Four years ago, Young Il Chung and Geontak Lee were new to Manhasset, to St. Mary’s High School and to America.
Having each settled in Great Neck, the freshmen were faced with speaking a foreign language, in a foreign land all while attending high school – a place scary enough on its own.
Last Saturday, Chung and Lee, having taken the so-called “Christian names” Jacob and Peter, respectively, took the stage at the Tilles Center at Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus as St. Mary’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, and guiding the Class of 2013 in its commencement ceremony with addresses spoken confidently and in near-perfect English.
“Knowing we are prepared for the real world offers some comfort as we face great change in our lives, and as I stand here before you now, I can say with utmost confidence that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and truly believe you all are too,” Chung said. “The initial fear I had of opening up in a new and scary place has been replaced by a confidence that can overcome any circumstance.”
Chung said when he first entered St. Mary’s, he “lacked the faith and confidence” to make friends, avoiding his classmates by studying as often as possible.
But as time passed, Chung said, he became more comfortable around his peers, and his ever-growing work ethic led to the discovery of a dream to become a doctor.
“Books are important, but no book can replace the true friends that we have all become here,” he said. “It was not too long before I truly recognized that we are living in this world together, and we need to connect with others, not shy away from them.”
Lee came to America, he said, because his father wanted him to experience as much as he could in life.
But in the process, he said, had to leave friends and family behind.
When he first went to visit Korea after living in the United States for some time, Lee said his old friends even began calling him a “crybaby,” because of how scared he was being far away from home.
”I cried because I was afraid, I cried because I was alone, I cried because I didn’t know who would be there for me, and then I met all of you,” he said. “I was shy and hesitated to talk, but you saw it different than me. You showed me that no matter what was going on, I’d always have somebody to lean on.”
In his final address to the Class of 2013, principal Jonathan Kramer reminded the graduates that “much has been given to you and much is expected from you,” though he said he was confident the graduates would have the same impact on the world it had to Chung and Lee.
“The world today is full of challenges and is in great need of leadership and faith-filled people,” Kramer said. “You have demonstrated time and time again that you are ready to tackle this challenge.”
After the graduates took the stage and received their diplomas, the school honored a select few with Awards for Excellence, in art, English, Italian, mathematics, physical education, theology, science, social studies and Spanish.
Four students were each presented with service awards, given to students who have excelled in student participation and the Christian Spirit, and Spirit Awards, given to those who have been outstanding in their expression of school spirit.
Lyla Khan was honored the Sister Jeanne Drummund Award, given to a senior girl who has demonstrated selfless service, dedication to academic success and loyalty to St. Mary’s.
Craig Mellick was honored the Brother Michael Driscoll Award, given to a senior boy who has demonstrated generosity, conscientiousness in studies and dedication to St. Mary’s.
Fae Kuhnen was awarded the Mother M. Annette Trophy, given to a senior girl who has demonstrated good character, academic success and school spirit during her time at St. Mary’s.
Caleb Williamson was awarded the Brother Nicholas Mary Trophy, which is given to a senior boy who has demonstrated good character, academic success and school spirit.
