Central seniors go back to where they came together

See more photos from the ceremony here.

Nearly six years ago, they came together from a host of elementary schools as seventh-graders at Memorial Junior High School. Last Friday, they were back.

A soaking rainstorm that afternoon pushed all Valley Stream high school graduations indoors, and Central High School’s was moved up the block to Memorial because of its more spacious gymnasium. That didn’t stop 350 graduates from celebrating their accomplishment surrounded by family members, friends, teachers, administrators and Board of Education members.

In a short, 55-minute ceremony, the graduates listened to a few speeches from classmates, got their diplomas and said goodbye to high school.

Senior Class President Laurianna Rosado talked about how much the class of 2012 has grown — as individuals and together — in its six years at Memorial and Central. “We’ve had the opportunity to see each other grow into educated, dignified and respectful young adults,” she said.

Rosado recalled some of the good times at Central including Homecoming, pep rallies, spirits days, marching band competitions and prom. Everyone in that graduating class has a little bit of Central in them, she said.

Salutatorian Brian Sinko told his fellow graduates that there are the masters of their own destiny. He cited Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who started the popular social networking site when he was 21 and became billionaire two years later. And Bill Gates created Microsoft at 19, just “one year older than most of us graduating,” Sinko said.

Those men had a vision, had potential and worked tirelessly, Sinko said. He told his classmates that to realize their dreams, they must have passion, persistence and be willing to work hard.

“Remind yourself that opportunity is out there,” Sinko said, “and if you don’t see, look somewhere else.”

Central’s graduates will be looking for those opportunities near and far. Most will be continuing their education next year, whether it’s at nearby Molloy College or 1,000 miles away at the University of South Florida. Others are joining the workforce or entering the military.