Under a cloudy sky that provided relief from a hot summer sun, 430 West
Islip High School seniors received their diplomas. Family members and
friends filled the athletic field bleachers to watch the Class of 2011
attend commencement ceremonies. Welcomed first by High School Principal
Dr. Anthony Bridgeman, followed by Superintendent Richard A. Simon, the
crowd of approximately 2,000 cheered. Student Senate Presidents Adam
Clegg and Andrew Federico led the Salute to the Flag and Andrea Lamagna,
winner of the National School Choral Award, sang the National Anthem.
Valedictorian Casey Lee McLaughlin spoke about learning through
experiences, adding that knowledge is meaningless without experience.
She revealed that she had decided four years ago that she would be
standing at the podium on June 25, 2011, giving the Valedictory Address.
She concluded by saying that she views graduation as the ending of an
era. "Just remember," she added, "this is where it all began."
Salutatorian Robyna Mamoor described the Class of 2011 as "a force to be
reckoned with." She praised the district staff for their dedication to
her education, as well as her parents for their support and sacrifices.
Also, she added for the benefit of her classmates, "Take this moment to
thank your friends. We laughed, we cried, and we made beautiful
memories."
Board of Education Trustee Sharon Bieselin, who is retiring from her
position after nine years of service, held a decorated glass bowl that
each graduate, upon receiving their diploma, dropped a marble into as a
sign of affection and respect for Dr. Bridgeman. "We wanted him to have
something in his office to remember us by," explained one grad. Dr.
Bridgeman announced that the Class of 2011 received awards of over $6
million from colleges and universities.
The Turning of the Tassels was led by graduates Michelle Genovese and
Nikole Wohlmacher. Caps were tossed into the air as the Graduation
Ensemble, directed by David Kaufman, played the recessional, "West Islip
Alma Mater."
