School News

Just a 'General' graduation for the class of '16

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It was an exciting day for MacArthur High School’s nearly 330 graduates, who received their diplomas in a morning ceremony at Hofstra University last Saturday. Many of the students found unique ways to express their sentiments on their mortarboards.
It was an exciting day for MacArthur High School’s nearly 330 graduates, who received their diplomas in a morning ceremony at Hofstra University last Saturday. Many of the students found unique ways to express their sentiments on their mortarboards.
Photos by Rebecca Anderson/Herald

Seniors from MacArthur High School — 329 of them — were draped in regal blue and walked across the Hofstra University stage on June 18 to receive their high school diplomas. Crowds of parents, siblings, teachers, administrators and staff filled the arena while they watched in support.

“It is an honor and a privilege to present to you, the class of 2016, as my first graduating class as principal,” Joseph Sheehan told the graduates. “Soon, each one of you will be deciding what road you want to venture down and now is the time to set goals for yourself, for they are the nucleus of motivation to succeed. Don’t be frightened to think outside the box.”

As each student walked across the stage to shake hands with members of the Board of Education, caps sparkled with the slogans such as “Let the journey begin” and “Adventure is out there.” After four years of hard work and determination, students have finally planned where they will be attending college, what career to pursue or if they will enter the armed forces.

Town Councilman Gary Hudes, a Levittown native, spoke to the class of 2016 about the importance of being aware of life’s speed bumps. “It is so important for you to shake off the negatives that you are going to find in life,” he said. “You must believe in your goals and believe in your value.” He compared a stepped on and crumpled $50 bill to self worth. “There are times people will step all over you, but no matter what happens, you will still have that same value.”

Other speakers included Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald, Board of Education President Peggy Marenghi and Sen. Chuck Schumer. Valedictorian Gregory Matousek, who will be attending Stony Brook University and Salutatorian Ashley Kim, who will be attending Brown University, also made remarks to their graduating class.

“Each and every one of you are a unique, brilliant and ready-to-be-used candle today,” Matousek said as he lit a candle. “Graduates, it is the flames of your friends and family that will reignite you. Seek every other candle to light fire with you and together, our flames could ignite the world.”

The graduation ceremony ended with an action-packed senior class video and a traditional placement of the cap tassel from right to left to signify moving on. 

“Class of 2016, you will always be first class in my heart,” Sheehan said to end the ceremony. “Always remember, wherever you may go and whatever you may do, you are a General.”