By MIKE RUSSO
More than 400 seniors donned the traditional blue and gold for the school's 101st commencement, which, like any other graduation ceremony was filled with bittersweet emotions and words of inspiration. "This is not the end," said Salutatorian Nina Caldas. "It is only the beginning."
Caldas described the high school as a place where students’ identities were formed, and where they learned knowledge and open-mindedness. She urged her fellow students to look toward the rest of their lives with great optimism, saying, "The possibilities that lie in the future are limitless."
Valedictorian Samuel Schoenberg gave a lighthearted yet inspiring speech of his own. He insisted that he wouldn't use all the common clichés of the average valedictory address, but then fired off a half dozen, much to the audience's amusement.
Schoenberg said that so many students were fortunate to have grown up with computers, televisions and iPods and to have their parents be there for them all the time. Many times, he said, young people come to believe that the world revolves around them. But citing his grandfather, who Schoenberg said worked two jobs to give his family great opportunities, he emphasized that achieving success often requires hard work.
“It is in tackling an obstacle head-on that we'll find out how rewarding life can be,” he said. “We can achieve that something better.” Schoenberg stressed to the graduates that they should never be content with mediocrity, adding, "There's always room for ice cream."
Superintendent Dr. James Mapes, speaking at his first BHS graduation, said that his wish for the graduating class was that they be responsible, willing to sacrifice when they could and always ready to help those in need. While it is inevitable that they will make mistakes, he said, the act of making one often inspires a new way of thinking and the opportunity to learn from it.
"Don't fear mistakes," Mapes said. "Don't be afraid to take risks, and don't be afraid to use what you have learned. Think about your influences and its affect on others. Observe others as you seek inspiration. Take in everything you see and apply it toward your own personal growth."
The class of 2009 is a special one, Principal Susan Knors said, because the students were seniors when the nation voted for "change" in electing President Barack Obama. "This is quite an extraordinary group in front of me," Knors said. "Some people fear change ... some embrace it. You can resist change or you can be the change agent. Graduates, we hope that you will be the change we all wish to see in the world."
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
