As graduates of East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high schools crossed the stage last week, they marked the close of their years in the East Meadow School District and the beginning of what comes next. With plenty of pomp and circumstance, the June 26 ceremonies celebrated the class of 2026’s accomplishments while looking ahead to the future.
At East Meadow High School’s ceremony, held on the school’s football field, speakers encouraged graduates to embrace life's unexpected opportunities, stay true to themselves and remember the people who helped shape their success. The commencement featured a rendition of the national anthem by the senior chorale, accompanied by students performing in American Sign Language. Members of the Board of Education and district and school administrators joined the graduates in celebrating the milestone.
School board President Jessica Ricco-Simeone said that “life has a funny way of taking us places we never expected to go,” according to a news release from the district.
“Some of the most meaningful experiences in your life may actually come from doors that you never even planned on opening,” Ricco-Simeone added.
Valedictorian Dennis Calu encouraged his fellow graduates to appreciate all of life’s moments. “The moments we’ll cherish most won’t be the perfect ones,” Calu said. “They will be the unexpected conversations, the friendships, the mistakes we laugh about years later, and the ones we never saw coming. I hope that we all work hard, pursue our goals and embrace new opportunities.”
Salutatorian Emily Zheng reminded classmates to rely on themselves and the people who have supported them throughout their educational journeys.
“Count on the people who supported you, count on the moments that make you feel alive, and always count on yourself,” Zheng said.
Clarke High School’s ceremony was also held on the school’s football field, Throughout, student speakers reflected on identity, resilience and the lasting bonds they formed, emphasizing the diversity of the graduating class as well as the uncertainty — and possibility — of the future ahead.
“Our diversity is one of our biggest strengths, and our class serves to represent a microcosm of the world,” Valedictorian Charlotte Huang said. “As we step beyond the schoolhouse gates, our remarkable characteristics and traits will carry us into fruitful lives. As you enter the next chapter, bring your goodness with you.”
Salutatorian Alexander Babwah encouraged his classmates to embrace their future paths with confidence and trust in their own resilience.
“As we all sit here today, we face the biggest uncertainty of all: the future,” Babwah said. “So maybe the lesson is simple: We don’t need to have everything figured out right now. We just need to trust the process.”
For the East Meadow administration, the ceremonies celebrated not only the graduates’ accomplishments, but also the strength of the district. Ken Rosner, who has served as superintendent for three years, said it has been a privilege to work with the East Meadow community.
“This district has two of the finest high schools in New York State, and it’s because of everyone here in attendance,” Rosner said at Clarke’s ceremony. “To the class of 2026, I hope that you all zoom in on your goals and go for it.”
For the principals of both high schools, graduation was both a celebration and a bittersweet farewell.
“Over the past four years, I was honored to see the growth and development of your character, and character is what endures,” Clarke Principal Timothy Voels told the graduates. “Growth rarely announces itself. It simply becomes visible when enough time has passed. Your love, encouragement, sacrifice and unwavering belief helped to make this moment possible.”
William Brennan, who wrapped up his first year as principal of East Meadow High, told the seniors, “You have helped make my first year as principal one that I will never forget.
“Wherever your path leads, remember that success is not measured by what you achieve,” Brennan added. “It is also measured by your character, the relationships you build and the positive differences you make in the lives of others.”
