Class of 2016 looks toward the future

LBHS grads — and a World War II vet — march on

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“As the class of 2016 goes out into this fast-paced world, none of us know whether our time will be short or long,” Valedictorian Alexandra Kapilian told her fellow Long Beach High School graduates. “But the key in whatever you choose to do is to have a timeless impact. Enjoy how you spend your time, who you spend your time with and make your existence timeless.”

In her speech. Kapilian also thanked her family, friends, teachers and staff members who helped her achieve her goal of getting into Columbia University.

“Don’t live down to expectations,” she said, quoting the playwright Wendy Wasserstein. “Go out there and do something remarkable.”

Family members and friends filled the bleachers at Veterans Memorial Field on June 24 to watch 330 members of the high school’s class of 2016 celebrated its 93rd commencement. The band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates filed onto the field, and senior class officers led the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was followed by a welcoming address by acting high school Principal Dr. Francine Newman.

Most of the graduates were freshmen when Hurricane Sandy hit four years ago, and many were displaced after the storm. In her speech, Salutatorian Paige Rogoff, who will attend the University of Maryland in the fall, spoke about the determination of the members of the graduating class, using Sandy as an example.

“Look at how far we’ve come. The Long Beach community is stronger than ever,” she said. “Whether it was participating in beach cleanups or helping strangers clean their homes, we have done our best to bring our town and our people back to where it was before the storm.”

Board of Education trustees joined school board President Roy Lester in presenting the diplomas. Among the proud graduates was 89-year-old World War II Navy veteran Rudolph “Rudy” Lantelme, who was finally awarded a diploma and recognized for his service. He enlisted in the military during his senior year of high school, and was unable to graduate with his class in 1945. Students who enlisted and missed graduation usually received “war diplomas.”

Lantelme later earned an associate’s degree in radiologic technology, a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in guidance after he was discharged from the military. But there was still something missing: his high school diploma.

A few years ago, he recalled, he came across his high school yearbook while visiting the Long Beach Public Library. He noticed that several classmates who had enlisted, as he did, had received diplomas, but his name was not among them. Later he wrote a letter to the school asking if he could graduate with this year’s class. Through “Operation Recognition,” Lantelme was eligible to earn his high school diploma at last.

According to the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, “Operation Recognition” recognizes the devotion and sacrifice of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans who left school early by presenting them with diplomas. Lantelme expressed his appreciation in his letter he wrote to the school and read to the crowd.

“After serving 32 years in the field of education and 22 years in radiologic technology, I’ve always felt there was something still missing, something I hadn’t completed during my 89 years on this earth that should’ve been completed,” he said. “I believe because of your kindness, those feelings will at last be satisfied.”

One hundred thirteen of this year’s graduates earn Advanced Regents diplomas, and 43 earned Advanced Regents diplomas with honors designation. The 330 seniors included 58 International Baccalaureate diploma candidates, two Coca-Cola Scholars, one National Merit Scholar, and award winners in science and engineering.

Graduating senior athletes received scholarships, artists and writers won awards, and All-County, All-State and All-National musicians were recognized.

Earlier this year, Long Beach High was ranked 22nd on the Washington Post’s list of Most Challenging High Schools on Long Island, 50th in New York State and 631st in the nation.

In her speech, Newman shared her observations of the graduates after spending four years with them. Whether it was the stress of preparing for the SAT or Regents or college-level exams, “They said it all went so fast” once it was all finished, she said.

“You blink your eyes and high school is over,” Newman said. “You blink again and college is over. The bad news is time flies, but the good news is that you’re the pilot.”

After the diplomas were handed out, Student Organization President Demi Amideneau led the graduates as they moved their tassels from right to left to signify the rite of passage into the next stage of their lives, and tossed their caps in the air.