Rockville Centre graduates ‘live in the light’

Family and friends gathered to celebrate South Side High School’s class of 2012 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on June 22. Some 262 graduates filed into the arena as 11th-grade members of the National Honor Society held strings of flowers and South Side’s wind ensemble played “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Student Government Association President Kasey Ng began the ceremony by requesting a moment of silence for two peers, Chris Vasiliou, who died before the class started high school, and Jordyn Fisher, who died this year. Ng led the Pledge of Allegiance and Stephanie Ziegler sang the national anthem.

Carly Roman, the class’s salutatorian, spoke about the difficulties of getting through the International Baccalaureate program, the value of having good friends and the privilege of attending a great high school, and shared her mother’s advice to “live in the light” with her classmates.

Jenna Carey of the Alumni Association presented the Centennial Award for School and Community to graduate Zachary Derkatch. Roman received the Dr. S. Byers School and Community Service Award from Principal Dr. Carol Burris. Schools Superintendent Dr. William Johnson presented Nicholas Suss and Ng with Laurel Awards, in recognition of their unmatched involvement in extracurricular activities.

In her remarks, Valedictorian Emily Pasarelli compared the high school experience to that of multiple journeys. Guidance from parents and teachers, fear of disappointment and failure and the class’s own perseverance and motivation, she said, contributed to its members’ success. She urged her fellow graduates to never stop believing in themselves and follow Walt Disney’s words: “All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage.”

Board of Education President Liz Dion recalled her own experience after graduating from high school and saying goodbye to her father as he dropped her off at college. She encouraged the graduates to reflect on lessons of respect, integrity and perseverance, and then advised them to find their passion in life.

“Find something you love and you’ll always look forward to your days,” Dion said.