On to the next chapter

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On Wednesday, June 21, the Patchogue-Medford Class of 2023 celebrated the commencement of their high school years at their graduation ceremony, held on the football field of the high school. Graduates were honored for their accomplishments as they reflected on the challenges they were able to overcome over the past four years and the memories they made that will last a lifetime.

Friends and family purchased concessions, flowers, and stuffed animals from the gift stand as they awaited the start of the commencement. All attention promptly shifted toward the football field at 7 p.m. as the graduates processed into the ceremony. Anticipation and excitement were palpable as smiling students spotted their friends and family in the crowd while walking toward their seats.

These moments of recognition were especially special, considering inclement weather almost made the outdoor graduation impossible. The Patchogue-Medford graduation was originally scheduled for Thursday, June 22, and the forecasted rain forced administration to plan to move the graduation indoors. However, after hearing the pleas of the graduating class and their families, administration allowed the graduating class to vote for an outdoor graduation ceremony on Wednesday, in lieu of a smaller ceremony indoors on Thursday. The setting of the vast football field allowed many more supporters of the Class of 2023 to attend the commencement.

The AFJROTC Color Guard and Maj. John Francolini kicked off the commencement with the presentation of colors, followed by the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by select members of the high school choral ensemble, directed by Brian Reich.

Senior class president Elliott Richards set the tone for the evening in his welcoming address, as he reflected on the graduates’ growth over the past four years.

“Since our arrival in 2019, the members of this graduating class have all realized their potential, thereby beginning to embrace their role in changing the world through word and deed,” stated Richards.

Next, valedictorian Ohm Patel, who will be continuing his education at Brown University, disclosed the traits that all the graduates share: strength, perseverance, and grit. Patel called upon his fellow graduates to continue being resilient.

“As we bid farewell to the halls that have shaped me, and the halls that have shaped you, let us approach every challenge as an opportunity for growth, every setback as a chance to learn, and every dream as a call to action,” stated Patel.

Principal Randy Rusielewicz’s remarks continued Patel’s sentiments, as he emphasized that the trials and tribulation the graduates overcame throughout their high school experience has prepared them for the next phase of their lives.

“Class of 2023, you have worked hard, been respectful, and continued to exceed all expectations,” said Rusielewicz. “As you graduate tonight and walk across the stage from childhood into adulthood, know that your best is yet to come, and everything is in front of you.”

Salutatorian Luca Capuano, who will be continuing his education at Stony Brook University, paid a special tribute to Michael J. Locantore and Nancy Newton—honorary members of the Class of 1973. After graduating 50 years ago, Locantore and Newton embarked onto successful career paths that were much different than they had planned for themselves in high school. In detailing their careers, Capuano reminded his fellow graduates that while the future is unknown, they are free to forge their own paths

Next, treasurer of the Class of 2023, Paige Driscoll, presented a class gift to the senior class advisors, Joseph Eterno and Colleen Turner. Driscoll, who worked closely with the class advisors when planning the senior prom, honored the two teachers for assisting the class throughout their high school journey.

Kelli Anne Jennings, president of the board of education, contextualized the 144th Patchogue-Medford commencement ceremony by praising the graduates for persevering through a time of pandemic, mass shootings, and social and political unrest.

Finally, superintendent Donna Jones presented the Class of 2023, and the graduates received their diplomas one by one. In accepting their diplomas, the graduates officially became alumni of Patchogue-Medford High School, signifying the start of a new chapter of their lives.

Essayist Harry Lian instructed the class to move their tassels from right to left and toss their caps into the air as the sky erupted with fireworks.