Ward Melville High School Class Of 2021 Celebrates Graduation

EAST SETAUKET, NY — Ward Melville High School’s Class of 2021 graduated in a lawn-front ceremony on Monday.

Before the distribution of diplomas, Principal William Bernard gave out two special awards — one to John Woram for “his bravery and courage in fighting cancer,” and the other was presented to Connor Hughes for perfect attendance throughout all 13 years of school, according to a news release from the district.

In his address of the student body, Bernard inspired the students by explaining his definition of the word “try” as “to care and prepare.”

“Ask yourself if you really tried the first time….then come up with a plan to succeed,” he said.

During the ceremony, it was announced that the class’ gift to the school will be a 20’x 20’ tent for outdoor programs.

Student Government President Jesse Behar, who described his own time at the school as a gift, said the tent symbolizes the class’s legacy of making the “impossible possible.”

Valedictorian Chana Lyubich and salutatorian Allen Hu also “delivered eloquent commencement speeches, imparting words of wisdom and collective sentiments about their hopes for the future,” school district officials said.

Hu explained each one of the graduates “entered the pandemic as one person and came out as another.” He cautioned his classmates to take care of themselves, saying, “Be balanced in yourself and cautious in your words, but remember that you are never alone.”

Chana spoke about change, noting last king change is often more gradual and is brought about through the actions of everyday people.”

“All of us – regardless of our future careers and trajectories – can make the difference in the world through the small choices that we make,” she added.