Southampton High's Class Of 2019 Graduates

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — There were tears of joy and cheers of pride as Southampton High School’s Class of 2019 received their diplomas during the district’s 126th annual commencement exercises on June 28.

During the ceremony, “Ride the Wave Wherever It Takes You,” the high school’s senior musical choral groups performed the national anthem as select seniors used American Sign Language, the district said.

Speakers then took to the podium to offer congratulations and words of wisdom. High school principal Dr. Brian Zahn said, “You are leaving Southampton prepared and ready to change the world for the better.”

Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Dyno was next to speak, using the ocean waves as a metaphor for the journey the graduates were about to take. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to ride them,” he said. “There is not one right way to ride a wave.”

Other speakers included Robert Grant McKnight, representing the summa cum laude graduates, and Gabriela Amaral Costa and Leonardo Mateo Morales Acevedo, speaking for the student body. Each shared memories and offered advice.

“Be happy with yourselves, take pride in your differences and learn to accept help,” said McKnight.

Costa and Acevedo both spoke of overcoming many obstacles to reach the graduation stage.

“I learned to surround myself with people who elevate me," Costa said.

Acevedo added: “Life is an opportunity for all of us. There is always a solution and how we solve problems is what makes us who we are.”

Following the speeches, and a performance of “We Are the World” by the high school chorus, select students assisted Dr. Zahn in presenting an honorary diploma to the family of Ana Castro. Castro passed away in December after a car crash while visiting family in El Salvador.

The ceremony culminated with a performance of “A Million Dreams” by Haley Alexa Dressler and Ayanna Mercedes Ray, who were accompanied Robert Grant McKnight on violin.