Senior ‘family’ leaves Central

Dr. Joseph Pompilio has sent thousands of students off into the real world but last week, he graduated the class that started kindergarten the same year he became principal of Central High School. It took them a decade to finally meet, and that was just three years ago when the class of 2014 stepped into Central for the first time.

Pompilio kept his remarks brief at June 25’s graduation ceremony at the Tilles Center, the second year in a row it has been held outside of Valley Stream. Rather, he let the students do the talking.

“Family” was an oft-repeated theme of the speakers. Class President Simone Boyd described the class of 2014 as a family that could never be broken. “We help each other, pull each other through difficult situations,” she said.

Salutatorian Tanisha Verneus noted how the class came together for the first time six years ago when they entered Memorial Junior High School. Over time, they formed close friendships with one another.

“Though our ups and our downs, we’ve been a family for the six years,” she said, “and all of our experiences, both good and bad, are going to last a lifetime.”

Two members of that family were in everyone’s thoughts as they were involved in a bad car accident days before graduation, Jurell Willson and Corey Bonilla. Pompilio said that the class of 2014 had rallied around them, with many wearing messages of support on their mortarboards.

Wilson, in a wheelchair, was able to attend the ceremony and drew loud cheers when he given his diploma. Bonilla remains hospitalized has a long road of recovery ahead, Pompilio said, so his brother, Kyle, accepted his diploma on his behalf.

A total of 347 seniors graduated last week, clad in their blue and white gowns.

Valedictorian Christopher Chong said all of his fellow classmates have unique talents, and they are poised for big successes in the future. He said he looks forward to seeing them all again in 2064 at their 50th high school reunion.

Verneus agreed that much good lies ahead for the class of 2014. “Don’t let your fears intimidate you,” she said. “It is up to you what you do from this day on.”

See more photos from the graduation ceremony here.