Valley Stream graduates celebrate

The mood in the auditorium at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville was celebratory during Central High School’s commencement ceremony on June 24, with family and friends of the graduates cheering loudly as names were read and students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Salutatorian Kayla Didrick and valedictorian Ronald Pritipaul delivered addresses thanking their parents, teachers and classmates.

“I had about two months to prepare for this speech, so I did what any other high schooler would do — and procrastinated until the last minute,” Pritipaul said. “Last night, I decided to roll up my sleeves, log onto my computer, and go to www.cheapvaledictorianspeeches.com. But unfortunately, my card was declined.”

Pritipaul addressed the value of mistakes and the lessons that come from them. He spoke about role models who got to where they are because they took risks, and encouraged his classmates to embrace risk and uncertainty as they looked ahead to college and their careers.

“Our time is now, so let’s enjoy it,” he said. “You may not know what you’re going to do after you leave the ceremony this afternoon, but that’s OK. Make sure that whatever you end up doing is something worthy, mistakes and all.”

The students accepted their diplomas as steady applause and cheers spread through the audience. Graduating chorus members brought the ceremony to a close with a singing of “Seasons of Love” from “Rent.”

North High School and South High School held their ceremonies at the same time on June 25.

At North, the class of 2015 gathered outside as the students and their principal said goodbye and prepared for the changes that lay ahead.

Principal Clifford Odell was the first to speak, leading his last graduation ceremony before he assumes his new position as the Valley Stream Central High School District’s assistant superintendent for personnel and administration, to which he was appointed in March.