East Meadow High School Sends Off The Class Of 2021

EAST MEADOW, NY — The sun shined on East Meadow High School seniors as they celebrated their graduation at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex on June 27.

The class of 2021 processed onto the field to roaring applause from their families and friends. Joined by the board of education and central and high school administration, the graduates proudly took their seats to begin the commencement ceremony.

The event kicked off with a rendition of the national anthem by the senior chorale. They were joined by a group of students performing the song in American Sign Language. Principal Richard Howard then took to addressing his senior class.

“To the class of 2021, I would like to thank you one last time for all of your accomplishments and making East Meadow High School a better place; thank you for being you,” he said.

Following Howard, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth A. Card Jr. and Board of Education President Matthew Melnick addressed the graduates.

“On behalf of the East Meadow Board of Education, I would like to congratulate you on your graduation,” Melnick said. “However, this is not a finish line, but rather a milestone. This is a moment to reflect on all you’ve accomplished, and then move forward and continue to learn, utilizing the skills you’ve attained here in East Meadow.”

The senior chorale and the ASL students then performed a second musical number, “It’s Roots Before Branches.” The song reflected the ways East Meadow can serve as a root for these new alumni to grow from.

Class President Garett Nogid, valedictorian Hafsa Rehman and salutatorian Tashu Patel then spoke to their classmates in their respective addresses.

“Our futures are unknown, but we all have the strength and ability to handle whatever comes in the next phase of our lives,” Patel said. “We are the ones creating our own paths, we are the ones in charge of our actions.”

“Our losses propel us to truly appreciate everything we were able to experience this year and realize every cloud has a silver lining,” said Rehman.

Howard returned to the podium to officially present the senior class and begin the awarding of diplomas. After the last student was called, the students celebrated with a cap toss and cheers. The crowd looked on as the graduates processed off of the field, ready to take on the next chapter.