A little rain didn’t stop the Oyster Bay High School Class of 2025 from receiving their diplomas last weekend. Although the rain moved the commencement ceremony indoors, the graduates celebrated the end of their high school careers alongside their families, friends and educators on Saturday, June 28.
“You are our sunshine,” Superintendent Francesco Ianni told the students.
Students’ achievement was highlighted at the ceremony, showcasing their musical abilities. The graduates entered the gymnasium to the high school’s symphonic band and wind ensemble’s rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance. Senior Class President Jenna Angelidakis led the “Pledge of Allegiance,” which was translated to American Sign Language by senior Anastasia Sakellis. The Oyster Bay Chamber Choir performed the National Anthem.
“This stage this moment is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, laughter, learning and growth,” said Principal Melissa Argaman.
The graduates weren’t the only ones that Argaman recognized at the commencement ceremony, however.
“I want to say thank you for sharing your children with us here at Oyster Bay High School for the past few years. Getting to know them and celebrate them is a true honor,” she told the graduates’ families.
Valedictorian Rose Lindstrom said facing discomfort creates personal growth and development. Lindstrom, who was one of two girls on the high school’s boys’ golf team, said she experienced many uncomfortable moments when facing teenage boys throughout the years.
“It is our human nature to avoid discomfort. Nobody likes to venture outside of their comfort zone, especially when it’s so easy to stay inside the box that we’ve made for ourselves,” she said.
However, pushing through these moments teaches great lessons, she said.
“We can’t grow unless we learn from an uncomfortable moment,” she said.
Salutatorian Michael Olivero reflected on the years leading up to the commencement ceremony, from completing science fair projects at the last minute to experiencing COVID-19 protocols in middle school.
“Each moment, big or small, has been a building block in the person you are today,” he said.
Ianni—who immigrated from Italy and did not graduate from an American high school—said that uncertainty can be scary and hard. He came to America without speaking English and learned from experience. The difficulty, however, was worth it.
“When I look back at what I am today, I made the right choice. It was a painful choice, but it was the right choice,” he said.
Ianni encouraged the students to make the right choices, not just the easy ones. He said each choice the students make will dictate their future and shape their lives.
He said watching the students grow in the past four years at the high school showcased their hard work, dedication and passion for learning, which has not only led to academic success but personal growth as well.
“I am so proud of you, and I will miss you,” Ianni said.
The commencement speakers prepared students for the road ahead and said goodbye to the class.
“This is your moment. The world you are stepping into is one of unprecedented change and boundless possibility,” Argaman said.
Olivero spoke on the past, present and future.
“Take pride in what you’ve built, where you’ve come from, where you’re going and who you are right now,” he said.
