“Pomp and Circumstance” was in full effect on June 24, as Rocky Point High School celebrated Commencement for the Class of 2022.
Each student marched out onto the football field in their cap and gown as visiting family and friends cheered them on. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by graduating Rocky Point High School senior Brenna Kiernan. Principal Jonathan Hart welcomed everyone and explained that the first student speaker would be presented in a rather unconventional way. Exhortation Speaker Victor Hough’s speech was presented as a recording, because he had already reported to his duties at the United States Air Force Academy.
“Don’t worry, the administration is lying to you. I am just under the stage and not allowed out,” Hough joked, before addressing his classmates and their accomplishments. “Over the years, we have experienced many situations…both good and bad. As individuals, and as a class, we have learned for the better. We lived through a pandemic, but we still managed to continue and succeed in all we do.”
Principal Hart returned to the stage next to address the students, stressing the importance of remembering where they came from and who’s helped them on this educational journey.
“A high school graduation certainly is a landmark event,” Mr. Hart said. “It’s important to reflect on how you got here and who helped you get to this very spot. Think of the teachers, staff members, coaches and administrators, your friends, and certainly family members who helped you get to where you currently sit. I encourage you this summer to express your gratitude, either through words or a simple letter.”
Following the principal’s address, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott O’Brien spoke to the graduating Class of 2022, specifically addressing the school’s unofficial mascot, the groundhog, and how a family thought the softball field was a perfect place to build one of their burrows, which actually led to a game being delayed.
“There’s always a lesson to be learned from any experience,” Dr. O’Brien said. “That burrow built on a softball field represents being thoughtful with where your life takes you. Know that every decision won’t be the right one, and that with some authentic trial and error, you will not only find a place and people that make sense, but that fit just right for you. Don’t be discouraged when that doesn’t happen right away for you. That perfect burrow is waiting for you…just get out there and find it.”
Next, it was back to the student-speaking portion of graduation, as Salutatorian Sean Hamilton and Valedictorian Jackson Normandin addressed their classmates, respectively.
“We’re here to celebrate all the years of hard work and dedication to get where we are today…the hours of studying, countless after-school extra help sessions and all the times we stayed up late to do the project due the next day, which the teacher ‘definitely didn’t’ give to us three weeks ago,” Hamilton said. “All of our efforts are now being rewarded with a fancy piece of paper that has our name on it and a nice handshake.”
“Congratulations to the Class of 2022!” Jackson added. “We finally graduated. It feels good to say it out loud. It finally validates the time, dedication and effort we all have put into the past 13 years. I’m sure that everyone among us has achieved personal victories over the past four years. We made the most of our time here, and we also overcame many challenges. Whether it be playing a sport, studying for a test or anything else, we all strived for excellence, and ultimately achieved it.”
Once the student speeches were complete, Principal Hart presented the Class of 2022 to the Board of Education, and they were officially declared graduates. The presentation of diplomas and certificates followed, as students crossed the stage and received their well-deserved accolades. Once complete, the graduates tossed their caps in the air as they looked onward to the future, excited for what awaits them next.
Date Added: 6/27/2022