East Meadow Sends Off The Class Of 2019

A picture-perfect day set the stage for a pair of graduation ceremonies in the East Meadow School District on June 23 as East Meadow High School and W.T. Clarke High School gathered on their respective football fields to salute the class of 2019.

Both classes walked onto their fields to enthusiastic and excited crowds, followed by musical numbers to officially open the ceremonies. At each school, students, school and district leaders offered words of reflection and advice for all gathered in attendance. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth A. Card Jr. delivered remarks at both ceremonies to congratulate the graduates and wish them well in the years ahead.

“Today concludes a significant and wonderful chapter of your lives,” Card said to the graduates. “And an equally significant chapter is about to begin.”

Class presidents, salutatorians and valedictorians from each school addressed their peers with words of encouragement and reflection.

“Let’s remember how much East Meadow High School has impacted us,” said East Meadow High School president Leila Sayan. “It is now up to us to turn our challenges into achievements.”

“Don’t be worried about feeling lost in life,” W.T. Clarke High School valedictorian Jonathan Melkun told his fellow graduates. “What you need to do is find a motivation, find a reason to keep moving forward. Go forth, chase your dreams, and find your place in the world.”

East Meadow High School Principal Richard Howard and W.T. Clarke High School Timothy Voels applauded the accolades achieved by each class that included academic, athletic and community service honors. Each principal noted how the classes set standards of excellence for future graduates.

After the official awarding of diplomas was completed, the students officially transitioned to alumni by moving their tassels to the left and tossing their caps into the air with excitement and elation.