Kennedy High School Celebrates Graduation

Press release from the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District:

June 21, 2022

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Kennedy High School graduating Class of 2022 was celebrated on the football field on June 12.

Bursts of green filled the field as staff, friends and families enjoyed the commencement ceremony under a canopy of cloudy blue skies.

Gerard Owenburg noted that he was appointed as principal when the Class of 2022 were freshmen.
“What I wanted most was for you to have great memories of your high school experience, and I just wanted you to be happy,” he said. “Little did any of us know the obstacles we would face during your remaining three years of high school,” he added, referring to the Covid disruption in education. “The Kennedy Class of 2022 quickly started to be recognized for a different trait — their adaptability. During the most difficult months of your high school years, your kindness and generosity remained a beacon of hope for this entire community.”

Valedictorian Christopher Prainito and salutatorian Michelle Brown addressed the crowd.
Prainito noted to his peers that they should be ready to pivot throughout life when it comes to careers and passions.

“We are the ones who choose our paths,” he said. “While it is important to have dreams and goals, it is just as important to be flexible.”

Brown spoke about COVID-related challenges.

“We were really taken out of our comfort zones and as a result we have come out of high school stronger and more united than ever.”

This press release was produced by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.