Commack Graduates Shine At Commencement [PHOTOS]

Hundreds of friends and family members packed the bleachers at Commack High School to send off the Class of 2012 at the district's annual commencement exercises Sunday morning. 

Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Corp led Commack's 591 graduates onto the football field to receive their diplomas.

The ceremony started with a speech from graduate and academic leader Emma Lecarie, who spoke to her fellow classmates about the importance of time and putting it to good use. 

"Sometimes it is necessary to think about the future, but if you are always looking ahead we could easily miss what is going on right in front of us," Lecarie said. 

Superintendent Donald James then encouraged this year's graduates to continue to use the skills they've acquired at Commack High School  on their journey into the world. 

"In my humble opinion, once you leave Commack High School you must use your learning, leadership and humanity to continue to do good in our community, to continue to volunteer, help others and give back to Commack," James said. "Moving forward, I urge today’s graduates to think about, to truly reflect on your own personal definition of success." 

Graduate Andrew Shapiro, Commack High School principal Catherine Nolan and Board trustee Mary Jo Masciello also gave inspirational speeches during the ceremony. 

Admist the celebration, Nolan called for a moment of silence for graduates remember the lives of their three former classmates. 

But joy and excitement quickly returned as the Class of 2012 lined up to accept their diploma, which they celebrated with a tradtional cap toss high into blue skies above. 

Click through the gallery above to see photos of Commack's 2012 graduates and commencement exercises.