Nyack High School Seniors Toss Up Their Caps

's graduation was all set for last Thursday night. Unfortunately, the celebration didn't take. After massive throughout the village, the field set for graduation turned into a minor lake.

So the commencement exercises were moved to Friday at 8 p.m. instead. Each student was given three tickets for family members to attend; anyone who wanted to attend without a ticket was ushered into the auditorium where a live feed of the event was playing on a big screen. Both the auditorium and the gym were packed to the brim.

"It went very well—I wish it was cooler in there!" said Daniel Sanon, who came to watch friend Esther Paul graduate.

The heat was definitely an issue. Gigantic fans were placed around the room, but with so many bodies, it wasn't enough. Programs became makeshift fans on the bleachers as family and friends tried to keep from pouring sweat.

As the students made their way in, the orchestra greeted them with lovely music, in addition to the loud cheers from the stands. The national anthem was sang by the school's advanced chorus, with members taking turn belting solo parts.

The student council president, Michael Alexander Satawa, welcomed everyone to the graduation. He was followed by the Salutatorian, Geneva Magaro Toland, who couldn't help but tearing up during her speech. With the change in schedule, the Valedictorian, Zahra Mahmoud Ahmed, was unable to attend, but her speech was pre-taped and played out on a screen.

"It's all just wonderful, they're great kiddos!" said Carol Sullivan, grandmother of graduate Sally Gale.

"It's been a long road and she made it!" added Lori Gale, Sally's mother.

Felicia Kinning and her family came all the way from Lafayette, Louisiana to see her niece, Meredith Campbell graduate. "I grew up around her, it's great to be back and visit," Kinning said. "The speeches were too long. It's supposed to be about the kids," added her husband Richard.

Kal and Noor Nazzal's daughter Daliah had officially graduated in January with High Honors, but walked in the ceremony. "We're very proud of our daughter," said Kal Nazzal.