By Saanvi Mirchandani
On June 27, the Class of 2021 celebrated their achievements and accomplishments with family and friends. This year’s graduation ceremony was held outdoors at Hofstra University and graduates were limited to four guests each. Speeches addressing the graduating class were made by Senior Class President Nicolette Caneda, Student Council President Emily Locker, Salutatorian Adithya Krishnan, and Valedictorian Olivia Wong.
Source by Anna Detke
Valedictorian Olivia Wong, Student Council President Emily Locker, Salutatorian Adithya Krishnan, and Senior Class President Nicolette Caneda all gave speeches to the graduating class.
Despite the regulations, students had an exciting ceremony surrounded by family, friends and proud teachers.
“I didn’t really feel like I was graduating, even as the ceremony started. It hadn’t completely sunk in that I was living through my final moments as a high school student until the names started being called. Since my last name is close to the end of the alphabet, I saw most of my friends walk across the stage first. I was so proud of them and of myself for what we accomplished, especially in the circumstances the pandemic brought. After the ceremony, I was filled with so many conflicting emotions that I couldn’t process all at once. I’m still reeling over the fact that high school is over, but I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead. Congratulations to my fellow classmates of the Class of 2021,” said senior Jack Vasquez.
“Graduation was such a good experience. It felt so rewarding to complete six years of high school and to have a ceremony to wrap everything up. It felt incredible to share such a sentimental moment with my friends and family,” said senior Evita George.
Source by Anna Detke Walking onto the field, the graduates find their designated seats and get ready to commence the ceremony.
“Because the pandemic cut junior year short, it still hadn’t hit me that I was actually graduating high school. It was during the Star Spangled Banner and during Dr. Faccio’s speech that I realized that this would be the last time I’d be in the same place as most of my classmates and teachers. I felt happy and sad at the same time, but most of all I was excited to begin the next part of my life,” said senior Khushi Shah.
“I came into senior year expecting that we might not get a graduation or prom, but I was really happy that we did. It was really nice seeing everyone all together again. I honestly enjoyed it a lot more than I expected, and it made me realize how quickly time flies,” said senior Jady Woo.
Source by Anna Detke
Students line up and begin the procession into the stadium.
“Graduation was such an amazing and memorable experience. I am super grateful that I was able to graduate with all my fellow classmates and that my family was able to attend as well,” said senior Isabella Li.
“Before graduation I think everybody was very excited but also nervous for the event. During the ceremony, there were some amazing speeches from our peers that I think a lot of students learned lessons from. After the graduation, we were all happy to be together for one last time, outside of Hofstra,” said senior Joseph Leonard.