Riverhead Celebrates Graduating Class Of 2021

RIVERHEAD, NY — After an unprecedented year during the pandemic, Riverhead High School's Class of 2021 celebrated together as they graduated on Friday, June 25.

The ceremony commenced with a flag salute led by the NJROTC and student-musicians singing the national anthem.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Christine Tona spoke about the challenges the Class of 2021 faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As you step into the world, look back and celebrate all your memorable experiences,” Tona said. “You have been an inspiration. Continue to make us proud.”

In his address, High School Principal Sean O’Hara told students to embrace life’s challenges, never take anything for granted, and remember that their diplomas are “symbols of hard work and a new beginning.”

Valedictorian Aria Manucha reflected and offered advice: “Don’t sweat the big things,” she said. “They always work themselves out over time. Focus on the small details.”

She also dedicated her address to Keri Lynn Stromski, who died in April after a fierce battle with cancer, and thanked Stromski for being her role model.

During his speech, salutatorian Kyle Martelli told his peers to always “turn [their] obstacles into stepping stones” and “live life smiling," the district said.

Tijuana Fulford, founder and executive director of the Butterfly Effect Project, also spoke to the class, giving graduates a list of 10 tips that will help them to reach their dreams, including being true to themselves, not giving up, being open-minded, teachable and accountable, and always remembering who they are.

Also taking the podium were student body president Nikolas Novikov, student government president Viktoria Skobodzinski and student government vice-president Imani Thomas, who presented the class gift in honor of Katerin Perex Sajbin, a member of the Class of 2021 who died in a crash in January.