By Dana Williams
Principal Susan Knors told students that although their teachers and parents have high expectations for them, it is the small actions that can lead each of them to accomplish great things. "I believe in my heart that you will know what to do," Knors said. "We wish you great health ... and much happiness." She also commended the students for their academic and athletic accomplishments, noting that the seniors received more than $1 million in college scholarships this year.
With 295 students graduating, hundreds of people attended the ceremony on the school's football field - many sitting under umbrellas and trees to escape the sun. The ceremony also featured performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful" by the school's concert choir, and selections by bugler Nicholas Polacco.
Jessica Prestifilippo, the class's valedictorian, told her fellow students that the most important tool they have is themselves, and that it is up to them to make something of their lives. "Life is what we make it," she said.
Dr. Thomas Caramore, the district's acting superintendent, offered students a similar message, telling them they are the only ones who have "sole custody" of their lives. "Remember, the word 'commencement' means beginning," Caramore said.
Njong "N.J." Abang, president of the senior class and the ceremony's presiding officer, echoed Caramore's sentiments, telling her classmates that they have "achieved so much in high school," and now it is time for them "to begin the next chapter" of their lives.
"Baldwin High School is a really great place, and we have made a lot of great memories," said senior Donald Clemens, who will attend DeSales University in the fall. "We all are really happy to be graduating, and we are looking forward to next year."
Salutatorian Stephanie Letzler gave the crowd a couple of laughs with her address. Using the phrase "A Baldwin" - inspired by the movie "Clueless" - Letzler encouraged her fellow students to take back the meaning of the phrase. In her eyes, to be "A Baldwin" means that one has experienced the "academic success, athletics, the arts and the heart and spirit" of Baldwin High School.
School board President Mary Jo O'Hagan - who presented awards to Prestifilippo and Letzler for earning the class's top honors - added to Letzler's idea in her speech, telling seniors to never forget who they are and where they came from.
Many parents rushed to the front to take pictures when the presentation of the diplomas began. Some had tears in their eyes, while others called out their children's names to get their attention. Many were appreciative of the opportunities their kids had at the high school.
"If the kids want to apply themselves, Baldwin High School is a fantastic school for them to go to because of the options the school has for them," said Bruce DeMeglio, the father of Baldwin senior Stephanie DeMeglio. "I'm very proud of my daughter. It has been four years for her at this school, and now it's time for another door to be opened."
As the year came to a close, many said they realized that they would miss their high school. "I realized that it's going to be weird not coming back to this school next year," said Jason Levy, who will attend SUNY-Binghamton in the fall. "There are a select few things that I am really going to miss about this school."
"Baldwin High School is really the place to be because it's a really nice place," added Daniel Eaker, who is also headed to Binghamton. "I'm really going to miss this school, and all of my teachers and friends."
"I'm going to miss seeing my friends every day in the commons and going to class with them, but I'm also happy to be graduating and moving on to the next step - college," said Zach Stegman, who will be a Lehigh University freshman in the fall.
"I'm very happy to be graduating," added Mike Woods, who will play basketball for Briarcliff College. "I'm going to miss this school a little bit, but it's time for me to move on to the next level of school, basketball and my life."
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
Photos by Sarah Hogan
