Saluting the Class of 2010 Graduates

Pride was the emotion of the day, as parents and invited guests witnessed the Ward Melville High School Class of 2010 graduation program on June 27th. As the school’s symphonic band performed “Pomp and Circumstance,” the soon-to-be graduates emerged from the building that had been their home for the past three years and proceeded to their seats, which covered the school’s front lawn. Following the lead of senior Crissy Vogric, the crowd sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

In his opening remarks Principal Dr. Alan Baum noted, “A right of passage is occurring right before our eyes….our celebration today is the conclusion to one chapter in these students’ lives; a journey that began in 1997, a journey through our school district.” Congratulating the class for all of their achievements, Dr. Baum also noted that the Class of 2010 has been the recipient of more than $22 million in grants and scholarships, a total that exceeds the classes before them.

In his salutatory speech Ruo Yi Jiang thanked all those that had helped him achieve during his educational journey, and to his fellow peers stated, “I admire your creativity, talents, abilities, but most of your discipline and hearts.” Rather than a traditional speech, Valedictorian Shelby Y. Lin recited a poem she wrote for the class on the subject of dreaming, during which she stated, “I hope that you never see all of your dreams come true, as that will mean you have no dreams left to reach for.”

Also addressing the crowd were Board of Education President David Micklos, Interim Superintendent of Schools Donald F. Webster, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, and Class President Daniel Roth, who noted that the Class of 2010 had donated new picnic tables for the senior patio.

Principal Dr. Baum and Assistant Principal Michael Owen met the seniors at the foot of the dais to present them with their diplomas. As each student’s name was announced, family and friends cheered and applauded the newest Ward Melville alumnus.
 

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