Central seniors celebrate at graduation

Much was the same about this year’s Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District graduation ceremonies on Sunday. Seniors came attired in their caps and gowns –– blue robes for Calhoun, green for Kennedy and red for Mepham. Excited parents showered their now adult children with flowers and balloons, and snapped hundreds of photos.

But much was different –– for starters, the venue. For the first time, Central District officials moved the ceremonies from the high schools to the NYCB Theater at Westbury, formerly the Westbury Music Fair. The theater, Central officials noted, accommodated many more family members and friends of graduates than did the football field bleachers at the high schools. In all, the theater seated 2,000, allowing the Central District to distribute up to six or even seven tickets to the ceremony per senior, as opposed to the usual four. The theater was also indoors and air-conditioned, so there was no worrying about the weather. And the sound system was superb, officials said, allowing the three high schools to put on full-fledged concerts amid the festivities.

More than 900 seniors graduated from the Central District’s three high schools this year. And the Herald was there to catch the action. More photos to follow on Tuesday. Also, be sure to pick up a copy of this week's Merrick or Bellmore Heralds, which will feature special graduation sections with photos and lists of graduates.

Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.