On June 26, Connetquot High School’s senior Thunderbirds, donning red and white caps and gowns, proudly processed down the football field in front of cheering family, friends and faculty members for the district’s annual commencement ceremony. Under the direction of Gregory Johnson and Stacy Stollberger, the high school band played, “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The Bohemia Fire Department Color Guard began the ceremony with the Presentation of Colors before National Honor Society President Brianna Krall recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Under the direction of Brad Drinkwater, James Nagle and Nicole White, members of the senior chorus performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” and a powerful rendition of the school’s alma mater “Brave Connetquot”.

Principal Michael Moran then warmly welcomed the graduates and their loved ones, noting how proud he was of the class as a whole and the joy he had in watching them grow. “Live a life that makes you happy and try to make the people around you better just by being in your company,” he encouraged. He then announced the top 25 students of the Class of 2024. Each student was presented with a medal and their diplomas as they walked across the stage.

Then, Salutatorian Nicholas Marotta stepped to the podium, recounting his childhood experience with an illness and how it shifted his perspective. “It’s inevitable that we run into hardship,” said Nicholas. “We cannot prevent it, but we can control how we respond to it. We all have this control over our lives, and we have the power to make the best of our situations.”

Valedictorian Shayaan Ahmed offered advice on how to know when it’s the right time to act, while also remembering to do what works best for you. “All of these amazing individuals behind me, whether they’re going into the military, into the trades, taking a gap year or going straight to college, they all are going at their own pace and doing what they truly believe they are ready for. And now, here we are, all ready for the next chapter of our lives,” said Shayaan.

Next, Senior Class President Manal Nawaz reminded the Class of 2024 that not all last moments have to be sad. “Always try to look on the bright side of things,” she said. “Time flies by so fast, so try to make the most of it.”

Mr. Moran then called upon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Centamore for the certification of the graduates. Dr. Centamore reminded the students that graduating is an accomplishment to cherish and that Connetquot will always be home before he, the Board of Education trustees and 12th grade advisors Meaghan LaMano and William Bedell presented the seniors with their diplomas.

Students eagerly threw their graduation caps in the air in celebration before the Class of 2024 recessed to “The Thunderer” and were officially declared graduates of Connetquot High School.

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Date Added: 6/27/2024