Smiles and cheers from family and friends welcomed a distinguished group of graduating seniors on June 28 to the Sachem High School North commencement ceremony honoring the Class of 2019 and celebrating their plentiful accomplishments.
As “Pomp and Circumstance” carried through the air, the excited graduates took the field at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium for the last time as students of the Sachem Central School District. The commencement exercises then began with the national anthem performed by the Sachem North Symphonic Choir Seniors, conducted by Cara Caliendo.
Principal Patti Trombetta began her address by recognizing several students who would be entering the armed services following graduation. As she continued, her address gracefully outlined the wishes she had for the Class of 2019 as they move into the future.
“I wish you always play hard, take chances, give everything and have no regrets,” she said. “Every day, take a moment to just take it in. You owe it to yourself to make the most of every moment.”
Assistant Principal Coleen Flanagan then presented the top 25 academic students with medals, ending with salutatorian Miguel Maramara and then welcoming valedictorian Amy De Lury to the stage to address her fellow graduates in a speech that highlighted the unique nature of the school community they shared.
“I look at the Class of 2019 and I see so many differences between us – whether it be religion, beliefs, culture, interests or career paths,” she said. “In a class of 527 seniors, there are so many differences between us. Yet I can see similar traits between all of us as well – our kindness, our achievements, our sense of humor and our acceptance of what’s to come. And then there is a factor that united us all – the Sachem community.”
Continuing the ceremony, Class President Lauren Breuer delivered a heartfelt speech to her classmates that reflected on their time as Sachem students, the plentiful lessons they learned together and how they will apply their experience to thrive in the future.
Presenting the Class of 2019 was Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham, whose speech empowered students to embrace the changes that lie ahead. “By adapting to the changes ahead of you, being malleable, you will be better prepared to face and overcome challenges,” he said. “Life after Sachem schools is going to present new, exciting and tough challenges to each of you. I hope that you are better prepared to face these challenges as a result of your experiences here in Sachem, and I hope you are ready to change!”
After the final diplomas were presented, cheers echoed across the field as students propelled their caps to the sky, exiting the field as alumni of the Sachem Central School District.