Caps Off to The North Babylon High School Class of 2019

NORTH BABYLON, NY - The North Babylon class of 2019 are officially graduates!

The local Board of Education, administration, staff, family and friends filled the North Babylon High School’s newly renovated stadium for the June 28 commencement ceremony of the high school’s graduating class.

The ceremony kicked off with the presentation of colors by the North Babylon Fire Department, followed by senior members of the orchestra and concert choir reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Before receiving their diplomas, the 377 students heard from several speakers who shared their wisdom and words of motivation for their new journey.

Valedictorian Evgenia Kennedy (left) and salutatorian John Rivera before the commencement of the North Babylon High School’s Class of 2019 graduation ceremony

This included Superintendent of Schools Glen Eschbach, Principal Jonathan Klomp, faculty speaker Dwayne Farris, senior class presidents Sierra Echevarria and Melinda Kayku, valedictorian Evgenia Kennedy and salutatorian John Rivera.

Klomp provided three tricks for students to be mindful of when striving for success.

This includes being aware of their feelings, taking microbreaks and breaking up their goals into smaller goals.

"Here at the high school, we reminded you constantly of Mahatma Gandhi’s words, 'We must be the change we wish to see in the world,'" he said.

North Babylon High School’s Class of 2019 walked onto the newly renovated stadium for the commencement of the graduation ceremony

"Large change begins with small change and I wish all of you many strong beginnings, many incredible endings and a minimal number of struggles in the middle."

Superintendent Eschbach left students with final words of advice by encouraging them to be kind, be proud of who they are and stay true to themselves.

"Take time to reflect back on all you have accomplished and use it to fuel your next chapter," he said. "Always remember your Bulldog pride and your North Babylon roots which have helped shape the fine individuals you have become."

In his speech, salutatorian John Rivera addressed his fellow classmates and highlighted that they are in control of their stories and have the power to make a difference in the world.

Students of North Babylon High School’s Class of 2019 were all smiles after officially receiving their diplomas during their graduation ceremony

With that, valedictorian Evgenia Kennedy took the podium and urged students to look for the good in the world.

"I have faith that despite the challenging issues of today, we can come together as a generation to impact change," she said. "In the end, it doesn’t matter where the river takes you, as long as you go through life with a sense of commitment, compassion and an open mind."

Following the distribution of diplomas, the North Babylon High School’s Class of 2019 turned the tassels on their caps from right to left and then joined together in the ceremonial cap toss.

Congratulations to the graduates!

North Babylon High School’s Class of 2019 walked onto the newly renovated stadium for the commencement of the graduation ceremony

Students of North Babylon High School’s Class of 2019 were all smiles after officially receiving their diplomas during their graduation ceremony

North Babylon High School’s senior members of the orchestra and concert choir recited
the Pledge of Allegiance to kick off the Class of 2019’s graduation ceremony

Photos courtesy of North Babylon Public Schools