'Despite Ups And Downs,' Seaford High School Seniors Graduate

SEAFORD, NY — For the 64th graduating class of Seaford High School seniors, they faced challenges in the pandemic never dealt with before and came through better because of it.

The 181 members of the Class of 2021 were celebrated at the Tilles Center on June 26, the Seaford School District said in a statement.

Salutatorian Kaylee Sanderson summed up her tenure in high school, specifically amid COVID-19 for the past two school years.

"Despite the ups and downs," Sanderson told her fellow graduates, "I’m grateful to have shared this chapter of life with all of you and I’m proud of how much we have accomplished and overcome together."

Valedictorian Julia Gambino spoke about having a strong sense of community.

"Seaford is how we got to where we are today, and as we all close this chapter and embark on this new journey of our adult lives, I encourage us all to remember the importance of the people who are a part of our lives and the impact that we can have on them," Gambino said.

Among the dignitaries were Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads, Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Carini and State Senator John Brooks, a 1968 Seaford High School graduate.

"I welcome you all to a great club, Seaford alums," Brooks said.