The district's Board of Education, administration, staff, family and friends filled the sports complex at Hofstra University for the 126th commencement ceremony of the Freeport High School's graduating Class of 2019.
The ceremony kicked off with the presentation of colors by the NJROTC, followed by the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem, and a beautiful performance of "God Bless America" by the high school's Select Chorale.
Several speakers delivered moving and memorable speeches to the graduating class, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham, Principal Joseph Mille, Assistant Principal Nelson Holland, Class of 2019 co-presidents Gabriel Alvarado and Yasmin Kadir, valedictorian Leah Hochman and salutatorian Laura Chumpitaz.
Prior to the announcement of graduates' names and the ceremonial distribution of diplomas, Dr. Kuncham encouraged the graduating Class of 2019 to be fearless, courageous and bold. "Be courageous to take risks and be bold to go where there are no guarantees. Being fearless is about realizing that failure is simply a detour and you keep going believing in yourself. When you're fearless you are creating opportunities and you have given your very best with utmost humility," Dr. Kuncham said. "You are the Class of 2019, realize your uniqueness, live your life in this moment, be all you can be and uplift others. We are with you on this journey and wish you all a wonderful and exciting adventure ahead of you."
Mr. Mille expressed that he hopes students never stop growing, changing and evolving from the people around them and their experiences. "The next few years will be part of the path of your future. I can only hope you leave high school with enthusiasm for what is to come."
Ms. Chumpitaz paid homage to Freeport High School for shaping her into the person she never thought she'd be. "Throughout these four years, we all experienced adversity and life didn't always come easy to us. We should be proud of ourselves for being here today," she said. "I wish you all luck in whatever path you choose for the future. Remember to always keep your best interests in mind."
Ms. Hochman reminisced about the memories with her fellow graduates. "I'll remember my incredible friends and supportive family who I've learned endless lessons from," she continued. "I'm well aware of the power of speech and I am speaking on this night for those who are not given a voice. You have the power to change the conversation. If one voice of light pierces through the clouds of deafening silence, a movement has already begun. As you enter the next stage of your life, do not be afraid to speak louder than those who will try to silence you."
Following the distribution of diplomas, retiring Assistant Principal Nelson Holland provided final words of advice. "Until now, you have been a passenger in a vehicle that was on the road to your destiny. Now, you're getting ready to become the sole driver and you will navigate yourself through the world," he said. "What do you have to create your road map? Your Freeport High School education, the courses you took, the teachers you met, the suggestions that worked, the potholes that you may have fallen into and then learned to avoid. Use these experiences to your advantage."
The evening closed with Freeport High School's Class of 2019 turning the tassels on their caps from right to left and looking ahead for the bright futures that await them.
