Yorktown High School Holds its 2016 Graduation

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. -- Yorktown High School held its 2016 commencement ceremony Saturday afternoon, June 25 at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College.

The Yorktown High School band played the "Star Spangled Banner" and the YHS choral members performed. School Principal Joseph Superintendent Dr. Ralph Napolitano and Board of Education President Jackie Carbone conferred diplomas to the 309 graduating seniors.

Jillian Barry was this year's Valedictorian, and James WoMa was the Salutatorian.

In their speeches both of these students stressed the value of good planning and hard work, but also acknowledged the importance of support from family and friends.

Senior Class Leader Amanda Frederick offered her classmates a fond farewell in her speech.

The class of 2016 completed thousands of hours of community service in such programs as Relay for Life and Alliance for Safe Kids. Many students wore green, gold and white cords to display their participation.

This year, the high school through its Yorktown Science Research reported a record number of students presenting at international science fairs from WESEP to Intel to ISWEEEP.

The Yorktown Central School District is one of four districts in the country to be named a National School District of Character -- and the only one in our Hudson Valley region. As well, the New York State Education Department has recognized YHS as a leader in educational excellence.

(Photos courtesy of Brown Paper Bag, Inc.)