Thursday, July 10, 2025
The Wellington C. Mepham High School graduating Class of 2025 was celebrated on the football field on June 8.
Mepham Poet Laureate Vladimir Mkrtchian opened the ceremony by reciting an original poem. The vocal group MephAcapella then graced the ceremony with song, led by Christina Dimitriou.
Superintendent Michael Harrington, Assistant Superintendent of Business Mikaela
Coni and board of education trustee Nina Lanci were at the ceremony to congratulate the graduates.
Valedictorian Makayla Daube addressed the crowd, recalling an assignment from her ninth-grade English class. Her teacher assigned the class a seemingly simple task: to “thank someone new each day for 100 days.”
“What seemed simple at first became a powerful reminder of the impact of two small words: ‘thank you,’” she said. “High school taught me many things, but above all, it taught me the power of appreciation.”
Daube further reflected on her past 13 years in Bellmore-Merrick schools, acknowledging her deep gratitude.
“We’ve grown through challenges and triumphs, discovering who we are and who we can become,” she told her peers. “Chase what excites you, stay open to the unexpected, and surround yourself with those who inspire and challenge you.”
Salutatorian Helen Strite discussed the importance of being present and transforming challenging moments into life lessons.
“Remember, the present is the future past,” she said. “So, what is truly important is the ability to accept past imperfections, to use those lessons learned to be fully present, and to love ourselves into future change.”
