Cheers for the Sewanhaka High School 2023 graduates

The Sewanhaka High community celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2023 at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University on June 25.

Principal Nichole Allen kicked off the ceremony with a heartfelt farewell to Sewanhaka Central High School District superintendent James Grossane, who is retiring after 42 years of service in education.

Sean Andrade, the Class of 2023 salutatorian, graduated at just 15-years-old. During his speech, he touched on his growth during his high school career and how he is leaving Sewanhaka with friends, teammates, and mentors who helped him advocate for his academic needs.

Valedictorian Carl Andre Montoya said the Class of 2023 faced many challenges, but faced them head on and continued to fight through their six years of high school.

To receive the diploma at the end is the ultimate victory and he urged his classmates to feel proud.

“Will you choose to remain a spectator or be the warrior who perseveres through hardship, in moments of desperation will you choose to stand firm, choose kindness, despite adversity, selflessness instead of hatred,” Montoya said to the graduates. “The arena is yours to conquer.”