East Rockaway High School celebrated the graduation of its 114-member Class of 2026 during commencement exercises on June 26 on the school’s football field.
Family members and friends filled the stands as graduates marched into the stadium before receiving their diplomas. Superintendent James DeTommaso reminded graduates that commencement was “about much more than diplomas and tassels,” calling it “a journey” made possible by students, teachers, families and the community.
Salutatorian Victoria Schaefer reflected on her classmates’ shared experiences, saying that “love” defined their time at East Rockaway, while valedictorian Charlotte Webster encouraged graduates to embrace change. “I think change is the collection of moments that shape us into who we are and who we will become,” Webster said.
Principal Rich Schaffer reminded graduates that the experiences guiding their futures had already begun in East Rockaway, and class president Sean Smith summed up the evening by telling classmates, “Somehow, the place we could not wait to leave became the place we will never forget.” Following the presentation of diplomas, the Class of 2026 celebrated with the traditional cap toss.
