Thursday, July 10, 2025
As they sat in their green and white caps and gowns, Seaford High School’s 160 graduates were asked to reflect on their heroes – not fictional characters in capes, but those who make an impact in their lives. It was with the support of those everyday heroes that the Class of 2025 achieved this milestone, which was celebrated on June 13 at the LIU Post Tilles Center.
Seniors marched in to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the high school band and took their seats in the middle of the theater. Principal Nicole Schnabel welcomed the graduates, along with their proud family members, board of education trustees, administrators and dignitaries.
Her personal hero was wearing a graduation gown. She spoke of Aeron Go, a student who came to Seaford in his senior year and, instead of blending into the background, chose to stand tall and embrace Seaford pride.
“He joined the chorus and sang his heart out in front of strangers who would soon become his community,” she said. “He signed up for clubs. He explored new interests. He earned a spot on the high honor roll, built genuine friendships, connected with teachers and helped make Seaford a better place in just one short year.”
Valedictorian Anastasia Perlegis said her hero showed up on a family vacation to the Greek Island of Zakynthos. Their driver, as a parting gift, gave them a plain, plastic bottle of olive oil. It was the best olive oil they ever had.
“Why gush over olive oil on graduation day?” Anastasia asked. “You see, this olive oil offers a powerful message besides the fact that Greece truly does have the best oil. More importantly – greatness does not need a label. The best things we do in life, success itself, does not need validation by recognition nor comparison against others.”
Salutatorian Ava Caruso’s honored World War II veteran Bob Hartline, whom she met during last year’s Soaring Valor trip, sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation.
“Getting to know him has reminded me that without the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans, the opportunities we have been granted would not exist,” Ava said. "It is because Mr. Hartline made the decision, as so many others did and do, to set out as an 18-year-old and protect our ideals, that I have the ability and privilege to speak in front of you and pursue a higher education.”
Schnabel honored all seniors who went on the Soaring Valor trip to the National World War II Museum with the annual Viking Valor award. The graduates were also joined by one of the veterans from that trip, Jack Cook, who wanted to personally congratulate the two students he was paired with, Dylan Malone and Emily Richardson. Gary Sinise also delivered a personalized video message to the Seaford graduates.
The ceremony featured the presentation of numerous honors including the PTSA Academic Award, Student Leadership Award, United Teachers of Seaford Scholarship, Anthony J. Varuolo Student Council Award and Patriot Award. Class of 2025 officers presented their annual gift including a table to provide seating near the comfort station and funds for the incoming Class of 2029.
Superintendent Adele Pecora reminded graduates that heroism is often found in moments where ordinary people act selflessly to help others.
“The potential for heroic action lies within each of us,” she said, “when we choose to persevere through adversity, when we show kindness without expecting anything in return, when we help someone who’s hurting just because it’s the right thing to do. In those moments, we are heroes, even if only for a little while.”
Board of Education President Lisa Herbert conferred diplomas on the graduates, who were then congratulated by Pecora, Executive Director for Humanities Charles Leone, Schnabel, State Sen. Steve Rhoads and Town Councilman Chris Schneider as they crossed the stage and exited behind a large, lit up “2025” sign. Retiring English teacher and student council co-adviser Shari Raduazzo was given an honorary diploma, the last piece of the program before graduates sent their caps flying in the air.
