Royal Send-Off for Port Jeff Class of 2018

From Port Jeff Schools: Determination, motivation and persistence for success were the keywords of the day for the students of the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Class of 2018 commencement exercises on June 22.

The ceremony began with the processional and national anthem performed by the high school concert band under the direction of Christine Creighton and the traditional color guard presented by members of the Port Jefferson Fire Department. Board of Education President Kathleen Brennan, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Casciano and Principal Christine Austen offered encouraging words to the 89 graduates and as each name was called, their personal achievements and post-graduation plans were recited by Austen as they walked to the podium for their diplomas.

Billy Scannell, senior class president, and Ben Zaltsman, student organization president ,addressed their peers. Joseph Collins, father of twin graduates Joey Collins and Jack Collins, presented the parent speech – a heartfelt tribute to his family and the Port Jefferson school community, peppered with humor, wisdom and a nod to the excellence of education in the district. Ibuki Iwasaki, the class valedictorian, shared words of gratitude to her fellow graduates. “You have all played such an integral part in my life,” she said. “I am constantly amazed and inspired by all the things you do and accomplish in academia, sports, arts and life.” She also thanked family, friends and teachers, for their contributions to the students’ education in Port Jefferson.

Eli Doyle, the class salutatorian, reflected on the childhood physical games all the students participated in together – including the elementary school’s Scraggy 500, a relay race – which he said could be a metaphor for the challenges of managing the many responsibilities of life ahead.

The festive ceremony ended with the release of a huge banner from the school’s rooftop created by retired art teacher Carrie Morgan to celebrate the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Class of 2018.

Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District