Lynbrook High School hosts 2017 graduation ceremony

Posted

Hundreds of people filled the bleachers behind the football field at Marion Street School as the Lynbrook High School class of 2017 was celebrated in a commencement ceremony on June 23. There were 209 students in the graduating class.

The high school band ushered in the ceremony with its rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” under the direction Brian White as the seniors filled the rows of seats that lined the field. The band then performed the National Anthem.

Salutatorian Hannah Burton addressed the audience, school supervisors and her peers with her address entitled, “Achieving the Seemingly Unachievable,” during which she spoke of some of the obstacles she has faced in her life and applied them to hurdles her peers may face going forward. Class valedictorian Thomas Postiglione then delivered his speech, entitled, “Closing Time: Old Memories & New Beginnings,” during which he spoke of his experiences during his four years at Lynbrook and looked ahead to the future.

Lynbrook High School Principal Joseph Rainis presented the class of 2017 and went over the many accomplishments the students made this year. He concluded by urging the students to take advantage of the time they are given.

“Time is fleeting,” Rainis said. “Ask anyone older than you and they will agree. Time does not wait for the bus. Time is the bus. Get busy investing in your greatest asset because in the game of life, time runs out and we never know when the buzzer will sound.”

Superintendent Dr. Melissa Burak accepted the graduating students and spoke of trumpeter Louis Armstrong in her speech. She shared the story of Armstrong’s beginnings and how he grew up in a poor family in a rough neighborhood in New Orleans, but was still able to achieve many accomplishments rather than letting his past hold him back.

“The world is waiting for what these graduates can offer them,” Burak said. “The Lynbrook community has given them all we could. It is now time for them to give back to this wonderful world. They will do that by never stopping. Following their passions. Sharpening their skills and not allowing others to dampen their spirit. I urge them to continue to share their talents. I am confident they will do so as evidenced by some of the good works they have already accomplished. Congratulations to the Lynbrook class of 2017!”