Despite forecasts, the weather held out for the Locust Valley High School Class of 2023 for graduation ceremony on the morning of June 24. One hundred seventy-nine seniors dressed in green and white gowns with colorful cords symbolizing all their accomplishments marched onto Fred Smith Field to the cheers of their friends and family and music provided by the school band.
Once the students were seated, concert chorale opened the ceremony and entertained the large crowd in the bleachers with performances of the national anthem and “In My Life” by The Beatles. Student speakers Aria Khwaja, Edilberto Rivas Cruz, class president Evan Shriberg, salutatorian Clare Simon and valedictorian Alisha Uduevbo spoke of the resiliency their class showed throughout their four years. Principal Patrick DiClemente and Acting Superintendent of Schools Janine Sampino also shared some words of wisdom with the class, reminding them to embrace the opportunities that come before them and that Locust Valley will always remain their home.
After the speeches, each member of the graduating class was called up to the dais and received their diploma from DiClemente.
To conclude the ceremony, DiClemente told the graduates to turn their tassels, marking their move from students to the district’s latest group of alumni. As a testament to the togetherness of this class, the turf field remained packed with students embracing after the caps were tossed and the ceremony was finished. The Class of 2023 will remain part of the Falcon Family forever!