There were 287 graduates at Valley Stream Central High School.
Central Valedictorian Melissa Kipp described the last four years as "molding and shaping moments" and that in life everyone has a "web of choices and decisions, moments and events" that unfold "to create the final destined ending." But how much does each decision affect their future? she asked. "All I can do -- and all we can do -- is live here, now, and make the best of today," she concluded.
Central Salutatorian Andrew Yang said that "change is good" and encouraged students to "expect the best."
"It's time for us to extend our heads from our shells, see what there is in the world, crawl toward our destinations with joy and hope," he said.
Because of the lightning and weather, Central shortened its program somewhat, eliminating some of the Class Council speeches, and the Senior Chorus number "Saying Goodbye." They gave out diplomas first, rather than at the end.
There were 138 graduates at Valley Stream North High School.
North's Valedictorian was Marie McManus. "My little wisdom," she said, is to "take advantage of all that you have. Carpe diem. Seize the day. Whether you are an Einstein or a Mozart is not important; it's how fully you realize your own particular aptitude that determines how fully you live your life.
"In the immortal words of Theodore Roosevelt, 'Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.'"
Salutatorian Jennifer Tullo exhorted her classmates to enjoy the "journey" of life, not just the "destination" and to live life "with joy and passion." She ended her speech by saying: "Graduation is a tremendous accomplishment, so take pride in it. Believe in yourselves and try to lead your lives with passion. I know I will treasure the memories we made together, and I can only hope that you all find the ability to truly love the journey."
Senior Class President Nicholas Padesky thanked Senior Class advisor Walter Bachman and reminisced about their years moving from elementary school to high school and now graduation. He said that you may have changed, and your friends may have changed, but your parents are the same; they are the constants in your life. "So perhaps the greatest thing you learned from all your years of education is that your family will always be there for you."
Student Council President Ann McGuire talked about change. She explained that it is "constant," "frightening," "exciting" and "necessary."
Also speaking at North were the principal, Dr. Thomas Troisi, superintendent of schools, Dr. Ronald D. Valenti, and Senior Class Advisor Walter Bachman.
One hundred and seventy four students graduated from Valley Stream South High School.
South Valedictorian Whitney Barnett-Rhodes said that "it is the process itself, not the purpose that gives high school meaning." She said that she learned "through my experience of research in high school that focusing excessively on goals can hamper one's ability to be receptive to insights and creative thinking." She has not given up her goal of creating a brain, but encouraged her classmates "to realize that goals are not always continual sources of progress; they can actually hold us back by preventing us from seeing other paths. Instead, I urge you to explore simply for the sake of exploring, as it could lead to unexpected progress," she said in conclusion.
South Salutatorian Joshua Vogel's speech was entitled, "Life... Dream It and You Can Be It." "The high school experience is filled with change and challenges. It is how we attack challenges and deal with change that can dictate the success of a person," he said. Joshua thanked his parents, friends and mentioned several teachers who were influential in his life. He concluded by talking about chance. He said that "you all have winning tickets" and "the opportunity to change the world. We have the chance to save lives, create masterpieces, and build castles in the clouds...All you have to do is cash it in." "Life is beautiful, and we must always seek to do the impossible and look to the future with eyes wide open."
South Senior Class President Nicholas Kroll reminisced about their six years at South High School and said "I think we can all agree that although they were memorable, these past years have come and gone too fast." ... "As a message to all," he said, "I ask you to hug your parents, thank your teachers, and remember your friends, for it is these people who have given you the true gifts that you will need to continue in life and to make the most of your future."
Also addressing the graduates was the principal, Dr. Stephen Lando, and Board of Education trustee/South High parent Richard Eisenberg. Lando called this year's class the "Palindrome Class of 2002," a number that won't occur again for over 100 years.
Class Secretary Kristen O'Leary and Class Treasurer Liana Valletti presented the class gifts.
[See South Junior Elizabeth Weinbloom's reflections on graduation day, page 2]
