Freeport High School Graduation 2016

Members of Freeport High School's Class of 2016 are now officially high school graduates.

The commencement ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 22 at Hofstra University.

During the event, the attendees heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, high school Principal Linda Carter, Senior class President Avery Taylor, Class salutatorian Claire Goremusandu,

Kuncham and Carter started off by offering words of advice and encouragement to all of the students.

“There are two pieces of advice I would like to give you,” Kuncham said. “One is to seize the opportunity; the other is to energize your commitment. There’s an old saying: ‘when opportunity knocks, you still have to get up off your seat to open the door.’ So take advantage of what this wonderful world has to offer you. Take advantage of your future, whether you’re going to a four-year school, a two-year school, a trade school or the military. Always continue sharpening your skills, work hard up to your peak performance, and I promise opportunity will be waiting at the door.”

Carter then spoke about seven life lessons to the graduates.

“I would like to leave you with seven basic principles in life, that I have given to former graduates, that may serve you well someday,” she said. “Be passionate, be present, be positive, be polite, be punctual, be patient, and pay it forward. Have confidence, always believe in yourself, and have the courage to take a chance on yourself. "

Taylor then followed, saying “I can only imagine the mixed feelings we all have here today; the excitement of being out of high school, and the realization that we are in the adult world. I am scared, but I realize while walking across the stage today that I have a clear vision of what is ahead of me. I hope you do too.”

Goremusandu then addressed her peers, and spoke about the joy and beauty of all they will learn and experience in their futures.

“Today is the first day of the rest of our lives,” she said. “For the past four years, Freeport High School has been our home. We have struggled together, but we have also achieved greatness together."

Finally, Rodriguez’s speech was delivered by Joanna Caravantes, who was third in the Class of 2016.

In his address, Rodriguez discussed the advantages of maintaining an analytical eye, and the importance of listening to others.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

Photo Captions:

1: Freeport High School class President Avery Taylor, valedictorian Christopher Meszaros Rodriguez and salutatorian Claire Goremusandu gathered for a photo prior to their graduation.

2: From left, Freeport High School Board of Education trustee Ernest J. Kight Jr., trustee Ronald Ellerbe, Vice President Anthony Miller, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Board trustee Vilma Lancaster and Board President Michael Pomerico gathered for a photo prior to the Class of 2016’s graduation.

3: Freeport High School Principal Linda Carter and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham lead the procession of students at the beginning of graduation.

4: Freeport High School’s Class of 2016 tossed their graduation caps into the air as the ceremony came to a close.

5: Freeport High School Class of 2016 valedictorian Christopher Meszaros Rodriguez’s speech was delivered by fellow graduate Joanna Caravantes, who was third in the class.

6: Freeport High School students of the Class of 2016 listened to speeches at their graduation.

7-10: Photos of Freeport High School students of the Class of 2016 celebrated their success at graduation.

Photos courtesy of Freeport Public Schools