The Northport High School Class of 2019 proudly entered the new high
school field clad in blue caps and gowns on the sunny morning of June
29. Led by district administration, faculty, and Board members and the
familiar melody of “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the high school
band, students processed to their seats, smiling and waving as proud
family members and loved ones looked on, excited for the day’s
commencement exercises.
After principal Daniel Danbusky welcomed
all in attendance, thanked the community for their support, and
commended the seniors for their hard work and dedication to academic
excellence, the Northport High School Choirs then performed a beautiful
rendition “Fields of Gold” by Sting.
During her salutatory
address, Katie Sierra took time to reflect on the value of graduation
day as a crossroads between the past and the future. Katie urged her
classmates to thank all the people that have helped them along their
journey, and to always live in the present moment.
Before presenting the Class of 2019, Mr. Danbusky shared some words of wisdom with the graduates.
“You
never know how one small act can influence those around you,” he told
them. “You all have the opportunity to become the greatest generation in
history—but it all starts with you.”
Following Mr. Danbusky’s
address, Board of Education members presented the diplomas to the Class
of 2019. Graduates were congratulated by Mr. Banzer and Mr. Danbusky as
they exited the platform.
During his valedictory speech,
Nathaniel Wang likened the aspect of gaining self-confidence, which is
integral to being successful, to making a pancake for the first
time—graduating from making a semi-round pancake to attempting an
omelet, and messing up many omelets before making a halfway decent one.
“As
you’ve gone through your high school career, this sort of baptism by
fire, you may not have even realized the confidence you’ve amassed along
the way as you’ve tackled new task after new task. Let this confidence push you to succeed—to do more, to take more risks, and to cook
more ‘omelets.’” Nathaniel concluded his speech by quoting Henry David
Thoreau, encouraging his classmates to “go confidently” in the direction
of their dreams, and to live the life they’ve always imagined.
Class
president Maxwell Aftel then led his fellow graduated in the tassel
change to symbolize their completion of high school and tossed their
caps high into the air, and with their loved ones looking on, proudly
processed out as Northport High School Alumni.