EMHS Awards Diplomas to Class of 2011

There is only one event that high school seniors look forward to more than prom – graduation.

Hundreds of family and friends filed into the stands at John Barbour Memorial Field of on Sunday morning to celebrate the graduation of 418 students.

Graduates proudly marched down the school’s track to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.” The Senior Chorale kicked off the day’s activities by singing the “Star Spangled Banner,” under the direction of Gloria Elliott, with a dozen other students signing the song in American Sign Language.

Superintendent Louis DeAngelo emphasized the importance of recognizing the people that helped graduates through their journey as students. He continued by explaining that the people that have made the most impact in the young graduates’ lives are the “ones who care.”

“It is my belief that your high school years have been well spent at East Meadow High School,” DeAngelo said. “You have received an excellent education academically and, as East Meadow High School students, you have been involved in programs, clubs and activities, which have hopefully taught you to be kind, to reach out to others and to demonstrate an attitude of caring in all that you do.”

Student speakers took to the podium, including Class President Jimmy Egan, Salutatorian Dominika Swieboda and Valedictorian Neha Shani. All shared a similar tone in their speeches – a feeling of reflection on their high school days and hope for the future ahead.

“Today is a celebration of our accomplishments,” Egan said. “In the four years I have been here, I have met some amazing people – students and teachers alike.

Egan added that it was great that the students at East Meadow had teachers that went beyond “the day-to-day routine” and helped them not just as students, but as people. He said that no matter who you are “this school has changed and shaped us into who we are today."

Sahni, who will be attending Hofstra University in the fall, stressed the idea of grasping the end of the graduates’ high school days. She added that it was difficult to sum up the entire high school experience, as each is as unique as the student themselves.

“Today is a day of celebration and commencement,” said Principal Richard Howard, who also reflected on his views of the school as an alumnus. He offered several pieces of advice to the students – broken up into different stages of the graduates’ lives – including to listen before you speak, marry your best friend, choose a profession you love, find balance in life and to live in the moment.

Howard, along with the members of the district’s board of education, handed out the diplomas to all of the graduates, offering congratulation as each students’ name was announced.

“You are part of an elite group of people who have accomplished the task of graduating from this great high school,” said Howard to the graduating seniors. “While I know you will take risks and venture out into the world, please understand that you are always welcome back to this special place that we all call East Meadow – a place you will always call home.”

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