The Shoreham-Wading River High School’s 46th commencement exercises on June 24 were a time for celebration. The members of the Class of 2022 proceeded onto the football field led by Principal Frank Pugliese and Assistant Principal John Holownia, followed by administrators, Board of Education members and faculty members.

Mr. Pugliese led the Pledge of Allegiance and senior Mia Lombardi sang a flawless rendition of the national anthem while her classmate Emily Curry conducted an ASL interpretation. Mr. Holownia then took the podium and shared his gratitude to all who made the school year successful and for bringing the Class of 2022 to this special day. STEM Director Dr. Joseph Paolicelli introduced Salutatorian Erik Epp, who shared his quiet humor and quoted from Frank Herbert’s “Dune”: “Climb the mountain just a little bit to test that it’s a mountain. From the top of the mountain, you cannot see the mountain.”

Mr. Holownia then recognized student William Steele’s future military service as a member of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Graduate Liam Flatley then sang the famed Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”

Director of Humanities Mrs. Nicole Waldbauer introduced Valedictorian Lauren Halloran, who shared a farewell address with her gratitude to teachers, family members and her fellow classmates for their efforts and commitment. She encouraged her fellow graduates to step out of their comfort zones.

Superintendent Mr. Poole then asked students to face their families and applaud them before sharing his remarks, encouraging the graduates to continue to follow their dreams, as they leave Shoreham-Wading River with the foundational skills to embrace those dreams. Mr. Poole then shared the rare celestial event of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn aligned in their natural order across the morning sky for the month of June, a metaphoric path laid out for the Class of 2022.

Mr. Pugliese then thanked all the students who took part in the ceremony, the first responders and the exceptional academic seniors. He encouraged students to always remain positive, search out different perspectives and make decisions that feed their souls.

Teachers Mrs. Mary Hygom and Mr. Jason Malvagno served as lectors and introduced each student, who then walked to the podium to receive their diploma. The diplomas were presented by Board of Education President Katie Andersen, Vice President Robert Rose and trustees Michael Lewis, Henry Perez, Thomas Sheridan, James Smith and Meghan Tepfenhardt.

Date Added: 6/27/2022