Goodbye to the 2011-12 school year

It is finally summer time again. Our lockers are cleaned out, our summer addresses are exchanged, and our summer tans are already in the making. After a long and busy school year, Hewlett High School students could not be any happier about the upcoming months of summertime.

The last day of classes was June 8. During the last few weeks of school, teachers reviewed for final exams and Regents exams. Some teachers, however, gave in-class final exams throughout the last week of classes. Despite the beautiful weather and students’ desires to be outside, students worked diligently up until the very end.

The last week of school for seniors was in stark contrast to that of other students. While juniors and the lower-classmen were studying and worrying about exams, seniors enjoyed themselves. Seniors savored every last moment of their time spent at Hewlett High School, taking pictures and spending time together. They never went anywhere without their yearbooks in hand. Many teachers and students were constantly writing in seniors’ yearbooks about memories and experiences they shared.

On the penultimate day of school, the special senior issue of the school paper, Spectrum, was distributed. The paper consisted of a list of where each student is attending college next year, the valedictorian and salutatorian features, columns about each Spectrum editor, and pictures of seniors from various school events throughout the year. On the last day of school, the final issue of spectrum was distributed. This issue was a testament to a year’s worth of hard work, effort, and time many students devoted to the newspaper.

Final exams were given between June 11 and 20. Some students had to prepare for more exams than others, but nevertheless, the week was stressful for all. When students finished their exams, they sighed in relief.

June 21 was an extremely important day because the Hewlett class of 2012 graduated. The students threw their caps into the air on that Thursday evening in the air-conditioned Tilles Center at Long Island University’s campus. The high school’s volunteer pep band played “Pomp and Circumstance” and “Romanesque” while the seniors entered and exited off the stage.

At the beginning of the ceremony, salutatorian David Kaufman addressed his class with an expressive speech about being special and finding one’s passion. Valedictorian Helaina Regen-Tuero then spoke beautifully about the need to take advantage of one’s future experiences, whether by forming new friendships or trying new activities. Each graduate was later given his or her certificate and various Board of Education members gave meaningful speeches. The students left the ceremony with their family and friends as proud Hewlett High School alumni. Congratulations to the class of 2012!

Whether students’ summer plans include going to camp, working, or travelling, summer provides the chance for students to enjoy themselves after a year filled with sports, clubs, and activities. Let the summer be filled only with happy moments in good health because school will begin and we will reconvene in September before we know it. Happy summer everyone!