Photos: Commack Graduates Shine at Commencement Ceremony

Hundreds packed the bleachers at Commack High School to watch 590 students receive their diplomas and become graduates Sunday morning.

Under sunny skies, the marching band played "Pomp and Circumstance" as the soon-to-be graduates filed onto the field clad in cap and gown.

After an introduction by teacher James Desmond, who served as Master of Ceremonies, and a rendition of the National Anthem by the CHS Chamber Choir, Saluditorian Marni Wasserman took to the podium to address her fellow graduates.

After a presentation of the class gift by Senior Class President Cristina DeAngelis, Superintendent Donald James spoke to both parents and students, saying, "Let us walk from the stage and into the future together to be the best that we can be."

Valedictorian Erica Portnoy gave a humorous speech that referenced Aesop and the story of the Three Little Pigs.

After the address, Desmond quipped, "Neither Mother Goose nor Aesop approved today's speech."

As tension built and temperatures rose, Principal Catherine Nolan presented the Class of 2011 with some advice from her own mother. "To those much is given, much is expected," she said. "Take what your Commack family has given you and pay it forward."

Nolan also noted that 100 percent of the 2011 seniors received their diploma Sunday, and were offered more than $26 million in scholarships to continue their post-secondary education.

Finally the big moment came, as Board of Education President Mary Jo Masciello called each student up and awarded them their diplomas. After every diploma was handed out and each tassle was crossed, the new graduates threw their caps into the air and crossed the football field as Commack High School students one last time.