Syosset High School Sends Off Its Class Of 2021

SYOSSET, NY — During the 63rd Syosset High School Annual Commencement, held on June 23 at Hofstra University, more than 560 seniors stepped up to the podium and accepted their high school diplomas.

Students marched into the James H. Shuart Stadium as “Pomp and Circumstance” played, after which members of The Adelettes performing a stunning rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

This year’s class was highlighted with 32 National Merit Finalists and 38 National Merit Commended students, as well as five Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars.

Syosset High School Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante delivered the welcoming remarks, acknowledging and thanking first responders and essential workers for their service throughout the pandemic as the crowd applauded.

“It is from here that you will be able to go forward, perhaps weathered by the storm, but not lost,” Durante said as he addressed the students directly. “It is with a sense of purpose and newfound knowledge of your own capabilities that you graduate from Syosset High School and commence with the next part of your life.”

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Rogers reflected on the school year and offered some advice from his own experience leading a school district during a pandemic. “As you enter your future, full of possibly, adventure and undoubtedly some uncertainty, remember the motto that guided us through the challenges of the last 15 months,” he said. “Make the best decisions you can with the knowledge you have. Remember your strength and resilience. Value your community. Never underestimate the importance of your own unique voice, and don’t let anything dampen altruistic spirit.”

Board of Education President Tracy Frankel commended the students on rising to the unique challenges of this school year. “Recognize how special you are. Understand that the resilience and fortitude that you have mastered will take you wherever you wish to go,” she said.

While addressing the students, Board Trustee Carol Cheng said, “Let the past be your guide, and do not let uncertainties of tomorrow prevent you from exploring the possibilities of today,” and Board Trustee Anna Levitan stated “You are now well prepared to go out there in a big, complex and profoundly uncertain world that is still hurting from the shared pain and challenges [of the pandemic].”

Class of 2021 Student Government President Krish Pamnani and Senior Class President Devin Lefkowitz presented the class gift, a statue to be placed in front of the high school. And while addressing the audience, Class Speaker Suha Chowdhury spoke about the importance of slowing down to make time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

The two Salutatorians of the class of 2021 then addressed the audience. Salutatorian Maiya Raghu talked about the importance of learning from one another. In her speech she said, “Being surrounded by a diverse, multi-talented student body at Syosset High School, I can see how much we learn from each other whether we mean to or not.”

Salutatorian Jacob Rosenberg thanked the faculty by saying, “I’m so grateful for my teachers and administrators for building an environment for me to learn not what to think, but how to think, and how to enjoy thinking.”

Valedictorian Joshua Langman reflected on his growth over the four years of high school. “If our high school years have shown us anything, it is that we are ready for the years ahead,” he said. “Going forward, know that as our lives change, we have proven that we are capable of adapting, not just to survive, but to thrive.”

The recipient of the Elisabeth T. Babcock Award, and the National Merit Finalists, National Merit Commended students, and Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars were recognized during the ceremony.

The commencement culminated with each student receiving their diploma and the traditional cap toss.