Herricks High School Class Of 2019 Graduates

NEW HYDE PARK, NY—Herricks High School’s Class of 2019 concluded a major chapter in their lives during the 60th annual commencement ceremony, held on the evening of June 27, Herricks Public Schools announced via press release. This was Principal Joan Keegan’s first year leading the high school after many years as middle school principal.

The seniors, along with members of the administration, board of education and high school faculty, entered the school’s field to the delight of hundreds of guests that filled the bleachers. The band performed “Pomp and Circumstance,” and students led their fellow graduates and guests in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, which was followed by the Star-Spangled Banner.

The seniors continued their time-honored tradition of welcoming guests with greetings in a variety of languages spoken all over the world, representative of the diversity within the community.

Board of Education Vice President Brian Hassan and Trustee Henry Zanetti, both parents of graduating students, provided remarks, as did Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano and Herricks High School PTSA Co-Presidents Maria Bono and Margaret Bosco. Celano reflected on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s question of "What are we doing for others?"

"As you go through your journey you’ll realize how true those words are," he said. "As you move forward, continue to explore the world searching for who you are and what your life’s passion may be, don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Be confident, be brave and dream big. Embrace lifelong learning and always persevere."

Salutatorian Sahith Vadada addressed his classmates, followed by comments from Student Government President Kaitlyn Louie.

"As we leave high school, we will want to remember the values instilled in us, and the sacrifices our families made to put us in a position to succeed," Louie told her classmates. "I truly would like to thank each and every one of you for impacting my life in ways you can’t imagine. I am so proud of you and hope you continue to flourish and do amazing things.”

Valedictorian Eish Maheshwari reflected on the names a person holds throughout their life and described the changes that are part of the journey.

"Each name is a stage in our lives, none of which is more important than the other," he said. "Over the coming years, we may forget some science facts or calculus formulas we learned, but we won’t forget the timeless moments we had with our friends."

Another graduation custom is the announcement of a guest speaker selected by students. This year’s honoree was teacher Pascale Gabriel, who highlighted the class’s enthusiasm for social media.

"You share who you are with the world," she said. "Your challenge in the future will be to post things that move people in profound and unexpected ways. As citizen activists, I encourage you to use your skills to inspire, to awe and to excite. I have no doubt you will energize your peers and build enthusiasm around meaningful causes."

The Graduation Choir Singers performed several musical numbers, which were followed by Ms. Keegan’s presentation of the Class of 2019. As the highlight of the ceremony, diplomas were presented by board of education members and each graduate received applause and cheers from guests.

"Herricks will always be your home," Ms. Keegan reminded the graduates. "You will always have a home here. Now go out and prosper!"

Before the evening concluded, members of the Class of 2019 took part in the "turning of the tassels," then tossed their caps onward and upward, as they've finished preparations in moving onto the next journey of their lives.