Caps Off To The Lindenhurst High School Class Of 2020

LINDENHURST, NY — The coronavirus pandemic has put a hold on a lot of things but it couldn't stop the class of 2020 from celebrating their graduation. Lindenhurst High School honored their graduating seniors with consecutive drive through ceremonies last week.

During consecutive ceremonies on Aug. 6 and 7, the students donned graduation gowns and personally decorated caps, as they arrived at the Lindenhurst High School one last time with their
families in tow. As the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the air, the soon-to-be graduates walked the red carpet to a podium where they were greeted by various members of the administration and the board of education.

The graduates were announced and their diplomas received and family members cheered them on. The events were livestreamed, and all of the graduation speeches prerecorded and housed on a dedicated graduation webpage on the district’s website.

In her welcoming address, Class President Angelina MenDell urged her classmates to not "let the memories of the way we finished high school take over the millions of other memories we have also made throughout our years together in elementary school, middle school and the past 3.67 years. Nothing could ever take away those memories from us, not even a pandemic."

Class salutatorian Forrest McMann also addressed his fellow peers.

"When reflecting on our lives as a whole, this year will definitely stand out because it was unique," cMcMann said. "Therefore, if there’s anything to take away from this year, it is that we must harness and develop the aspects that make us all different and unique in order to stand out and make our mark on the world."

He went on to encourage his fellow graduates to "stay determined and positive when looking towards our future; we all have the potential to do anything we set our minds to."

Valedictorian Veronica Szygalowicz also took the podium to make her speech.

"This moment is about the Class of 2020," Szygalowicz said. "It’s about how we've been able to show the rest of the world that we are hopeful, determined and relentless in the pursuit of our goals. We make the best with what we’ve got, and we do it together. Yes, we will have to deal with loss and grief and fear, but it doesn’t stop us; it doesn’t define us. Instead, we will persevere and on whatever path we choose for ourselves, we will succeed, and we will do it with grace, with elegance, with confidence and with a newly awakened sense of enthusiasm and purpose."

Also addressing the Class of 2020 and extending their congratulations and well wishes were the Lindenhurst High School Principal, Dr. Candice Brodie, and Superintendent of Schools Mr. Daniel E. Giordano.

All photos courtesy of the Lindenhurst School District