Class of 2015

MacArthur grads encouraged to follow their dreams

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See more photos from the graduation ceremony here.

The 342 graduates of General Douglas MacArthur’s class of 2015 streamed into the Mack Arena at Hofstra University one by one, clad in the blue caps and gowns. They left in the same fashion, clutching their red diploma holders.

It was the end of an era for the students who have called themselves Generals for the past four years. They will be going to college, entering the work force, or joining the Armed Forces.

Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald talked about they came together from four elementary schools — Abbey Lane, East Broadway, Gardiners Avenue and Lee Road — for sixth-grade at Jonas Salk Middle School to form the eventual class of 2015, the 54th class to graduate from MacArthur. Soon, they will be adults, and navigating the world on their own terms, she said.

Saturday afternoon’s ceremony followed commencement for Levittown’s north side high school, Division Avenue. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer spoke at both, and talked about his journey from college to law school to his election as a New York state assemblyman.

“My advice to class of 2015 is very simple: go for it,” Schumer said.

Principal Kathleen Valentino’s message to students was to get a job that never feels like work. “This can be accomplished,” she said. “It happened to me.”

Valentino will be retiring at the end of this school year, and was recognized at the end of the ceremony.

This year’s valedictorian was Brianna Abatelli, who will be attending Molloy College in the fall to study education. She said that becoming a teacher has long been her dream, and recounted how she would play school with her younger siblings as a child. She encouraged her classmates to pursue their passions, as well.

Salutatorian Chris Simonetti, of Seaford, thanked his parents and his teachers, before reading a short story he wrote at 8 years old. He reminded his fellow graduates to make good decisions and always buckle up, because they have a lot of living left to do. He will be attending Brandeis University to study physics.

Class President Audra Gale cited the many academic and athletic accomplishments of the senior class, and recalled some of her fondest memories of high school including Homecoming parades, band festivals and variety shows. She is bound for American University where she plans to major in political science.

The ceremony included a 20-minute video presentation created by students Liana Angus, Max Cohen, Paul Giuliano, Emily Kirincic, Samantha Marrero, Michael Papach and Brooke Santoro. It featured video footage of school and sporting events, teachers and scenes around the school.