Pomp and circumstance

Cole Blum, Long Beach High School's valedictorian, was beaming as he addressed his fellow graduates.

“The future is very soon. It’s about to happen, within the next hour, when we all storm out of this building. Most of us will be saying our good-byes, which may sustain us for five or ten years, or even forever,” the future University of Pennsylvania freshman said.

Last Sunday, hundreds of relatives and friends filled the high school gymnasium to honor the 341 graduates of 2010 at the school's 87th annual commencement. The honorees sat facing their families, and after their names were read and they were presented with diplomas, the graduates ebulliently tossed their blue satin caps in the air.

Senior class Treasurer Shimone Shoshanna, who is bound for Boston and Northeastern University, expressed his love for his school and community. “It's where I grew up, it's a unique place and I'll miss it,” Shoshanna said. “I am looking forward to moving on and exploring a new city.”

It has been a year full of accomplishments at Long Beach High: There have been four National Merit Commended Students, two Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction, seven A.P. Scholars with Honor and five A.P. Scholars. Additionally, the graduating class boasts a Siemens Regional Finalist, two Intel ISEF finalists, 10 All County artists and 14 All County athletes. Long Beach High has also been recognized by Newsweek as one of the top schools in the country for the past four years, Principal Nick Restivo said.

After a processional accompanied by the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” the ceremony featured speeches by honored students and school officials, including Salutatorian Spencer Jaffe, who recalled the past four years and had encouraging words for students as they move on to new experiences. “Standing here today, it's difficult to envision what the future will hold for us, but I am certain that we, the class of 2010, will have the freedom to pursue our dreams,” Jaffe said. “It is our responsibility to be a catalyst for change. I have no doubt we will meet this challenge. Stay hungry for change and stay true to yourself.”