‘We Rise Together’: West Hempstead Class of 2026 Celebrates Commencement

WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY — Sunday was graduation day at West Hempstead Secondary School, with seniors packing into the LIU Post Tilles Center to celebrate under a collective theme: “We Rise Together.”

The commencement festivities began with the procession of graduates, a walk that was followed by a series of speakers who highlighted the community, resilience and support that had popped up in the class of 2026. Among the speakers were valedictorian Victoria Hasan, salutatorian Valerie Schreck, senior class president Jayden Leslie and multiple administrators, including principal Joseph Pumo and superintendent Dan Rehman.

In keeping with the theme of the day, Hasan said the things she and her classmates go on to achieve could well be their own reward.

“To the Class of 2026, it is our turn to make a change,” Hasan said. “Every single person in this room is capable of creating change, so I challenge everyone to go out there and do it. Whether you’re changing one life or a million lives, your impact on the world is how you will be rewarded.”

Meanwhile, Schreck, the salutatorian, said the graduates have a lot of people behind them no matter where they’re going after graduation. Those people, Schreck said, could serve as a reason to keep going.

“Whatever you find yourself doing, whether you’re studying in college, working or serving in the military, don’t just do it for yourself,” Schreck said. “Do it for your family, your country and the people who have always believed in you. I encourage you to keep others in mind as you go along with the next chapters of your life.”

For Rehman, it was an opportunity to remind students that “We Rise Together” wasn’t just a slogan, it was a statement that oftentimes our greatest achievements are made possible through collaboration.

“Those words are a reflection of who we are as a community,” Rehman said. “Every accomplishment represented on the stage here today was made possible not only by your individual effort, but by the support of teachers who believed in you, administrators who believed in you, families who encouraged you, friends who stood by you and a community that invested in your success. Be bold in pursuing your dreams, but never forget the people and values that shaped you. Today, we are Ram proud of what you have accomplished.”

Regardless of where the students are going in the future, Pumo said they would always have a connection the the school district that educated them.

“As you move forward, remember that achievement is important, but so is the person you become along the way,” Pumo said. “Continue to lead with kindness, continue to support others, continue to be curious, creative and willing to make a positive impact on the people around you. Today, you leave West Hempstead as graduates, but you will always be Rams.”

With that, tassels turned over and caps took flight. The class of 2026, after a ceremony full of reflection, looked ahead to the future.