Amityville Memorial High School’s Class of 2010 Graduates With Pride

On a brilliant, Saturday summer morning, more than 190 graduates of Amityville Memorial High School’s Class of 2010 marched with heads held high onto Lou Howard Field to take the ceremonial walk across a raised platform adorned with brilliant flowers to receive their high school diplomas. Clad in red and silver, the Class of 2010 boasts 79 students who graduated with Advanced Regents status and an additional 103 who received Regents diplomas. The Symphonic Band, directed by Brian Wishin, and dressed in crisp, white tops and black trousers or skirts, played “Pomp and Circumstance” as members of the central administration, administrators and teachers joined the graduates in the Processional. Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7223, American Legion Amityville Post 1015 and Auxiliary, and Hunter-Squires-Jackson Post 1218 American Legion and Auxiliary were on hand to conduct the Presentation of Colors which began the formal ceremony.

Class of 2010 President Jamie Henderson facilitated the commencement exercises, leading the Pledge of Allegiance and introducing fellow graduates Rickens Anantua, Nichole Turner and Davida Walker, who sang “The National Anthem.” First up to welcome proud family and friends, and congratulate the students was Amityville Memorial High School Principal Dr. Scott Andrews. In his opening remarks Dr. Andrews couldn’t praise the Class of 2010 enough for facing the “challenges, heartaches and successes,” during their years at the high school. “You kept your eyes on the prize – your high school diploma,” he stated. “Your blessings are many – share them with the world.”

Following Dr. Andrews’s inspiring farewell, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John R. Williams also had parting words for the graduates, assuring them they will meet with success in their lives. In a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr. Williams reminded students: “ ‘These times are good if we know what to do with them.’ Remember to care about others, say a kind word and give time to your loved ones, for these are the true measures of success.”

Salutatorian Yonnique Wilson expressed pride at being a member of the Class of 2010. “We received more than 200 awards in June alone,” she stated during her remarks. “Never forget your roots and the people who helped you realize these accomplishments along the way.” Jamilah Lindo, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2010 also reminisced about the many proud moments shared by the students, including seeing the Football team win the Suffolk County Championship, watching the all-star track team receive local, state and national honors, and sharing in the accomplishments of the girls soccer team, who earned the third best record in the history of Amityville Memorial High School. “Look back with pride and forward with anticipation,” she stated, as she bid farewell to her fellow graduates.

In between speeches, the Symphonic Band performed the school anthem, “Amity Ever,” and the Percussion Ensemble, also led by Mr. Wishin, entertained the graduates and the audience with the “Bongorama” and “Mozambique.” Following the musical interlude, County Executive Steve Levy surprised the graduates when he appeared on the stage to address the Class of 2010. “Never, ever give up on your dreams,” Levy encouraged students as he held up the pair of shoes he wore while pounding the pavement looking for his first job, which were full of holes. “As you leave the security of your school environment and enter the world, nine out of ten doors will be slammed in your face,” Levy stated. “Be patient, and wait for that tenth door to open up for you – it will!”

Class of 2010 Advisor Sandra Whitney also briefly addressed students, reminding them of the importance of always upholding their word, and doing the right thing, “even when no one is watching.” Class President Jamie Henderson, who served as the voice for the more than 190 seniors, profusely thanked all of the adults who helped the students along in their educational journey. She left the graduates with a final piece of advice: “History is memory. As long as we hold on to our histories, we will always have memories.” Board of Education First Vice President Juliet Jordon-Thompson was the final speaker to share her well wishes with the graduating seniors. “You have accomplished so much, and we send you off with great pride and encouragement that you will continue to achieve success in the future.”

In one of the most poignant parts of the ceremony, a special graduate, Anthony Abizeid, was introduced and escorted onto the field. “He has never graced our hallways,” stated Dr. Andrews as he introduced Anthony. “But he is an inspiration to and source of pride for us all.” Anthony was born with cerebral palsy, but with the support of his mother and medical personnel, he was able to receive his high school diploma in hand to the cheers of his fellow graduates.