New Hyde Park Memorial High School Graduation 2017

New Hyde Park Memorial High School’s Class of 2017 are officially graduates!

The commencement ceremony was held at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on June 25.

Speakers included Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Ferrie, senior class president Karen Alexander and Student Council president Jenna Weihs.

During her speech, Weihs told fellow graduates to take a moment and reflect on what they had accomplished in the last six years and to think about what they could accomplish in the next six years.

“Today is the day to make a promise to yourself to do better and to be better,” Weihs said. “Always go the extra mile. Always chose the harder path because that’s what Memorial taught us and that is what gladiators do… and we are gladiators.”

Principal Dr. Richard Faccio shared what he knew about the Class of 2017.

“You are a very close group, you take care of each other, you like to be around each other and that doesn’t happen all the time. You are willing to do what it takes to get it done and you truly enjoyed your time at New Hyde Park Memorial,” he said. “Expand that to include more people, more places and things. You need to do the same in your college career, you should do the same as you grow older and start a family.”

Salutatorian Sam Kooran spoke about how fast time passes by and encouraged classmates not to waste it.

“Time flies, guys. We seldom realize how much that single statement means until we reach a point in our lives where we make decisions and have to move forward, until we are called to use all our experience that we have gathered to outline a path for the future. That’s when we look back and say ‘Oh how I wish I could relive that moment.’ And that is exactly where we, as a class, are today.”

Valedictorian Rena Fukuda spoke about personal happiness during her address.

“For many of us, college days are approaching, filled with sleepless nights and missed meals and what will be a seemingly never-ending pile of responsibilities and work. It can seem all-important, all-consuming. But, just once in a while, do me a favor and ask yourself, ‘Are you happy?’ Sometimes happiness seems like an investment, a little unhappiness today for more happiness later. Sometimes happiness seems like a luxury. Sometimes happiness just isn’t there,” she said. “On the fitting subject of academics, sometimes happiness and health get left behind. Work and responsibilities sometimes become bigger concerns than taking care of yourself. But that doesn’t mean happiness isn’t important. That doesn’t mean the things you want or the things that make you burn up inside or the things that just make you feel healthy and whole don’t count. They might actually be the things that count the most.”

Musical performances by the school’s select choir and senior high school band were highlights of the ceremony, which continued with the awarding of diplomas and the traditional tossing of the caps.

Photo Captions:

1. New Hyde Park seniors (l-r): Nick Pellegrino, Rob Mirabile, Nick Pellettiere, Gina Pepe, Domenica Genitle and Steven Chambers posed for photos as they waited to enter the ceremony.

2. Krystal Fernandez and Bryan Fernandez joined classmates as they lined up for commencement.

3. The graduation gowns of Shilpa Shaju, Jessica Shechtman and Grant Wong were covered in medals they received for academic achievements.

4. Principal Dr. Richard Faccio addressed the graduates and their families during the ceremony.

5. New Hyde Park Memorial’s select choir performed under the direction of teacher Robert McKinnon.

6. Salutatorian Sam Kooran encouraged his classmates to not waste time.

7. Valedictorian Rena Fukuda received her diploma from Principal Dr. Richard Faccio after delivering a heartfelt message to her classmates.

8. Daniel Diaz smiled proudly after receiving his diploma.

9. New Hyde Park Memorial graduate Sarah Carrera smiled for photos after receiving her diploma.

10. New Hyde Park Memorial graduates tossed their caps in celebration.

Photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District