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Calhoun seniors celebrate at commencement

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Graduating Seniors Allie Soel, 17, and Maribel Sabino,18, smiled from ear to ear during their graduation ceremony.
Graduating Seniors Allie Soel, 17, and Maribel Sabino,18, smiled from ear to ear during their graduation ceremony.
Donovan Berthoud/Herald Life

Marked by a moving and inspirational speech by Principal Nicole Hollings, the 57th commencement of Sanford H. Calhoun High School was as entertaining as it was celebratory on June 26 at NYCB Theater in Westbury.

“You are the future,” Hollings said. “You have the power to put aside hate and intolerance and to instead love, accept and welcome in. You have the power to ask an important question: ‘How can I help?’”

Board Trustee Wendy Gargiulo, a Calhoun alumna and parent of a graduate, told students their graduation is a rewarding moment for their parents, teachers and community members. “It’s a common thread that binds all of these people to your life,” she said.

Valedictorian Kristi Chan encouraged her peers to hold on tightly to the genuine interests that emerged when they were younger. “I hope that all of us do not lose the very simple reason we chose to pursue our individual journeys in the first place,” she said.

She was followed by salutatorian Haley Ryan. Also addressing the audience was class adviser Keryn Thienachariya.