It was a beautiful day on June 26 as the North Shore High School seniors donned their caps and gowns for the 2019 Commencement Ceremony. Parents, friends, administrators, and families, happily gathered outside the high school to watch the ceremony led by Principal Albert Cousins. Speakers included Superintendent Peter Giarrizzo, Valedictorian James Campbell, Salutatorian Hanah Leventhal and North Shore Board of Education President Sara Jones.
To begin the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class Co-Presidents Alyssa Dey and Kyra Kiggins followed by the National Anthem sung by Mairead Colby, accompanied by members of the North Shore High School musicians conducted by Mr. David Soto. Prior to the graduation ceremony, the high school seniors visited each of the elementary schools in their caps and gowns stopping to say “hello” and take photos with their younger peers.
Giarrizzo said, “I try to select a song that makes me think fondly of all of you while providing me with an opportunity to use a soundtrack to help me frame my thoughts. “Let It Be,” written by Paul McCartney is a song that was inspired by a dream and is about possibilities and perspective. It is a song, almost a hymn, of innocence naiveté, hope, and overcoming hardship.”
McCartney writes, “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, Let it be.” The song concludes with, “There will be an answer, let it be – Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”
Giarrizzo continued, “While we don’t know the words she offers, in a time of hardship he hears his mother tell him that he should free himself from whatever is weighing him down…All throughout your life you will find yourself in times where you will need to find perspective and persist. Communication on deep, personal levels is so important and I encourage you to commit to connecting with others in the world in meaningful ways.”
Giarrizzo concluded by saying, “As you leave on your many journeys, listen carefully for the whispers that will bring you peace, clarity, learning, and afford you opportunities to be your best self and then let it be.”
At the conclusion of the 2019 Commencement Ceremony, the North Shore Alma Mater was led by Olivia Bross and Demi Otis. Cousins thanked all of the parents and their families and told his graduating seniors that he respected them and was very proud of their accomplishments. He stated that they had fulfilled all of the New York State High School requirements to graduate. To a loud round of applause by all of those in the audience, the graduates joyously tossed their hats in the air.
Submitted by the North Shore school district
