Huntington Graduates Class of 2011

Huntington High School's 150th Commencement was an evening filled with recognition, sentiment and advice from both young and old.

Dressed in blue and white cap and gowns, 252 Huntington graduates sat patiently in the school auditorium Friday as a list of honorees and guests addressed a large crowd which included family, friends, teachers and administrators.

Leading it off was Huntington senior Lauren Corcoran singing the "Star Spangled Banner" and senior Jonah Kramer as the master of ceremonies before Rebecca Deegan presented the 2011 class salutatorian, Michelle Byrne

Byrne, who will attend Cornell University, encouraged classmates to take pride in their work. "If there is no pride there is no point," she said.

In her speech, class valedictorian Carolyne Fante told students to learn from failures. Fante, who came to Huntington four years ago from Brooklyn, thanked teachers, administrators and her parents who were with her "every step of the way." 

"Never be discouraged because something didn't work out the first time," said Fante, who was introduced by classmate and friend Danielle Cerezo. 

Graduating senior Benjamin Jensen introduced Huntington School Board President Bill Dwyer. Jensen said he was grateful for many good things that Dwyer introduced him to, like riding a bike as a youth.

Dwyer wished the graduating class well.

"You worked very hard to get here to this point and I am very confident that you are all very well prepared to take on whatever comes next for you in life," said Dwyer. 

Calling him "Huntington through and through," senior Shayne Larkin presented outgoing Huntington School Superintendent John Finello, who talked about life's journeys. 

"On this same day in 1968, I was sitting in one of those chairs in this auditorium and I can say with certainty that I didn't expect to be superintendent of schools in Huntington. I didn't expect to be a commencement speaker here today," said Finello.

Encouraging students to look beyond comfortable choices, Finello told students to be daring and trust in themselves while traveling through the "bends" of their journeys. 

"Love what you do or don't do it," said Finello. "Don't make a choice because it pleases others ... make a choice because it engages all of you."

Prior to Eliana Oranges and Lori Kenny announcing the names of graduates, Stony Brook University football signee and 2011 Huntington graduate Dante Allen introduced Carmela Leonardi, Huntington school principal since 2001.

Leonardi said the graduating class is for the most part gifted and generous young adults who are following passions at the same time they are planning bright futures. To date, the class of 2011 has received $10,776,433 in scholarship money — a $3 million increase over last year, according to Leonardi.

"Ninety-two percent of the 252 students sitting here today will be going to college," Leonardi said. 

Besides a number of New York schools, Huntington students will be attending Harvard, Cornell University, Penn, Juliard, Boston College, Fordham, James Madison, Loyola, Northwestern and the United States Merchant Marine Academy to name a few, according to Leonardi.

"Stay true to yourself, said Leonardi. "I encourage all of you to maintain focus on the goals you have set for yourself."

The ceremony was moved inside due to threatening weather throughout the day.