SCHOOLS

Seniors say goodbye to Calhoun

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At Calhoun High School’s graduation ceremony last Sunday, there was no principal’s address. David Seinfeld gave up his time to a senior who he said continues to inspire the class of 2013, even though his time at Calhoun is over: Dean Brownworth.

Brownworth said that the Calhoun community rallied around him when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a junior. After months of treatment, he reminded his classmates that life has already thrown them some curve balls, and will continue to do so after their high school days.

“But you have to get up,” Brownworth said. “You have to find the strength to carry on, to continue the journey.”

Brownworth and the rest of Bellmore-Merrick’s seniors celebrated their high school experiences at commencement exercises for Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham on June 23. For the third straight year, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District held three separate graduation ceremonies at the indoors at the NYCB Theater in Westbury, and officials said that each school had about 335 graduates.

The honorees heard from a variety of speakers at the 3 p.m ceremony. Sen. Charles Schumer told the seniors to “go for it,” and follow their dreams. Valedictorian William Mansmann and Julianne Ciccone urged their classmates to not only reflect on their high school days, but to also work together to build their futures.

The Herald was there to catch the action at Calhoun's commencement.