By John Nugent

New Hyde Park Memorial High School celebrated the accomplishments of 269 graduates at its 62nd annual commencement ceremony Sunday at Hofstra University’s Mack Athletic Center.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Richard Faccio, the principal, told the students, “Be true to who you are. You don’t have to be smarter than the next person; you just have to work harder than the next person.” He added that the future can be unlimited and said in a later interview that he was very happy and proud of the achievements of this graduating class.

Senior Class President Jessica Olivari welcomed the graduates saying, “I wish you a lifetime of health and happiness. We did it!”

Before the ceremony, Olivari, who will be studying Communications at Marist College, was asked for her thoughts on graduation. “It’s bittersweet,” she said, sad that her time at New Hyde Park has come to an end but happy that she will be on a new adventure as she starts college.

Dr. Ralph Ferrie, superintendent of schools in the Sewanhaka District, is retiring after this graduation. His remarks included quotes from several very notable people.

“You can have a substantial impact on the world in which you live,” said former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor as quoted by Ferrie.

He cited former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden’s words: “Do not let making a living deter you from making a life. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.”

And he concluded with the wisdom of author, Mark Twain. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed with the things you didn’t do than the things you did do.”

“Live your life without ever having to look back,” advised Student Council President Marina Pappas, who delivered the invocation.

After musical selections from the Select Choir, directed by Christian McLeer, and the Senior High School Band, directed by Hope Bagley, the class valedictorian and salutatorian addressed the graduates.

Aisha Abdelhamid, the valedictorian, who will enroll at Harvard in the fall, amassed a weighted average of 103.08.

“Ripples” was the theme of her message to the class. She presented the image of pebbles thrown into a pond that create waves across the water, waves that represent one’s actions and what impact those actions will have on others.

Salutatorian Nicole Joseph plans to attend Cooper Union in the fall. With a 101.4 GPA and a long list of school activities, Joseph has been an outstanding member of the 2019 class. She referred to her experience as a member of the varsity track team by saying to her fellow graduates, “We all made it to the finish line.”

“Mental health issues are a concern of our generation,” Joseph reminded her classmates. “Take care of your mind as well as your body,” she said. “On your mark, get set, Go!” exclaimed the track star.

Casey Waldron will study nursing at Molloy College. Asked how she felt about graduating, she replied, “It’s about time!”