By JOSEPH KELLARD
Minutes earlier, in his speech, Chris Schoell had noted the many accomplishments of his fellow graduates, and focused on the potential impact they could have on life beyond Oceanside High School. Before an auditorium packed with families and staff last Sunday, Schoell said that everyone has undergone permanent changes due to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the war in the Middle East and Hurricane Katrina, and noted how these events at his school "created a sense of family between faculty and students ... It is this interdependence that is essential for our country in the face of new challenges."
Addressing the anxiousness that he suspects many students will feel about entering the "real world," Schoell told his fellow grads, "We must approach new experiences with a revitalized energy ... with leadership, courage and integrity."
Schoell suggested that the graduating class was up to the task and capable of having an impact on the world that "will be strongly felt," as evidenced by its achievements in academics, the arts and athletics. Among the class's accomplishments were the Economics Challenge team¹s qualifying for national competition; various clubs, such as Model Congress and DECA, earning county and state awards; the boys¹ lacrosse team making it to the Nassau County championship game; and the establishment of a book drive by Andrew Titley, an honors graduate, that has provided tens of thousands of English-language textbooks to school children in Thailand.
Schoell told his fellow graduates that most of them would probably forget his speech, but stressed that they remember one thought: "Rather than fear change," he said, "be an instrument of change. Leave everything you find a little better than the way you found it."
While Schoell¹s speech dealt with broad issues, Salutatorian Karen Iorio focused instead on students¹ fear of failure ‹ an issue, she said, she was most intimately familiar with. Not that she feared poor grades, "but failing to leap over the hurdles we create for ourselves to reach the goals we set," she said.
Iorio said that one of the most useful lessons she ever learned "is to discover that genuine success is finding the beauty in disappointment," and that "most importantly, you must set your eyes on goals that others will consider impossible." Noting that failure to reach a goal is a disappointing and miserable experience, she said the effort is never in vain, that "it is truly the journey, the hard work and dedication that leads to our growth as individuals ... because true growth and success comes not from reaching your goals, but from conquering your fear of trying."
Iorio said she was alarmed by the apathy of some of her peers, those who lack the motivation to strive for a goal. But whether it is a personal, academic or athletic aim, "You will take the first critical step by simply having a goal," she said. "You must abandon your fears of making an effort, ignore the criticisms of those who doubt your abilities, and throw yourself wholeheartedly into your pursuits."
Due to the weekend-long inclement weather, OHS's 103rd commencement was held in the auditorium, which was unable to accommodate the entire graduating class and their families, so the ceremony was spilt into two sessions, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 4. The ceremony featured the high school's chorale, which performed Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and the Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends."
Other speakers included Oceanside School Board President Al Lyson, Superintendent Dr. Herb Brown and Principal Dorie Ciulla. In the shortest speech of all, Lyson turned to the class and said simply, "You did a wonderful job. Congratulations. All the best, and Godspeed to all of you."
Urging the grads to become lifelong learners, Brown said, "A love of learning is the most precious gift that we in Oceanside have given you." Like Schoell, Brown also drew on worldwide issues, telling the grads that globalization has leveled the playing field, and that American students are competing with students worldwide.
Brown quoted New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman on how his parents used to tell him to eat all his food because children in China and India were starving, and "today Mr. Friedman tells his children to do your homework, because children in China and India are hungry for your jobs," he said.
Concluding with a reading from Rudyard Kipling's poem "If," which he wrote for his son, Brown urged the graduates to write a letter to the person who inspired their love of learning, whether a grandparent, a second-grade teacher or a soccer coach.
Ciulla quoted from President Lyndon Johnson's address to OHS's class of 1968. "Pride your individuality always," she said. "Whatever your place in society, whatever your work, do not surrender yourself or compromise your independence. Liberty is and always will be your most precious possession. Guard it well, direct your energy, your talents and your desires to what is best for yourselves and best for your country."
The principal also noted the class's and school's many accomplishments, from the 19 students who received the Scholarship for Academic Excellence Award. to the 21 students selected to participate in the second annual Nassau All County Art Exhibition at C.W. Post, to the marching band, which earned another state championship.
"Work hard to achieve your goals," Ciulla summed up. "Always remember those who have helped you along the way ‹ your parents, your teachers and your community. And lastly, never forget who you are and where you came from."
Photos by Joe Sperber/Herald
Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
