Long Beach Graduates Urged To ‘Go Big, Work Hard, Be Kind’

LONG BEACH, NY — On a sweltering morning in Long Beach, the class of 2026 donned their royal blue robes and went for a walk.

It was the 103rd annual commencement ceremony at Long Beach High School, and the students would walk out onto Alumni field in front of their classmates, families and the school staff that saw them every day for the past four years to close the book on high school.

The walk was scored, as most graduation processions are, by “Pomp and Circumstance,” before the graduation orchestra and choir performed the national anthem. Once the students were seated, they heard some advice from a few of the people who helped run the school from which they were receiving diplomas.

In his remarks, principal Andrew Smith told students to remain resilient, learn from mistakes and keep a positive outlook. He told them to make their bed every day, get places on time, and to start saving for retirement as soon as they were able. After all of his advice, however, Smith gave students a simple exhortation: “Go big, work hard, be kind, and always have fun.”

Smith wasn’t the only person encouraging the student class Thursday; board of education president Alexis Pace told the senior class to remain true to themselves while leaving room for growth, and to avoid comparing themselves to everyone around them.

“Notice more, appreciate the people around you, and listen to your own voice rather than being overwhelmed by others’ opinions,” Pace said.

Finally, the graduating class heard some remarks from their classmates; valedictorian Marissa Miller, Salutatorian Arsen Hrabko and class president Abigail Moehlenhoff.

Miller told students that, “We must enjoy our youth and not make excuses for not living our lives to the fullest,” in a speech that also included thanks to her family, friends and teachers, with an eye toward the goals many high school seniors have for their future.

Hrabko, meanwhile, encouraged his classmates to greet life with courage, initiative and a sense of adventure. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” Hrabko said.

Once the speaking portion of the event had concluded, it was once again time for the class of 2026 to take a walk. One by one, the graduates crossed a stage and received their diplomas.