The district’s 127th Commencement ceremony of the Freeport High School’s graduating Class of 2020 was held in the parking lot of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as a unique drive-in movie experience. The traditional ceremony had been changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduates and their families filled the parking lot and remained in their cars that were creatively decorated with Freeport pride. In attendance were members of the Freeport Board of Education, district administration and staff, along with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and other state and local dignitaries.
The momentous occasion featured live remarks from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Class of 2020 president Lesly-Hannah Gutierrez, salutatorian Rosa Medina, valedictorian Sheilly Duque, Freeport High School Principal Joseph Mille and Freeport High School Assistant Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham.
Dr. Kuncham sympathized with students on the disappointing ending to their high school careers. “Freeport Class of 2020, the changemakers – congratulations to you on your exceptional success. I am enormously proud of you and your accomplishments; most notably – who you have become today. At times, life puts adversity in our path. Think of the skills and strengths you have gained as you navigate through an enormously challenging time in our history. It is important you continue to move forward while learning and growing from that experience,” Dr. Kuncham said. “Your potential as you move forward is unlimited. You are primed to become the leaders of your generation and to Be the Change our World needs and you have already started to lead. Globalization continues to provide new opportunities allowing you to become creative, innovative problem solvers as the world evolves around us. You will prevail.”
Principal Mille shared how proud he is of the Class of 2020 for demonstrating strength of character during the pandemic. “This year is and will always be remembered in history. You have made an indelible mark and you’ll always be remembered in our minds and our hearts for your resiliency, fortitude and resolve and for that I applaud you,” Mille said. “As you leave here and every day forward, it is important that you know that your lives matter. You will be the voice of the voiceless. It is your responsibility to speak up and stand as one.”
Messages of hope and inspiration were also shared from the valedictorian Sheilly Duque, salutatorian Rosa Medina and class president Lesly-Hannah Gutierrez.
As each speech was met with the bellowing sound of horns being honked throughout the parking lot, they were also accompanied with pre-recorded videos of students receiving their diplomas, NJROTC presentation of colors and performances by the Select Chorale.
After the video, senior class Assistant Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham spoke to the graduates prior to their official certification and the turning of their tassels.