Graduation 2018

Kennedy graduates spark the fire of knowledge

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The John F. Kennedy High School Class of 2018 looked to the future, while memorializing the past, at the June 24 commencement ceremony at NYCB Theatre in Westbury.

A number of speakers reflected on the legacy recently retired Principal Lorraine Poppe left behind in the Kennedy Cougar community during the past 22 years to help the school provide “a decadeslong history of excellence,” said interim Principal David Seinfeld.

Poppe, known as a trailblazer in the Kennedy community, announced earlier this year that she would not return from an extended leave of absence.

Gerard Owenburg, the school’s incoming principal — and current assistant principal — referenced stories of accomplishment, achievement and a shared sense of pride between classmates.

“What stands out about the Class of 2018 is relationships,” Owenburg said. “You care for each other, support each other and, most importantly, it’s all genuine.”

Salutatorian Dylan Judd told his classmates that education is priceless, and encouraged them to spark their quest for education with a passion.

“Schools, especially Kennedy, provide the materials to light this flame,” he said. “We can engineer the spark with the various tools at our disposal, allowing us to illuminate who and what we are meant to be.”

Valedictorian David Kantor then thanked his classmates for being powerful and engaging, but also encouraged them to find happiness in the mundane, and what might come tomorrow.

“You can choose to let your future be clouded by the unknown or you can allow it to be brightened by the hope of what can be,” Kantor said.

Board of Education President Dr. Nancy Kaplan — also the mother of a graduating student — said that she had witnessed school pride and tight personal relationships, having watched the Class of 2018 “grow from babies to high school graduates.”

“I love our children and families,” Kaplan said. “I have been blessed to have a ringside seat to watch this graduating class. I have sat in the audience countless times and loved every minute of marveling at your talents as students.”