Lindenhurst's Class Of 2018 Graduates

LINDENHURST, NY - The Lindenhurst High School Class of 2018 are finally graduates!

On Friday, the graduates took to the Edward F. Kienle Memorial Field in a sea of green and white as the high school band played “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The school’s Marine Corps JROTC members presented the colors and the senior music students, under the direction of Charles Pramnieks, led the audience in the singing of “The Star- Spangled Banner” while accompanied by members of the school’s American Sign Language class.

Class Council President Brian Lanza, Vice President Christie Van Florke and Treasurer Mae Vine addressed fellow classmates in addition to remarks made by valedictorian Sahil Kapoor and salutatorian Luke Korzenko.

In his speech, Sahil stated that “when we take advantage of our unique abilities, we create positive change and progress. When we devote our full focus to our goals, we can turn our visions into reality.”

In his salutatory speech, Luke Korzenko said, “As high school graduates, we have a responsibility to become productive citizens, we have a responsibility to address the problems facing our society and we have a responsibility to continue to educate ourselves about the world around us. Our teachers have given us the tools to achieve these tasks. It is now up to us to use what we have learned to think rationally, act compassionately and embrace truth.”

Also, imparting their words of advice and extending congratulations were board trustee Kevin Garbe, Superintendent of Schools Daniel Giordano and, for the first time as principal of Lindenhurst High School, Dr. Clinton Grant, who reminded the students of the importance of caring for one another.

Related:

• Full Class List: Lindenhurst High School Class of 2018

“One small gesture can change a person’s life for better or worse.”

In his address, Giordano chose to read “Be Brave Little One,” a children’s book written by Marianne Richmond.

This was done to complete the students’ academic experience in Lindenhurst, in a similar fashion to the way in which it began – an educator using a class book to ease the transition.

Referencing the book, he explained to the graduates that it is now their time to be brave and explore.

“Step outside of your comfort zone,” he said. “Try new things. Do what feels right in your heart. Do it with bravery and do it with kindness.”

Before the members of the board of education presented the Class of 2018 with their diplomas, the graduates presented the board with a donation to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, who will use the funds to establish the Lindenhurst Class of 2018 Scholarship, to be received by any student who meets the organization’s criteria.

Student Council recording and corresponding secretaries Fiona Buckley and Antonia Rice led their classmates in the turning of the tassels and gave the signal to throw their caps to symbolize their commencement as Lindenhurst High School alumni.

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

Photos courtesy of the Lindenhurst School District