Members of the Class of 2024 proudly gathered at Ward Melville High School one final time to celebrate their graduation. Students marched out in front of the building as their family and friends applauded them and the honors orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance.” The processional was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Ward Melville High School Acting Principal Dr. Paul Gold welcomed the crowd and soon-to-be graduates, offering them words of advice for their future endeavors. Additionally, he recognized the students headed into the armed forces after graduation. Board of Education President Susan Megroz Rosenzweig then gave remarks and congratulated the Class of 2024.

Student Government President Nicole Scala stepped up to the podium to present the class gift. The Class of 2024 has enabled construction to begin on the Commons at Ward Melville High School. The Commons will be revamped and renovated to offer a more engaging space for students.

Dr. Gold recognized the top academic leaders of the Class of 2024, beginning with co-salutatorians William McGovern and Michael Zhang. Both students left parting words for their peers.

“As you enter this next chapter of your lives, take all the knowledge and memories you’ve gathered through your years in Three Village and pave the way for the amazing futures that lie ahead of each and every one of you. And remember that today is a gift – always live it and appreciate the present moment,” McGovern said.

“Trust me when I say this, you will find being yourself is not only a liberation from crushing self-consciousness, but a path to success. I urge you to take this path for yourself and not just follow a societal dogma,” Zhang said.

Following the co-salutatorian address, Dr. Gold introduced Class of 2024 valedictorian Katherine Liang. Liang reminded the graduating class of their time in Three Village schools, as well as their potential to shape the future.

“We will always be echoes of the sophomores who trickled into this building, nervous and excited for high school. We will always be echoes of the steadfast teachers and administrators who shaped our cores. We, as a rolling river emerging from today’s graduation, will leave canyons and valleys in our wake. We will shape the future of our country,” said Liang.

After the student speeches, members of the graduating class stepped across the stage to receive their diplomas from Dr. Gold and the Three Village Board of Education. They returned to their seats where they turned their tassels and tossed their caps into the air, officially designating them as graduates of Ward Melville High School.

Click here to view the Congratulations, Ward Melville Class of 2024! slideshow.

Date Added: 7/1/2024

Ward Melville High School senior Sofia Levorchick visited the district’s elementary buildings to read her newly published picture book, “Taylor the Owl Finds a Book.” The book encouraged students to foster a love for literature.

“I wrote this with the goal of promoting the magic within books and reading,” she said.

After the read-aloud, elementary students had the opportunity to ask Sofia questions. She explained the months-long writing and publishing process, and how she fell in love with writing in the first place. “Taylor the Owl Finds a Book” will be added to the elementary library collections across Three Village.

Sofia is off to Boston College after graduation and plans to study English.

Date Added: 6/26/2024

Two Ward Melville High School students earned Achievement Awards in Writing sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. Congratulations to Keifer Stroff, who earned a First Class Distinction for the personal essay "A Shot to Be Free,” and to Remus Liff, who won a First Class Distinction for "A Collection of Poetry; An Insight to the Mind of a Unique Minority in America.”

Only about 30 students in New York State received First Class Distinctions in this year’s contest.

Date Added: 6/17/2024

The Three Village Central School District Board of Education held a special graduation ceremony during its June 12 meeting for Ward Melville High School student Emilia Retzlaff. Emilia is unable to make Ward Melville’s traditional graduation ceremony on June 30 as she prepares to go to the United States Naval Academy.

The Board of Education, administration and Emilia’s family stood as “Pomp and Circumstance” played in the William F. Connors Jr. Memorial Board of Education Meeting Room. Emilia proceeded to the podium where Ward Melville High School Acting Principal Dr. Paul Gold said a few words about her athletic and academic accomplishments.

“I think that not only are you lucky to be on this trajectory to the Naval Academy but even more importantly, I think that you embody everything that they would look for in a candidate and I am so proud of you,” said Dr. Gold.

Additionally, Board of Education President Susan Rosenzweig and Setauket resident and Navy Commander Jim Roth congratulated Emilia. Emilia was presented with her diploma and designated as a graduate of Ward Melville High School.

Date Added: 6/17/2024

Ward Melville High School seniors returned to their respective elementary schools to walk the halls one final time before graduation. Current elementary students lined the hallways and cheered on the Class of 2024 for their upcoming milestone. Seniors reconnected with old teachers and reflected on their time in the Three Village Central School District before moving on to their next chapter.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/14/2024