The journey begins for Long Beach High School grads

“As we reach this critical time in our lives, we hold in our hands the opportunity to do something amazing,” Long Beach High School valedictorian Jonathan Klus told his fellow graduates last Sunday. “We represent the future of our community and the future of America. If we pursue those issues that we are passionate about and remain true to ourselves and honest and hardworking, then we will succeed in improving the world.”

The high school gym was buzzing with hundreds of friends and family members as the 329 graduates of the class of 2012 celebrated the school’s 89th commencement. Amid cheers and applause, the honorees approached the stage to “Pomp and Circumstance,” many looking out to their loved ones in the audience with proud smiles. After they received their diplomas, the graduates tossed their blue satin caps in the air.

“I’m looking forward to the independence and the opportunities that college has to offer — it really is the real world now,” said senior class Secretary Andrew DiGiorgio, who plans to study business administration at Penn State.

This year’s graduating class includes the first group of International Baccalaureate diploma candidates, 20 seniors who wore honorary stoles. The ceremony also recognized the first cohort of Island Park students to graduate from Long Beach High.

Forty-five percent of the graduates earned Regents diplomas, and 92 percent will attend two- or four-year colleges next year. There were 52 A.P. Scholars, four National Merit Commended Students, a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, a Scholar Artist in Dance and two published authors of science research. Four students earned gold medals at international science competitions, while seven won awards for their artwork featured in countywide competitions. Two were All-State athletes and one, Dylan Palacio, a state wrestling champion.

Salutatorian Jayne Smyth remembered how she was assigned to read Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s children’s novel, “The Little Prince,” in her 10th-grade French class, and how she now felt a strong connection to its protagonist, who searches for friendship, understanding and adventure.