Freeport grads take first steps into the future

For the 130th time, Freeport High School celebrated the journey from teenager to adulthood, handing out diplomas to 486 seniors ready to embark on the rest of their lives. 

It all took place on June 17 at the Dave S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University, where the Class of 2023 — accompanied by Superintendent Kishore Kuncham, district administrators, the education board, and high school Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham made a grand entrance to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Maribel Maia, the assistant principal — and mentor — to the Class of 2023, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to the graduates.

“Class of 2023, you are so special to me,” she said. “You are my first senior high school graduating class. Thank you for trusting me.” 

Kayla Mendoza Stapleton, the senior class president, then offered words of encouragement.

“Class of 2023, remember you will make mistakes,” she said. “You will succeed. You will lose. You will win. You will hurt. You will survive. You will struggle. But you will rise and overcome, knowing that everything is going to be OK in the end.”

Kuncham shared his wisdom with the Class of 2023, acknowledging their hard work, determination, and resilience that brought them to this mo-ment.

“The world you are about to enter is ever evolving with endless possibilities and new frontiers,” Kuncham said. “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Through taking risks we grow and discover our full potential. Embrace the joy of discovery, and let it fuel your pursuit of knowledge. Chase your passions relentlessly, and remember education does not end with a diploma. Education is a lifelong journey of exploration, enlightenment and personal goals.”  

Kuncham concluded his address by expressing his belief in the Class of 2023’s ability to shape the future.

“Use your education to make a difference in your own lives, and in the lives of others,” he said.

“Be fearless in championing justice and equality, and never lose sight of the human element.

“Class of 2023, as you leave the familiar halls of high school and venture into the unknown, know that you are prepared. You have the knowledge, skills and resilience to carve your own paths and make a lasting impact on the world. You are Freeport changemakers, and your future is filled with endless possibilities.”

Kenly Moran, the senior class salutatorian, reflected on her time at Freeport, extending her best wishes to her fellow graduates as they embark on their respective future endeavors.

Moran has excelled in a variety of honors and Advanced Placement courses, showcasing her academic excellence. She is actively involved in school activities, and is passionate about community service. Moran has mentored and tutored younger students, and participated in initiatives like the St. Jude’s Children Walk.

Moran’s next stop? To become a pediatrician — something she got a head start with thanks to her participation in medical programs, and her acceptance into Long Island University-Post.

Freeport’s valedictorian, Aidian Sasenarine, highlighted the significance of commitment, determination and gratitude. He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges with tenacity, and approaching every hurdle as an opportunity for growth. He reminded his classmates to cherish the people, experiences and opportunities that shape their lives, as gratitude leads to humility, joy and fulfillment.

Sasenarine excelled in rigorous courses, including more than two dozen honors and Advanced Placement classes. His dedication extends beyond academics, as he actively engages in community service and extracurricular activities, such as robotics and tutoring.

Sasenarine has received notable awards and recognition for his achievements in science and robotics competitions. Yet. his future aspirations also lie in medicine as Sasenarine is set to attend the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at the CUNY School of Medicine to pursue his dream of becoming a pediatrician.

“May we always embrace challenges with the same tenacity we displayed during our academic pursuits,” Sasenarine said. “May we approach each hurdle as an opportunity for growth, knowing that with determination, we can overcome any obstacle. And may we never cease to appreciate the people, experiences and opportunities that shape our lives, for it is in gratitude that we find humility, joy and fulfillment.”

Campbell-Ham expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Class of 2023, and confidence in their ability to make a lasting impact on the world with their unique talents. She emphasized the challenges faced during their four years at Freeport High School, and how overcoming them have prepared the outgoing seniors to navigate the ever-changing world they will encounter.

“Each of you has a purpose to fulfill and a mission to accomplish,” she said. “The last four years have prepared you to handle all the challenges you will face in our ever-changing world. Remember that you can — and you will — accomplish every goal you have set by being focused, disciplined and persistent.”

Once all the diplomas were handed out, it was Maia who had the honor to ask the Class of 2023 to turn their tassels, officially marking their transition from Freeport High School students to Freeport High School graduates.