West Hempstead Graduates One of Its Greatest Classes [Photos]

"Wonderful," "true leaders," and "special" were among the words that faculty and school officials used to describe West Hempstead's Class of 2012.

"You will always hold a special place in our hearts," Superintendent John Hogan told them. "Thank you for being you." 

This exceptional group of students walked across the stage of the Tilles Center at Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus Sunday night, collecting their diplomas and becoming the newest alums of

Throughout the commencement ceremony, the graduates and their families listened to various speeches from their Class Presidents, Class Historian, High School Principal Dan Rehman, Schools Superintendent John Hogan, Salutatorian Melissa Waldvogel and Valedictorian Alex Sabella.

Each one reflected upon the graduates' time at West Hempstead, offering warm memories, congratulations and words of wisdom for the future. 

Then, the talented seniors of the high school's Chamber Choir expressed their Ram pride by singing the school's alma mater and summed up the bittersweet emotions of the day with a beautiful rendition of "Time to Say Goodbye." 

Finally, one-by-one each graduate walked across the stage to accept his or her diploma, and then stood together, as a class for one last time, to flip their tassels and toss their caps while the entire auditorium roared with applause.

Click through the gallery above to see photos from the 2012 commencement ceremony and upload your pictures from graduation by following these simple steps: 

1. Log into Malverne-West Hempstead Patch (create an account if you don’t have one)
2. Click on this article
3. Click on the “Upload Photos and Videos” button above
4. Upload your photos and videos
5. Make sure to include your write-ups in the Caption area for your photos