Massapequa High School Sends Off The Class Of 2018

“The world is ready for us,” Massapequa High School salutatorian Nicole Leonick told her fellow graduates on June 18 at Hofstra University at the school's 62nd annual commencement exercises.

In their blue caps and gowns, the 593 graduates came together as a class one last time to celebrate the accomplishments of the last 13 years. Guests were treated to a photo montage of senior memories before the graduates entered.

Student speakers highlighted numerous academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements, including several during their senior year alone — a county championship for the mock trial team, a state title for the baseball team and a national championship for the robotics team. They recounted the support they gave each other during their high school years, and said that’s what made success possible.

“We made memories that will live in our hearts and our minds forever,” said senior class President Gillian Murphy.

The speakers also thanked their teachers and families, noting the tremendous roles they played in this milestone moment.

General Organization President David Letzter said that leaving high school is a unique transition as he and his fellow graduates will all follow different paths. He encouraged them to embrace the change and “find out who we can become.”

Principal Patrick DiClemente recognized the students who will be joining a branch of the military or enrolling at a military institution after graduation.

Valedictorian Deborah Lobacarro talked about the choices that she and her fellow graduates make, from the small — deciding what to eat for breakfast in the morning — to the big — deciding where to go to college. The decisions got more complex as they moved from kindergarten to 12th grade, and the older they get, the more empowering their choices become.

Medals were awarded to an outstanding student in each academic area. Graduates then were called up one by one to receive their diplomas. DiClemente asked them to move their tassels from the right to left, but that only lasted a few minutes as soon caps were tossed in the air in celebration.

Photos, courtesy of the Massepequa School District:
1: Members of Massapequa High School’s Class of 2018 threw their hats in celebration at the end of the graduation ceremony on June 18.
2: Seniors crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and shook hands with administrators and board of education trustees.
3: Friends gathered before the start of the ceremony.
4: The graduates looked for their family members as they entered the venue.
5: Valedictorian Deborah Lobacarro, left, senior class President Gillian Murphy, center, and salutatorian Nicole Leonick were among the student speakers.
6: The senior members of the Chrodettes and Crooners sang the national anthem.