The Freeport High School Class of 2022 celebrated their 129th commencement exercises on June 16 at the David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University.
The symphonic orchestra played "Pomp and Circumstance," as the soon-to-be 491 graduates were led into the ceremony by district administrators, the Board of Education, and faculty. Once the students were seated, the Freeport N.J.R.O.T.C. presented the colors and under the direction of Monique Retzlaff, the select chorale performed beautiful renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America."
Jillian Igneri, President of the Class of 2022, welcomed her classmates and remarked, "We are gathered in this arena tonight, incredibly lucky to be amongst a group of people so diverse and talented that regardless of the paths laid out before of us, each of us now stands at the precipice of the dreams that we've long had in mind." As she reflected on memories and times spent in Freeport High School, she said, "The world outside is waiting for you and I ask that you keep Freeport in your hearts as you go on to achieve all your dreams."
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kishore Kuncham, shared his wishes for the students: "This may have not been the high school years you expected, with the usual rites of passage you have looked forward to as you began you high school careers, but Class of 2022, you won't be defined by what you missed or lost, but by how you responded to this adversity." After highlighting a long list of achievements and offering sound advice for the graduates, he continued, "I truly believe the world is yours now to shape a great future. As a Blue Angels pilot once said, the quest for perfection is not only possible, it is actually our natural state. It is time to enter a new level of high-performance zone in everything that you do. Your potential, as you more forward is unlimited. Freeport has provided you with a solid foundation and has prepared you to move ahead with you academic and citizenship abilities. You are primed to be the leaders of your generation and be the change our world needs."
Over thunderous applause, High School Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham addressed the class of 2022 with an inspiring and motivating message saying, "As you say goodbye to Freeport High School, know that each one of you, in your own special and unique way has left one piece, one mark, in the great tapestry that we call Freeport Public Schools. Your differences are your strengths, your ability to come together despite those adversities and differences is what makes you unique. Freeport High School has not only prepared you with an education, but you have become interpersonal social beings and these skills of empathy and understanding differences, seeing past differences and seeing a common goal as you move onto college or future careers is what makes you remarkable. Now we need you to make your mark in this world, beyond Freeport, and continue to pursue your dreams."
Karina Rios, salutatorian, spoke about difficulties in life and the importance of persevering to help shape your future. "When I think about how far we have come since freshman year, I feel such a strong sense of pride for each and every one of us. We are about to receive one of the most powerful tools in life, a high school diploma. We could not have been here without persevering through tough times, working through challenges and pushing through the darkness towards the light."
Following, class of 2022 valedictorian Elise Smith spoke about change. "We have dealt with a lot of intense change over the past two years that has left a massive impact on our lives," said Smith. "Yet, the change has not stopped us and this is the time to move forward with progressive, individual positive change and embrace the upcoming shift in our lives. I hope that all of us are able to take the change that is coming our way and turn it into a life we are happy living."
Following the distribution of diplomas, Principal Campbell-Ham instructed the students to turn their tassels and pronounced them graduates of the Class of 2022.
The district's Board of Education, administration and staff wish the Freeport High School Class of 2022 continued success in their future endeavors.
