Massapequa High School Graduates Class of 2011

The four-year journey of class of 2011 came to a rousing end Monday night as they took part in the school's 55th annual commencement exercises.

The 648 members of the class gathered at Hofstra University's Mack Sports Complex as they heard from two distinguished classmates, valedictorian  Alexa Ann Savino and Salutatorian Natalie Ann Sabbia.

"It was difficult," Savino said of the speech, which she worked on for several weeks.

"There were so many positives about my memories of Massapequa High School that there was a lot to include."

Sabbia said she spoke to several of her classmates to get ideas for her speech.

"I didn't want it to be just me saying things and nobody enjoying it," she said.  "I wanted to make it about them and about us."

In addition to being valedictorian, Savino won the award as top Social Studies Student, and both Savino and Sabbia were among those honored with the Presidential Award For Outstanding Academic Excellence.

Other award winners included: Kevin Duggan and Jenna Schlefman for English; Jenna Schlefman for Mathematics;  Nicholas Rendina for Science; Matthew Shizume for World Languages; Nicholas LaTorre for Business Education; Jaclyn Pipitone  for Family and Consumer Sciences; Daniel Kalin for Music; Nicholas DeLuna for Technology; Megan McNeice for Art; Brian Nani for Boys Physical Education;  Monica Capolongo for Girls Physical Education; Ryan VanBuren for Boys Athletics and Taylor Elliott for Girls Athletics.

The stage was adorned with blue and gold banners and red rose bushes were placed in front. A class of 2011 banner was placed in the back of the area where students walked up to receive their diplomas.

After all of them were handed out, they moved their tassels from left to right and hats flew in the air as principal Dr. Barbara Williams ended the ceremony with the traditional announcement, "Class Dismissed!"