Walt Whitman HS Class Of 2023 Celebrates Graduation: Photos

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — The Walt Whitman High School class of 2023 was greeted by morning sunshine for their commencement on June 25 despite an uncertain weather forecast, the South Huntington School District announced.

The 93rd Commencement Ceremony was originally scheduled for June 23, but waiting for the sun paid off.

Emceed by Assistant Principal Jonathan Varlamos, students, guests, and family members heard from Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta, District Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia, and Whitman Principal Mr. Ken Costa.

Families were treated to performances by the WWHS Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and The Voices of Walt Whitman.

Speakers included Varlamos, G.S.O. President Vladimir Gaberman, Costa, D’Elia, the class of 2023's salutatorian Zahra Choudry, valedictorian Anthony Maida, Ciappetta, and Senior Class President Alex Bogdani.

Costa told graduates to "have faith in the world, challenge injustice, embrace your strengths, admit your failings, value all that you have been taught, and know your own value." He also reminded them that they have the passion to dream, the heart to love and the strength to endure.

D’Elia spoke of the class’s tenacity while discovering a new way to learn during the coronavirus pandemic.

"When the school reopened," he said, "in spite of the obstacles and interruptions faced, you demonstrated resilience, as you settled into your studies as if nothing had happened. You never skipped a beat, and you went on to have phenomenal seasons, performances, and the Wildcat spirit continued to flourish and grow as if these obstacles never existed."

Salutatorian Zahra Choudry roused her fellow graduates to see the value in our desire to always improve.

"This is not limited to academia," she said. "It permeates every level of our reality. To improve is contingent upon progress, upon evolution, upon the ability to reject stagnancy and go after what you really want, even if it takes a massive leap of faith."

Valedictorian Anthony Maida reminded seniors to also fully appreciate the here and now.

"Sir Isaac Newton once said that 'an object in motion remains in motion,'" he said. "Life is the same way, it keeps moving, and moves quickly. Reflect on the past and look towards the future, but live in the present and take time to appreciate the little things."

After all that heartfelt advice from the morning’s speakers, Bogdani guided his peers into the ceremonial "switching of the tassel," followed by decorated graduation caps being tossed high into the air.

"Congratulations to the 428 graduates of the Class of 2023!" the school district wrote. "Best of luck on your new beginnings!"