Shoreham-Wading River High School’s 48th commencement was an evening of celebrating the past and looking forward to the future. Families and spectators were welcomed by Principal Frank Pugliese, followed by the national anthem performed by Torre Cintorino, Cassandra Keany, Emily Murray and Robert Tacke with ASL interpretation from Abigail DeLumen, Carly Mulroy, Elizabeth Sabino and Emma Turley.
Assistant Principal John Holownia thanked the Blue and Gold award winners who led the procession: Torre Cintorino, Jake Fabian, Christopher Giunta, Elizabeth McErlean, Jiseung
Moon, Lauren Pollak, Elizabeth Sabino, Sayf-Adenne Souihi, Robert Tacke and Noah Wyszomierski. He also thanked administrators and the Board of Education. He was followed by Assistant Principal Dan Ackerman who thanked building leaders and the support of the PTAs, WAC and WHAM.
Salutatorian Lucas Portuese addressed his peers and thanked teachers, family and others in guiding this success. He shared great memories and quoted Eleanore Roosevelt’s famed saying, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” encouraging all to find their potential by living this advice.
Mr. Holownia then applauded members of the Class of 2024 who will protect our nation after graduation: Alexander Castillo (U.S. Air National Guard), Keith Donnellan (U.S. Army), Armani Foglia (U.S. Navy), Jennifer Mensche (U.S. Navy) and Kyle Rose (U.S. Airforce ROTC).
Robert Tacke wowed the crowd with his guitar and vocal of Billy Joe Armstrong’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
Valedictorian James Minetti shared his gratitude to his parents and siblings and encouraged his classmates to stick with what they are passionate about, spend time productively, bring something to the table and not to lose sight of what they are looking for.
Superintendent of Schools Gerard Poole requested that the students stand and face their families to thank them for their guidance during their high school careers. Mr. Poole lauded the students for their achievements in academics, arts and athletics.
He shared his hope for the graduates’ future with their aspirations and plans and to embrace their dreams. He also shared the Latin phrase “per aspera ad astra” (through adversity to the stars), noting that when obstacles arise while pursuing goals, summon from within the fortitude, determination and ingenuity to meet those goals.
Mr. Pugliese then called for a moment of silence for members of the Class of 2024 John Kane and Andrew McMorris, who were each honored with a posthumous diploma. Mr. Pugliese named each of the Exceptional Academic Seniors before members of the Class of 2024 were each called to the podium to receive their diploma. He then invited James and Lucas back to the stage for the ceremonial turning of the tassels, resulting in cheers and clapping all around.
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Date Added: 6/24/2024