. “Life is filled with highs and lows, valleys and peaks that will test your resilience, that will push you to overcome challenges. The lessons you learn along the way to the top will only make you stronger and better.” Acknowledging the unique year they had come through, she added, “Never has a graduating class been called upon to step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion, energy and hope. I have all the faith in the world that you will not disappoint. All the things that you have dealt with up until this point make you who you are, and I know the best is yet to come.”
The top 25 students were then recognized, and Sachem North valedictorian Melissa Guercio delivered a sentimental speech to her fellow classmates. In her address, she reflected on her time as a student at the high school and the impact her teachers had on her.
“Don’t forget about everyone you will leave behind as you head off to college,” she advised. “Don’t forget about your family, friends and teachers, and keep in touch with the people who have made a difference in your life; you never know what can happen.”
Students then entered the stage to receive their diplomas, which were conferred by Sachem Board of Education President Alex Piccirillo, in an alternating fashion to maintain social distancing. They also had the opportunity to commemorate the milestone moment with a photo. Closing out the commencement exercises, they were led in the traditional turning of the tassels before exiting the field, poised to enter the next chapter of their lives as Sachem High School North alumni.