Graduates Say Goodbye to Commack High

"Be joyful, you have every reason to be ... Do not be sad because it's over, be happy that it happened," Commack High School Principal Russell J. Stewart said, advising graduates of how their life view can change the meaning of their lives.

Six hundred and six students marched across Commack's football field on Sunday to make the transition from student to alumni. They were greeted by parents, faculty, administration, staff and spectators, all armed with water bottles and umbrellas to combat the oppressive heat.

Two air conditioned stations were set up inside, in the cafeteria and auditorium, to allow guests to view the ceremony comfortably. Students were given four tickets–two outside, two in. Despite these accomodations, in the gym and the cafeteria, two relatives of students and a student needed to be carried off the field in wheelchairs and taken to the hospital. 

Students were also given numerous cups of Gatorade throughout the ceremony by underclassman who served as ushers.

The ceremony began at 1:00 p.m. with a processional accompanied by the Commack High School band. The Commack Choir sang the national anthem and it was also signed by several students, including Ellyn Horowitx, Alyssa Bereche, Kristen Corradeno, Molly Forrester and Courtney Mangini.

Academic Scholar, Matt Parmett addressed his classmates first, thanking his parents with a little bit of humor thrown in.

"For those of us going off to college, our mothers will open their arms and cry and our fathers will open their wallets and cry. But parents you can take heart knowing that unless this economy improves, we'll all be back in four years asking for a hot meal and a place to stay," Parmett said, to laughter and applause from parents in the bleachers.

Parmett continued to remind his peers of their memories–like after-prom parties and speeches given by their Principal, Russell Stewart–to round out with the reminder that although the students came in as divided cliches, they now leave as a cohesive unit that "respects differences" and they are truly "one of Commack's greatest classes."

Academic Scholar, Ryan Young, reminded students that "if you don't shoot for the stars, you'll never get there."

"While the acrynoms of CHS–IB, ACT, SAT, etc– will fade away, our personal accomplishments and insights from both inside and outside the classroom will stick with us," Young said.

Inspirational words continued with Principal Stewart's speech.

"Do not go through life aimlessly, think; love the life you live," Stewart said.

Stewart's remarks were echoed by Board President Mary Jo Masciello, who shortened her speech to applause by parents and faculty alike due to the unrelenting heat.

"Remember forever that you are sons and daughters of Commack; I hope you live a life that matters," Masicello said.

Stewart cited new records made by the class of 2010, the most notable being 80.60 percent graduating with advanced regents diplomas, a "Commack first."

Additionally, 99.5 percent graduated from CHS this year, 98.84 percent graduated with regents diplomas, and 163 students graduated with advanced honors regents diplomas. All of these designations depend upon how many regents courses were completed and passed in a student's academic life.

CHS is also a part of the International Baccalaureate degree program, and awarded 141 students that particular honor. The IB program is an academic program designed to prepare students for college from the beginning of high school and is an honor recognized by many national universities.

Finally, Stewart left students with this advice.

"Remember the importance of time, respect it, consider it. Your time is your life," Stewart said.