Class of 2020 Perseveres to Graduation
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.
Click here to watch the Freeport High School Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony
Freeport lights the night to honor Class of 2020
It was a night to remember as Freeport Public Schools illuminated the Freeport High School scoreboard to honor and celebrate the Class of 2020. Freeport Public Schools joined school districts across Long Island in this unique way of paying tribute to the senior class. At precisely 8:20 p.m., which in military time is 20:20, the lights were turned on and remained lit for 20 minutes and 20 seconds.
Throughout the community, house lights flickered as students, families and community residents joined in to participate in this Light the Night event. Seeing the community come together, while still remaining apart, demonstrated to the Class of 2020 just how special and important they are.
"COVID-19 and the need to close our schools has resulted in the loss of many milestone events for our seniors," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. "Lighting up the scoreboard for our Class of 2020 is one way we can let them know they are still in our hearts and minds. We are enormously proud of the hard work they have demonstrated for years to reach this momentous time in their lives.
Despite the announced closure of schools for the remainder of the school year, Freeport Public Schools is working to continue to honor the Class of 2020. "This is the first of several events we have planned to honor our seniors," said Dr. Kuncham. "Despite the challenges we are facing, they are still moving ahead towards their graduation and we know they will not let this set them back. They have an amazing future ahead of them full of great achievement."
Click here to watch the Freeport High School Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony
2020 FHS Varsity Sports Awards
FHS Music Awards Ceremony