Long Beach High School’s 101st Annual Commencement Ceremony brought a joyous culmination to the school year on June 15. The Class of 2024, district leaders, teachers and proud family members were delighted to be together to witness and celebrate this milestone.
To begin the ceremony, the graduation band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as seniors entered Alumni Field in their caps and gowns, followed by the national anthem performed by the graduation orchestra and choir.
Speakers reflected on the students’ perseverance, commitment and dedication throughout the last year. Principal Jeffrey Myers praised the graduates for a successful year of accomplishments, and Board of Education trustee Anne Conway addressed the class with pride. She told them happiness depends upon themselves and always be true to themselves, and that they can be anyone they want to be.
Valedictorian Troy DeFrancesco started his speech with heartfelt remarks of gratitude to his parents, family members, teachers, administrators, fellow classmates and friends for acknowledging his accomplishments. He said it was an honor to address his fellow classmates and congratulated all of them for their hard work and the growth they have all individually achieved to date. He praised the teachers and staff of Long Beach High School and all who made the day possible.
DeFrancesco reflected on how so often he would run through the halls to get to class or wherever he was going and the bittersweet feeling he felt on the last day of school knowing his days of running through the halls of Long Beach High School were over as he walked out the doors. He encouraged his classmates as they race forward through life to remember when they are running so fast from here to there to stop and enjoy each individual step, but always stay focused, disciplined and dedicated to achieving their goals.
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration Dr. Michele Natali addressed the graduating seniors with reminders to be good, kind and respectful toward one another. Dr. Natali closed her remarks with a poem called “Follow Your Dream” by Amanda Bradley. She encouraged the Class of 2024 to be good people to their friends and neighbors and to use the knowledge and the experiences they have gained over their high school years to make a difference in the world.
Salutatorian Samuel Adler delivered heartfelt remarks of gratitude to his parents, teachers, administrators, fellow classmates and friends for his academic growth and success. He shared his love of science and referenced inventors and inventions and the valuable contributions science brings to society. Adler encouraged his peers to think like a scientist as they move forward in their life and always ask why, how or what if. He closed his remarks by saying, “As you become who you were meant to be, whether a scientist or not, always think scientifically. It will help you be successful in your future.”
Senior Class President Hanna Bloom addressed classmates with fond memories made together and shared good wishes as they move forward in life. Following the speeches, each graduate was called up to receive their diploma, signifying the completion of the long journey they had made. Student Organization President Lindsay Roth led her classmates in the turning of their tassels from right to left, and the graduates cheered and tossed their caps in the air.
Date Added: 6/26/2024