With proud parents, siblings, friends, teachers,
administrators and members of the Board of Education in attendance, the
members of the Class of 2019 received their diplomas during the annual
commencement exercises on June 28.
The sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by
student-musicians under the baton of Dr. Michael Caravello, filled the
air as the proud students walked onto the high school lawn to be
commended one final time for their successful high school careers.
Words of wisdom and congratulatory remarks on the
accomplishments of the students were offered by Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Paul Casciano and Principal Christine Austen. She spoke of
the small acts of kindness that she noticed in her daily routine at the
school, from students who assisted with prom tickets, to those who
guided younger peers with personal issues, to a helping a peer’s family
member who had an illness.
“Your compassion and support for one another and the
underclassmen is admirable, and I want to thank each one of you for
making the high school a better place,” she said. She commended them for
their grit, courage and determination and encouraged them to remember
to believe in themselves, and not to forget to ask for help.
This year’s parent-speaker, Tara Higgins, continued to
set a tone of pride for all the graduates. Valedictorian Annalisa
Welinder and salutatorian Ava Schully also addressed their fellow
classmates with gratitude for family and fond memories of growing up in
the close-knit school community. Their many high school achievements
will lead them to post-high school studies at Stanford University and
Brown University, respectively.
Mrs. Austen then called each student to the podium and
highlighted their high school careers and future plans. She was assisted
by members of the Board of Education in handing out the diplomas. The
students then stood and tossed their caps in the air in celebration of
becoming the newest graduates of the high school.
From the entire Port Jefferson School District and
community, congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2019.