On June 26, Bethpage High School held its Class of 2024 graduation ceremony outdoors on the football field. The event was a memorable occasion, marked by a blend of tradition, heartfelt speeches, and the excitement of new beginnings.
The graduates, led onto the field by Superintendent David Schneider and Principal Nicholas Jantz, were greeted with the stirring strains of Pomp and Circumstance played by the Bethpage High School band. As they marched in, many students showcased their creativity with uniquely decorated caps, highlighting their future schools and personal achievements. From the stands, family and friends applauded, their cheers echoing across the field in support of the graduates.
The ceremony kicked off with an electrifying rendition of the national anthem performed by senior Matthew Schneider on guitar, setting an inspiring tone for the evening. Following this, Daniela Cross, the senior class president, delivered the first speech. She was succeeded by Ellie Park, student council president, Ryan O’Connell, the salutatorian, and Zoe Chinda, the valedictorian. Superintendent David Schneider and Principal Nicholas Jantz also addressed the graduates, imparting wisdom and encouragement.
Zoe Chinda's valedictorian speech resonated deeply with the audience as she quoted her all-time favorite song, Vienna by Billy Joel: Slow down, you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time. She continued, “As my favorite lyric from ‘Vienna’ goes, ‘Don’t you know that only fools are satisfied?’. Graduates, as harsh as it sounds, I hope that in life you remain a bit unsatisfied. I hope that you seek out the ‘mores’ of life. There is always more to find, more to learn, more to love, more untried paths, and more unopened doors. Don’t settle for satisfaction, strive for excellence.”
Superintendent David Schneider also delivered a powerful message: “Never forget how powerful your voices can be in front of others. Use your voices to uplift others, to bring people together. Use your voices to challenge and create, so that you can make a lasting impact on this world. Do not underestimate the impact that a single voice can have, as history is filled with examples of individuals who, through their courage and conviction, have brought about significant change. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.’”
After the speeches, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived—the presentation of diplomas. One by one, the graduates crossed the stage, receiving their diplomas and shaking hands with the school’s leaders. Following this, Principal Nicholas Jantz officially pronounced them graduates of Bethpage High School. In a jubilant display of accomplishment, the students moved their tassels from right to left and tossed their caps into the air, celebrating their success and the end of an era.
The Bethpage High School band played the recessional as the newly graduated Class of 2024 exited the field, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Best of luck to the graduates of Bethpage High School's Class of 2024. Your journey has just begun, and the future holds endless possibilities.