Manhasset High School’s Class of 2023 reflected on their journey throughout the school district during Friday evening’s commencement ceremony at the Secondary School.
“The lessons you’ve learned, the values instilled, and the support you’ve received, will remain etched within your hearts forever,” said Superintendent Gaurav Passi, citing the traditions and pride embodied in the district’s orange and blue.
“They will serve as the compass guiding your actions as you explore new horizons,” he told the graduates. “Most importantly, the spirit of Manhasset will forever be with you.”
The school’s 103rd commencement ceremony began like many before it and like many after it will, with class officers ringing the bell. The three rings pay homage to Manhasset High’s past, present and future graduates before the students walk down the school’s steps one final time.
Class President Logan Panzik went through notable memories from his time in the district, reflecting on how far he and his fellow graduates have come.
“As we’ve grown up, I’ve come to learn that good memories are the ones you experience alone, great ones are created when you have a friend by your side and extraordinary moments like today are shared by all,” Panzik said. “Drawn from all of our own experiences we have made friends we now consider family and learned through a simple conversation a stranger can become a friend for life.”
Co-salutatorians Jack Diskin and Benjamin Punzalan delivered a joint address expressing to teachers, staff and loved ones something Punzalan said everyone can do a better job of showing––gratitude.
“Our class has been given more than most kids our age,” Punzalan said at the end of the two’s remarks. “We’ve been set up for success by our wonderful teachers, taken care of by our amazing community and we’ve been guided and comforted by our loving parents and families. By exhibiting gratitude and appreciation, especially for the little things, we can and will use the tools provided by us to achieve remarkable things for ourselves and for each other.”
Lukasz Mosakowski, president of the Silver M Society, which was created in 1930 to honor students and teachers for their dedication to the district, inducted the newest members.
The society’s 2023 inductees include valedictorian Kristen DiConza, Samantha Palmadessa, Benjamin Punzalan, Dominique Randall, Emily Theodosopoulos and Nitya Wanchoo.
Principal Dean Schlanger, who is retiring after 16 years in the district, was also inducted.
DiConza reflected on both her memories and the class of 2023’s academic, athletic and musical accomplishments in their senior year. She said the class is well equipped to take the next step thanks to what Manhasset has given them.
“Let nothing stop us from moving forward,” DiConza said. “From here on out, let’s take advantage of every moment because we have no reason to be afraid.”
Board of Education Trustee Steven Panzil accepted the class of 2023’s senior gift, a donation of funds that will be put towards purchasing a statue of a new mascot for Manhasset when the time comes, he said.
“This class will serve as the bridge between the rich, storied tradition that Manhasset is revered for and lead the way for the next generation of Manhasset graduates that will walk these halls,” Panzik said.
During his final commencement address, Schlanger drew a parallel between the cherry trees on the school’s campus and graduates. The outgoing principal commented on the beauty that comes from a collection of individual strengths.
“Each of those trees stands on its own, has its own shape, size, its own roots, leaves and blossoms,” Schlanger said. “Each tree is strong and impressive, worth gazing at on its own. Yet each spring as we all witness, it is the collective presence of those cherry trees that creates the magnificent canopy at which we all so marvel and which we so appreciate.”
