Caps Off to The Lindenhurst High School Class of 2019

LINDENHURST, NY – On Wednesday, the soon-to-be graduates of the Lindenhurst High School Class of 2018 took to the Edward F. Kienle Memorial Field in a sea of green and white as the Lindenhurst High School Band played “Pomp and Circumstance.” The school’s Marine Corps JROTC members and members of the VFW Wade Burns Post #7279 presented the colors and the senior music students, under the direction of Charles Pramnieks, led the audience in the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” while accompanied by members of the school’s American Sign Language class.

Liam Adams, class council president and Nicole Schepis, vice president, addressed fellow classmates, in addition to remarks made by valedictorian Nicholas Hager and salutatorian Joseph Grogan. In his valedictory speech, Nicholas shared a story of an eagle raised among chickens who never learned what he was capable of because he believed what others around him told him he was. He advised his peers to “do what others think is impossible.”

In his salutatory speech, Joseph said, “The potential of everyone here today is limitless and I know we can all succeed at anything we truly put our mind to.”

Also, imparting their words of advice and extending congratulations were board trustee Edward Langone and Lindenhurst High School Principal Dr. Clinton Grant.

In honor of the 100th Lindenhurst High School graduation, alumnus and actor Daniel Lauria, Class of 1965, also addressed the students. He spoke of and quoted legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, who he successfully portrayed on Broadway. “My favorite quote of his is ‘We will pursue perfection knowing that we will never ever achieve it, but along the way we will shake hands with excellence.’ I challenge you, whatever your course in life is, whatever the next thing you do is, give it everything you’ve got. Pursue perfection, and I hope along the way each and every one of you shakes hands with excellence.”

Before the members of the board of education presented the students with their diplomas, the Class of 2019 presented the board with the 2019 Centennial Legacy Scholarship for the next 15 years by establishing a monetary award for a Lindenhurst High School student who best exemplifies the Lindy spirit.

Student Council recording and corresponding secretaries Misean Fredricks and Elizabeth Johanson led their classmates in the turning of the tassels and gave the signal to throw their caps to symbolize their commencement as Lindenhurst High School alumni.