Off into the Wide Blue Yonder

The graduating seniors of Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School marked the end of one journey, and the beginning of another on June 26 as the class of 2022 celebrated their commencement ceremony.

Speakers reflected on the last four years, and gave advice for the many more to come before the young adults took the last steps of their high school careers and received their diplomas.

Salutatorian Justine Choi advised her peers to not lose sight of the smaller tasks in front of them, lest they become overwhelmed by the bigger picture. “Wherever we end up after high school, whether its college, trade school, a gap year, the military or a job, it’s important to keep in mind the significance of taking small steps,” she said. “Because change is the result of many cumulative actions, and because in the long run it will enable us to reach our most important goals.”

Valedictorian Olivia Schmidt noted the importance of loved ones and those closest to you in achieving one’s goals. “These past few years have been everything but simple or easy, and I believe that much of our endurance is rooted in our community, our love and support of one another,” she said before thanking her family members, teachers and advisors for all of their help along the way. “If I have learned anything, it's that nothing is more important than the relationships in your life.”

Principal James Murray took stock of the major events of the past few years, both momentous and tragic, and expressed his pride in the leadership the high school community has shown, most recently in the wake of the latest school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. “You started our school year as young teenagers, and here now you are leading as young adults, able and willing to use your voices for change,” he said.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara asked the graduating students to be open to change, should the need arise. “Where you are in any one given moment does not have to determine where you will be in the future,” she said. “There will be many times in your lives where you will be faced with questions such as ‘is this really where I want to be?’ or “Is this really the person I want to be?’ When contemplative questions come your way, make time to contemplate. Do not let the busyness of life, the surety of a previous decision or the fear of the mountain ahead of you stop you from reflecting and considering your options.”

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pobschools.org. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pobschools/.