Hicksville High School Celebrates Class Of 2019

HICKSVILLE, NY—Hicksville High School’s 105th graduating class proudly marched onto McCormack Field to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” buoyed by the applause of beaming family and friends to kick off the school’s annual commencement ceremony held on June 22, the Hicksville School District announced via press release.

Rohan Mehrotra, 1st Lieutenant of the Hicksville Fire Department, Juniors, presented the colors, which were followed by the string ensemble’s stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” with vocals provided by Krisia Romano.

Principal Ray Williams opened his remarks by declaring, “This is your final message, your final announcement from your building principal.” Williams used adjectives such as “talented,” “hardworking” and “compassionate” to describe the Class of 2019 and reinforced the importance of upholding qualities such as discipline, pride and respect.

“Whatever it is that you are doing in this rapidly changing, open, digital society, there must be a value of respect and openness to diversity and other cultures,” said Williams, who reminisced about the different activities that promoted cultural diversity at Hicksville High School. He also reminded graduates that the power they possess lies within their choices.

“Each of you has traveled a road unique and different from the person sitting beside you,” he added. “No matter what road you have traveled, you are who you are today because of the choices you made yesterday. Likewise, tomorrow will become the result of the choices you make today. I encourage you to dream big and open the doors of opportunity.”

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder served as the keynote speaker, sharing how he served as student body president of his own graduating class.

“I graduated in the top 10 in my class, before I realized the list was upside down,” joked Ryder, who emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance by sharing his personal stories of growing up, attending college and later ascending through the ranks of the police department. “You define who you will be!” he reminded the class.

Salutatorian Kate Cimino, who told the audience that she has yet to declare a major, applauded those of her classmates who have found their passion but reminded others who have yet to decide on a path that it is still early and advised them to experience all that life has to offer.

“Embrace the uncertainty and explore the plethora of opportunities that are out there waiting for you, and your passion will find you,” Cimino said.

Superintendent of Schools Marianne Litzman spoke about the little extra “lift” that can make a positive difference in life—how the class members have lifted the spirits of their teachers and support staff through their growth and achievement, and how they have lifted one another.

“Remember to reach back to those who lifted you through childhood and adolescence,” said Litzman. “Reach ahead to those who will lift you to higher levels of learning, working, creating, living and loving. And reach out to those who need a lift in spirit, a helping hand, a kind word…because we all rise by lifting others.”

Board of Education Vice President Brenda Judson advised graduates to combine their powerful intellect with empathy in all future interactions, coining the phrase, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker, whose grandchildren presently attend Hicksville schools, also provided some inspirational words of advice to the graduates about differences that they can make in their own lives and the lives of others.

Valedictorian Rohil Agarwal thanked the teachers and support staff for taking the time to not only guide the Class of 2019 throughout their K-12 careers, but to really get to know them. He encouraged his fellow graduates to remain positive through the peaks and valleys that they will encounter on the road ahead.

“You may not be able to predict how things turn out, but trust that they will, and when the opportunity comes knocking, be ready,” Agarwal said.

Once Principal Williams confirmed the Class of 2019, he, Superintendent Litzman and Board of Education President Philip Heckler awarded the diplomas and congratulated the graduates. Then, in unison, tassels were turned and caps were hoisted into the air, as members of the Class of 2019 completed their K-12 careers in Hicksville, taking pride in all they had accomplished and setting their sights on the journey that lies before them.