On Thursday, June 27, the Sachem High School North Class of 2024 gathered at the Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium field one last time to celebrate their graduation. Seniors were welcomed by cheers from their families as “Pomp and Circumstance” played throughout the stadium.
Students who will be entering the armed forces upon graduation were called in front of the stage to be honored for their service. At this time, the Sachem North Symphonic Choir sang the National Anthem before a special guitar solo of “God Bless America” was performed by senior Steven Mattiolo.
High School North Principal Andrew Larson presented Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pellettieri with an honorary diploma ahead of his retirement this July, before speaking to the graduating class. Mr. Larson noted his special connection to the Class of 2024 as they started their careers at Sachem North together. He then introduced guest speaker Kristen Bowes Burke. Bowes Burke, general counsel for Mercy College, imparted advice to the seniors as they go off into the world.
Following the remarks, elementary principals Dr. Thomas Desmond and Mr. Joseph Watson introduced the top 25 academic leaders of the class including salutatorian Ryan DeSimone and valedictorian Avi Talsania. Talsania addressed his peers.
“Treat everyone’s life just as valuable as yours and welcome each hardship you face as another steppingstone in your journey. It has been the greatest gift getting to know you guys the past few years and with that, I can wholeheartedly say, we are the ones who will change this world because that is exactly what we have been prepared to do,” Talsania said.
Senior class president Nicholas Abbate stepped up to the podium and reflected on some memories during his time at High School North. He posed a question to his peers in the hopes of empowering them to overcome future obstacles.
“What can any one of us do in the face of insurmountable challenges? Should we retreat from them and passively accept that there’s nothing to do but accept our bleak fate? Or do we summon the strength to believe that with a little courage and a little determination, we can beat the odds that are seemingly stacked up against us? Because we’ve already beaten those odds to arrive at this unique moment in history,” Abbate said.
Following the student speeches, Board of Education president Rob Scavo introduced trustee and parent of a graduating senior, Meredith Volpe to present the diplomas. Students walked across the stage as they were congratulated by administrators and Board of Education members. Once back in their seats, the seniors turned their tassels and threw their caps to the sky, marking the end of their high school careers
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Date Added: 6/28/2024