Ward Melville Seniors Receive Special Sendoff

Press release from Three Village Central School District:

July 21, 2020

The resilient Ward Melville High School Class of 2020 officially marked the end of their journey through the Three Village Central School District in a unique way, as the district hosted 11 separate graduation ceremonies throughout the weekend of July 18-19.

Observing social distancing guidelines and wearing masks when within 6-feet of individuals other than their family members, the ceremonies featured many traditional graduation aspects and provided families with the chance to celebrate this momentous milestone.

Each ceremony began with a recorded version of “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by an in-person performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by graduating senior Jordan Amato. Class of 2020 valedictorian William Sun and salutatorian Matthew Fiorella delivered eloquent commencement speeches during each of the 11 ceremonies, imparting words of wisdom and collective sentiments about their hope for the future.

“We are at a peak of ambition and aspiration; we are all seeking to maximize our potential…… (and) how we choose to capitalize on this moment will determine the brightness of more than just our own future,” said Matthew.

“More than any other generation, we know that taking small steps in large amounts can overcome large barriers,” added William. “If we take small steps to improve ourselves we can better our lives and the lives of others instead of waiting around for the one person to solve our problems…. As an upcoming class of empowered youth, we don’t need to sit around and feel powerless. We don’t need to define ourselves by what we don’t have but can define ourselves by what we can have. We, not just a few of us but all of us, can change the world.”

During the ceremonies, Class of 2020 Student Government President Sarah Thornton announced that this year’s class gift would be a new tree, bench and rock escribed with a quote at the front part of the school lawn, symbolizing the Class of 2020’s continued growth and strength. In addition, Principal William Bernhardt focused his congratulatory address in the form of a letter penned factiously by the graduates almost 50 years into the future meant as a reflection on this pivotal time in history and all of the potential the lay ahead.

Before ceremoniously turning their tassels with the help of Student Government representative Jennifer Barnett and tossing their graduation caps into the summer air, each graduate was individually called to the podium to receive their diploma. Each was celebrated with rounds of applause and then able to take a commemorative photo, while observing social distancing guidelines.

This press release was produced by Three Village Central School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.