Photos! Levittown's MacArthur High School's class of 2023 makes the grade

An overwhelming feeling of pride and joy filled the air at the Hofstra University David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on June 17 as seniors from General Douglas MacArthur High School reached the conclusion of their educational careers in Levittown Public Schools.

Loved ones lined the bleachers as graduates took their seats in front of the stage. To start MacArthur’s 62nd commencement, class of 2023 President Wasi Naqvi led the Pledge of Allegiance before senior choir members sang the national anthem. A special performance of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac was also sung by the choir.

MacArthur Principal Joseph Sheehan welcomed families and congratulated the seniors. “This graduating class is so special in so many ways,” Mr. Sheehan said. “Their introduction to high school was interrupted during the infancy of the spring semester of their freshman year. … But over the next three-and-a-half years, they exuded a much-needed tenacity and an illuminous display of perseverance.”

Superintendent of Schools Todd Winch reminded graduates not only to celebrate their successes but also to appreciate the failures they have learned from. “Success does not usually happen quickly or without setbacks,” Mr. Winch said. “Don’t be afraid of failure — embrace it, learn from it, and let it lead you on the path to future success.”

Winch individually recognized the graduates who will serve in various branches of the United States Armed Forces and presented each of them with flags that had hung in MacArthur classrooms.

Salutatorian Ana Compton addressed her peers and related graduates’ futures to entropy while urging them to look ahead with determination. “Everyone has their own messy room: whether it’s literally your bedroom, or whatever chaotic entropy you struggle with, the science proves you can’t control it,” Ana said. “However, by making a deliberate effort to maintain order in our lives, we can achieve great feats.”

Class President Wasi Naqvi addressed the class of 2023 and related their journeys to the roots, trunk, and branches of a tree. “Just like trees, we’ve formed roots,” Wasi said. “The past 18 years of our lives — all our experiences, the hardships, the good times, and the uncertainties — have created the people we are today.”

In her class address, valedictorian Mia Frattura reflected on the definition of success. “After all, one success doesn’t necessarily match another’s,” Mia said. “This doesn’t mean that each success is invalid, but rather suggests success is as nuanced as the person who achieved it.”

Seniors then joined their fellow musicians in the symphonic band to perform “The Maelstrom” under the direction of Joseph Romano, followed by a commemorative presentation that showcased fond memories from every graduate through photos and videos.

Board of Education President Jennifer Messina congratulated seniors and began the conferring of diplomas. Cheers erupted from the audience as each graduate crossed the stage and shook hands with trustees and administrators. After the symbolic turning of their tassels, graduates threw their caps into the air to mark their becoming alumni of Levittown Schools.