Elmont students take the next step

Family and friends celebrate the Class of 2016

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Family and friends filled the seats in the Mack Sports Complex at Hofstra University for Elmont Memorial High School’s graduation ceremony. All the speakers from the ceremony gave speeches that they each hope will resonate to the Class of 2016 as they continue their journeys.

Superintendent for the Sewanhaka Central School District, Dr. Ralph Ferrie challenged Elmont’s graduates to be difference makers in the careers they choose to follow as he quoted an unknown author from the poem, Dream Big.

“If there were ever a time to dare to make a difference to embark on something worth doing, it is now,” Ferrie said. “Not for any grand cause necessarily but for something that tugs at your heart, something that is worth your aspirations, and something that is your dream. You owe it to yourself to make your days count.”

New York Senator, Jack Martins wanted the graduates to strive for more great things beyond high school. He stated they should be fearless in the journeys they embark.

“As you go on to college, the art courses, or to life, to the business world, to whatever course or whatever path life may take you, do not settle,” Martins said. “Dare to be brave.”

Principal Kevin Dougherty gave a simple and common message to his students that he wanted them to comprehend: “Don’t hate, appreciate.”

“If we all appreciate and give just a little bit more, the world will become a much better place for us to live in,” Dougherty said.

Elmont’s first-year principal also quoted the later rapper, Notorious B.I.G. when he stated, “Stay far from timid, only make moves when you’re hearts in it, and live the phrase ‘sky’s the limit.’”

Graduate, Alanis Smith was in awe during the graduation ceremony. She could not believe that the moment finally came for her to take that walk across the stage, greet her principal, and walk away with a diploma.

“It was just surreal and exhilarating because I’ve been to the graduation ceremonies for the past three years,” Smith said. “To finally just feel that amount of joy and pride as you yourself are walking across the stage to receive your own diploma, there’s really nothing like it.”

Like many of the graduates, Smith celebrated the moment with her family and loved ones. She is undecided as to what she will pursue in college, but she expressed a great level of confidence and ambition for what’s to come.

“As it was expressed in the multitude of speeches presented here today at graduation, whatever I decide to do or put my mind to, I’m going to be the best at it,” Smith said. “The experiences and the friendships I’ve earned here at Elmont Memorial High School will definitely aid me in whatever it is that I choose to do.”

The crowded erupted in cheers when Daugherty gave his final messages to his graduates. He urged each individual from the Class of 2016 to “become an active citizen in our society” and to take control of their destinies.

“The world will live in is yours,” Dougherty said. “Take control and sculpt the world into the masterpieces you envisioned. Stay current in what is happening in the world. Be involved in community organizations, vote and always analyze information which is communicated to you.”