Kings Park Class of 2015 Graduates
By Tiffany Goldstein
Photo courtesy of Kings Park Notebook (click on photo to enlarge)
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Singers and songwriters Don Black and Mark London said in their song “To Sir, With Love”.“The time has come for closing books and long last looks must end, and as I leave I know that I am leaving my best friend”
As the sea of flowing maroon and white gowns, tassels in the wind and smiling faces paraded across the track and onto the field known as the home of the Kingsmen…This Class of 2015 was united as one. Students were moments away from receiving the diploma they had worked so very hard for.
As Student Council members reflected on the best memories of their class, the stands, overflowing with proud families and friends, erupted with applause, laughter and at times the deafening silence of happiness and tears.
The evening was chock full of reflection, advice and words of wisdom. Valedictorian Zachary Marcone, addressed the Class of 2015 assisted by a drone that flew into the homeland of the Kingsmen delivering to him his speech. A clear example of the cutting edge education that takes place in the Kings Park School District on a regular basis. Zacharay suggested “to always take the time to relax and always enjoy the wonders of life ahead of you”. Salutatorian, Justin Barish suggested looking to the left and to the right “and you will probably recall some memory that involves those people and if you crane your neck in some direction, I am certain you will find someone who has become your best friend, a friend who will last a lifetime”.
Kings Park Principal Lino Bracco proudly announced that ten million dollars in scholarship funds were awarded to students of the Kings Park Class of 2015. Mr. Bracco spoke of Albert Einstein and his lack of patience with the scientist who took a board of wood, looked for the thinnest part and drilled a quick number of holes where the drilling was easy. “Mr. Bracco encouraged students “to view their life in relation to the world and to go beyond the thinnest part and seek the difficult challenges, the ones that are thick and knotty that others shy away from”.
Superintendent Dr. Tim Egan delivered his very first Kings Park graduation speech with pride. He spoke of the New York State reading theme for 2015, “Every Hero Has a Story”. Dr. Eagan reflected on the life of Mr. Stewart Scott, a broadcaster who completely revolutionized ESPN, sports casting as well as the entire industry with his unique style and likable demeanor. Mr. Scott passed away this past winter after an 8 year battle with cancer and according to Dr. Egan he possessed unmatched courage. Dr. Egan went on to share the legacy that Mr. Scott left behind. “1. Appreciate and savor each moment. 2. Never let diversity define you. 3. Strive for excellence. 4. Believe in yourself, no one will believe in you more than you”. Dr. Egan’s closing remarks to his Class of 2015 “come back, tell us how we prepared you well and tell us how we could have prepared you better. Our product is preparing students to go out and find your place in the world”.
As the Class of 2015 marched across the stage, to receive their diplomas, the time may have come for closing books and long last looks to end, and as they leave, they know that they are leaving their best friends. What they also know, is that the memories created, accomplishments achieved, and friends that were made will last forever, this is Kings Park, their home, where they will always be welcome with open arms.
“To Kings Park Class of 2015, With Love”
Congratulations Class of 2015…Be safe, be happy, be successful and you will always be our Kings Park Pride.