Lindenhurst Union Free School District

Annual Commencement Celebrates Lindenhurst High School Class of 2022

Smiles and cheers from family and friends welcomed a distinguished group of graduating seniors on June 24 to a sun-covered field for the Lindenhurst High School commencement ceremony honoring the Class of 2022 and celebrating their collective accomplishments.

As “Pomp and Circumstance” carried through the air, the excited graduates took the Edward F. Kienle Memorial Field for the last time as students of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District. The commencement exercises then began with the national anthem performed by the senior music students under the direction of Charles Pramnieks.

Valedictorian Atahan Yetimoglu then took the stage and reflected on what his fellow classmates have overcome and the great things they will achieve next in life. “Together we will persevere through all of the obstacles that life has in store for us because I know the Class of 2022, and I know that we are all destined for greatness. I am proud of what we have accomplished in such unprecedented times, and I am proud of us for what we will achieve in the future.”

Continuing the ceremony, Salutatorian Randy Ramsuchit delivered an insightful speech, sharing the importance of being present and appreciating the moment. He wished his classmates well as they move on to their next steps in life.

“We, the Class of 2022, are capable of accomplishing anything we put our minds to,” he said. “Our journey as high schoolers ends here, but a new, unique path will be shaped for each one of us. I am proud to be a part of this class, and to all my classmates, we made it.”

Superintendent of Schools Daniel E. Giordano then shared a message with students about the importance of gratitude and practicing it each day. “I hope that as you move on throughout your lives,” he said, “you do so with gratitude in your heart. Be grateful for your families who have worked so hard to give you every opportunity. Be grateful for your friends who were there to listen and laugh and cry or even just sit by your side when you needed someone. Be grateful for your talents and all of the things that make you who you are because they are yours alone and nobody can take them from you.”

Principal Dr. Candice Brodie began her address by recognizing several students who would be entering the armed services following graduation. As she continued, she spoke to the great hopes she has for this outstanding class and their future as she reflected on her favorite book from her childhood, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.

“You are about to break out of the cocoon of high school and become, what will you become?” she asked. “The answer is, whatever you want to be. I know enough about you to know that is the truth. You have perseverance, grit, tenacity, strength, heart and knowledge. All of these years and all of that hunger made that true. Out of that cocoon will fly doctors, urban planners, teachers, construction workers, auto mechanics, fashion designers, you name it. They are sitting before us.”

Members of the Board of Education then began the presentation of diplomas. After the final diplomas were presented, cheers and applause echoed across the field as students emphatically threw their caps to the sky, exiting the field as alumni of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District.