West Islip High School Graduation 2017

Despite some morning rain, West Islip High School’s Class of 2017 marched into the Lions football stadium under sunny skies in front of hundreds of family members and friends during the annual commencement ceremony on June 24.

“The word that captures the essence of this class is empathy,” said Dr. Anthony Bridgeman, the school’s principal, praising the students’ character.

In addition to Bridgeman, valedictorian Madeleine Gaffney and salutatorian Jack Duffy both made speeches during the event.

“Today serves as the first necessary building block in the construction of our lives outside of this school and this town,” Gaffney said. “This may be a difficult goodbye, but this is just the beginning. There’s so much out there, and now we are forced but prepared to face it. Keep an open mind to new ideas, but always remember where you came from, for we will always be Lions for life.”

“You must never forget what got you to where you stand now,” Duffy said. “Every day we wake up as slightly different people, from the cells in our bodies to our minds gaining experience. We always change little by little, making progress continuously in the moment, and that’s OK. Change is good, you gotta keep moving forward. Just remember all the people you used to be, and never forget the Lions’ den that started it all.”

Superintendent Bernadette Burns also spoke, urging the new graduates to be kind and considerate.

“Go from this West Islip High School and do great things as good people,” she said. “Make good choices, for they will define who you are.”

In his speech to the graduates, Board of Education President Steven Gellar suggested that they be both be themselves and never settle for less.

“Being true to yourself and putting forth your best effort are an essential foundation for a life well-lived,” he said.

After diplomas were conferred, the new alumni sent their blue and white caps soaring and headed off to an afternoon of celebration.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

Photos courtesy of the West Islip School District