‘Step out of your comfort zone and try something new’

South Side High School honors class of 2016

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The class of 2016 has said goodbye to South Side High School.

Last Friday, 258 members of the senior class marched into the sports arena at Hofstra University for their sendoff. After the graduates entered in their blue gowns to “Pomp and Circumstance,” the Chamber Singers, conducted by Doreen Fryling, sang the national anthem.

Instead of her own words, salutatorian Emma Vecchione used the collected words and wisdom of her classmates in her speech, including: “Don’t let the corporate world diminish your creativity.” “Make sure you’re kind and compassionate to everyone.” “Stay humble and stay hungry.” And, “Get off your phone.”

“I was astounded by the diversity … in this short list,” Vecchione said. “And this illustrates our diversity and experiences, as well as interests, as a class. This diversity, which I believe is integral to our great success, is an important reason why we are all standing here today. Over the past four years, we’ve developed an appreciation for what makes each of us different.”

She added that the smell of warm ketchup would always remind her of the cafeteria and make her nostalgic for South Side.

Bobbi Edelson, of the Alumni Association, presented the Centennial Awards to Hannah Ditchik and Joseph Busching, as well as a $1,000 check to help fund Busching’s idea: a memorial garden. Greta Ohanian received the Richard S. Byers Award from Principal John Murphy, and Superintendent William Johnson gave the Laurel Awards to Connor Byrne and Audrey Walsh.

Valedictorian Carolynn McElroy said that the class came together during a great year, including senior night, school musicals, the prom and the 100th anniversary of Red and Blue. “Like many of you, I have been in Rockville Centre for all 17 years of my life, so the next step will be a change,” she said. “Exploring new places will give us a chance to meet people with different ideas, gain new perspectives and question the status quo … We were not meant to stay in this school forever. What we are meant to do is to take what we have learned, step out of our comfort zone and try something new.”

Board of Education President Liz Dion warned the audience that she would cry during her speech, since her daughter Hannah was graduating. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer also spoke, thanking parents for their hard work and telling graduates to pursue their dreams.

Murphy, who just finished his first year as principal, was the last to speak. He said was very proud of the students, and that 86 percent of the graduates received Regents Diplomas with Advanced Designation, and 87 percent completed at least one International Baccalaureate class. “You took the time to celebrate, congratulate and inspire each other — and consoled each other when tragedy struck,” he said. “Your resilience created beautiful murals, stirring performances and pride — and reminded what it means to be part of a great community.”