South Side celebrates the graduating Class of 2024

The South Side High School Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports Complex on June 26, in front of a packed crowd of family and friends.

It was a time of great joy and celebration as the class of more than 250 graduating seniors in Rockville Centre reflected on their four-year academic journey.

High School Principal Patrick Walsh addressed the audience of distinguished guests, esteemed faculty, proud parents, family, friends and the students of the graduating Class of 2024. He said that not only are the students who sit before him one of the more decorated and accomplished graduating classes in recent memory, they have repeatedly demonstrated a relentless commitment to excellence both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Their accolades and achievements are many in the areas of academics, athletics, arts and community service. They have been accepted into some of the finest institutions in the world,” Walsh said. “But the awards and achievements they have earned only tell part of the story of what makes this class so special.”

He continued to reflect on the 2023 junior carnival, an annual class fundraiser featuring fun games and prizes, and how the students engaged and interacted with the elementary school students.

“It has always been a wonderful community event. But the class sitting before me today took that event to a different level,” Walsh said. “What I saw was a group of students truly enjoying each other’s company. These are the times that I beam with pride as the principal of our building, watching our students and seeing them develop into caring, thoughtful and selfless young adults.”

The ceremony opened with a few remarks from class salutatorian Lucy Reardon, who took the stage to share a few parting words for her classmates.

“I cannot believe that we are already here. Everyone always told me that before you know it high school would be over and here it is — the end,” Reardon said. “While it may have felt quick and sometimes incredibly slow, so much has changed over these past four years.”

Following her address, several awards were presented to the students who best showed a dedication to the school and community. Noah Feigenbaum was presented with the PTA South Side Strong Centennial Award for School and Community, Nicolas Albarano was presented with the Dr. Richard S. Byers School and Community Service Award, and Natalia Skrodzki and James Sullivan IV were both presented with the Laurel Awards by Rockville Centre schools Superintendent Matthew Gaven.

“I am honored to congratulate the Class of 2024 on their graduation,” Gaven said. “Your journey through high school has been filled with extraordinary achievements and wonderful memories.”

Gaven said that what he will remember most about the Class of 2024 are the small moments of conversation, the palpable sense of magic watching the performance of “Matilda: The Musical,” and the community’s joy through its many sports championships.

“The Class of 2024 has demonstrated incredible talent and dedication,” Gaven said. “Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024, we will miss you and we are immensely proud and thankful of the moments you have given us.”

Following the awards presentation, class valedictorian Michael Muscarella was called forward to share a few encouraging words to the graduating Class of 2024.

“The biggest challenge for me has been to figure out whether this speech was the end or the beginning of something, and then I realized it was both,” Muscarella said. “It was the end of four years together. Four years of building friendships whether it be through academics, athletics, clubs, music or drama. Four years of the South Side community that has survived the pandemic. That has seen great challenges and successes together. It is the end of the last chapter before we start our adult lives. But it is also the beginning. The beginning of 282 individual journeys, with each of us going forward and taking what we learned at South Side and what we discovered about ourselves into the world to chase our dreams. That’s the great thing about South Side, it’s an environment where everyone has a chance to figure out who they are, what they love and who they want to be.”

Muscarella, who will be headed to Middlebury College in the fall, said that everyone had a home at South Side, which he said was only possible by making students feel comfortable and confident about who they are and let them feel free to share that with others.

Following his speech, Kelly Barry, president of the school Board of Education said she was honored to stand before the graduating Class of 2024 to celebrate the culmination of their academic journey at South Side and the commencement of a new chapter that will be filled with endless possibilities and opportunity.

“As you venture into the world, remember that success is not solely measured by accolades or material gains. Let your character be your greatest asset and let it shine brightly in all of your endeavors,” Barry said. “Each of you possesses unique talents, perspectives and dreams. Embrace this and collaborate with others to create a better world. Cherish the friendships that you have formed here and carry those bonds with you. They are a source of support and inspiration.”

Barry concluded by thanking parents for their support and encouragement. She also thanked the teachers, counselors, administrators and all members of our faculty and staff for their unwavering dedication to shaping these young minds and preparing them for the future.

“And of course to you, our dear graduates, congratulations on your achievements,” Barry said. “You have shown resilience, adaptability and determination. The world eagerly awaits the contributions that each of you will make and we have no doubt you will continue to make us all proud.”