Syosset High School 61st Commencement Honors Class Of 2019

SYOSSET, NY—During the 61st Syosset High School Annual Commencement, held on June 26 at Hofstra University, over 470 seniors stepped up to the podium and accepted their high school diplomas, per a press release from the Syosset School District.

Students marched into the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex as the High School Orchestra played "Pomp and Circumstance." Following that, members of The Adelettes performed a stunning rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

This year’s class was highlighted with two National Merit Scholars, nine National Merit Finalists and 30 Commended students; as well as a Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist and three Regeneron Scholars.

Syosset High School Assistant Principal Mr. Raymond Gessner delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of the high school administration and acted as the emcee for the evening. Citing the theme of the 2019 yearbook, he stated, "Be bold in expressing your ideas, be brave in following your dreams, and use your beauty to be an inspiration to everyone you meet."

Superintendent Dr. Tom Rogers encouraged the students to dream big and find their passions. "Each of you has dreams, ideas, plans…" he told them. "Don’t just follow the ones you can achieve. Pursue the ones that inspire you."

Board of Education Trustee Ms. Anna Levitan further emphasized the significance of passion in her remarks to the graduates. "It is passion that separates those who are able to weather adversity from those who cannot," she stated. "It is passion that allows someone to rise up to great challenges."

Board of Education Trustee Mr. Chris Ulrich focused on the pursuit of wisdom. "My hope for you as you go forward in life is that you will always seek wisdom."

Class of 2019 Student Government President Sahil Rustami and Senior Class President Charles Zandieh presented the class gift, a variety of amenities for the school courtyard, after a lighthearted banter from the podium.

Class Speaker Diya Chadha spoke about her educational journey during her time at Syosset. "Syosset gave us passion, inquisitiveness and thoughtfulness," she said, and advised the graduates to "Take the education that Syosset gave you, use your voice, and make some change."

Salutatorian Sabrina Eager expressed her gratitude for the education she received in Syosset, stating "Having teachers who believed in me and my potential gave me the confidence to know I had a voice worth listening to."

Valedictorian Cooper Scher spoke about the transformation during the four years of high school, and those to come in the future, stating "Don’t forget that the foundations of our characters were formed during the transitional four years [at Syosset]."

During the ceremony, the Elisabeth T. Babcock Award, PTA/STA Scholarship Awards, and Personal Achievement Awards were presented to deserving students. In a touching moment, Mr. Gessner took a moment to recognize and thank three graduates who plan serve our country, Andrew Giovinco, who will be entering the Airforce Academy, and Matthew Majoy and James Galvin, who will be entering Reserve Officer Training Corp programs.

The commencement culminated with each student receiving their diploma and the traditional cap toss, signifying the end of their high school journeys.