North Babylon High School Class Of 2020 Graduates

NORTH BABYLON, NY — The coronavirus pandemic has put a hold on a lot of things but it couldn't stop the class of 2020 from celebrating their graduation. However that didn't stop North Babylon High School from honoring their graduating seniors with several graduation ceremonies this past weekend. Due to the pandemic, the graduation was broken up into seven ceremonies to ensure public safety on Friday and Saturday. In addition to their live ceremonies, the district also hosted a virtual ceremony.

The first ceremony on Friday kicked off with Superintendent of Schools Glen Eschbach and North Babylon High School Principal Jonathan Klomp speaking on the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. Before receiving their diplomas, the 354 students heard from several speakers who shared their wisdom and words of motivation for their new journey. This included Superintendent Eschbach, Principal Klomp, and senior class co-president Katie Doyle. Valedictorian Bryan Sabogal and salutatorian Carlos Sabogal had their speeches streamed during the virtual ceremony after attending their assigned ceremony. Klomp then made introductions and thanked all those who made the live and virtual ceremonies possible.

Click here for the full list of 2020 graduates.

"Breaking up the Class of 2020 in a safe manner consistent with New York State requirements for social gatherings in order to recognize each student, required a lot of planning and flexibility," he said. "But we are bulldog strong and even though we are not all together today, we are together. Your high school graduation is an important milestone but just one of many available to you as a result of the education that has been provided by the hard working and dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff within the North Babylon School District."

During his speech, Eschbach challenged students to make a conscious effort to practice kindness and maintain dignity and respect.

"Become mindful of how you respond to others and be responsible for your words and your actions. Acknowledge the value of different perspectives, create relationships that build trust, limit bias and favoritism and strive for the best overall outcomes," he said. "Do your part to make your school, workplace and community and better place for all to work live, learn and play. Be kind, be proud of who you are and stay true to yourself. Take the time to reflect back on all that you have accomplished and use it to fuel your next chapter. Always remember your bulldog pride and your North Babylon roots, which have helped shape you into the fine individuals that you have become."

The co-presidents of the senior class were also assigned a day to read the names. The last ceremony on Saturday, where Julianna Grenci was reading the names, stood in the pouring rain until the last name was read.

After the speeches the North Babylon High School’s Class of 2020 turned the tassels on their caps from right to left before receiving their diplomas and safely exiting the field with their families.

Congratulations to the North Babylon High School class of 2020!

All photos courtesy of the North Babylon School District