Copiague’s Class Of 2024 Celebrates Graduation

COPIAGUE, NY —Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held its 65th commencement exercises on June 25 celebrating the Class of 2024 in the arena of Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus. Led by faculty and staff, the students marched in to “Pomp and Circumstance” and were met by thunderous applause from family and friends in attendance.

Copiague School District Board of Education First Vice President Anthony S. Pepe offered his congratulations to the Class of 2024 on behalf of the board.

“Today, we stand of the precipice of a momentous occasion, your high school graduation,” he said. “Today is not just a celebration but a testament to your hard work, resilience and determination. You have faced challenges head on – each hurdle you overcame and each victory you achieved has led you to this very moment. As you reflect on your high school journey, remember the lessons learned and the bonds formed. These experiences have shaped you into the person you are today, ready to make your mark on the world.”

Copiague School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon also spoke to the grads.

“You are all to be commended for the positive energy, effort, flexibility, dedication that you put into everything you accomplished while you were here,” she said. “I have watched you all grow over the past 13 years, and I know you are leaving us more than ready to embark on the next chapter in your lives. Hold on to the excitement and anticipation you feel tonight and look at every new opportunity with that same excitement.”

Salutatorian Jonathan Singh urged his classmates to take charge of what’s ahead and
make an impact on the world.

“Tonight is the start of the long life that lays ahead of us, and we finally made it,” he said. “Although high school contains some of the most beautiful memories of our lives, it is only a small fraction of what is yet to come. Our lives are not defined by our grades or our extracurricular activities, our lives are defined by what we do with them, who we choose to be, and how hard we choose to work.”

Kemmora Simmons, Class of 2024 valedictorian, advised her fellow graduates to not
wish the future away, but instead live in the present.

“There are 1,140 minutes in a day, half of which we spend sleeping in the comfort of our beds. Why waste the rest of our day trying to fast forward time when we could just bask in the sun and make meaningful memories that will last lifetimes. Graduates, take a minute to just cherish the moment we’re currently in. Take it all in… because this might be the last time we’re experiencing a moment like this with all of us here together. I hope you all remember to appreciate your life for what it is
and to stop comparing it to others. Live in the present and enjoy the life you’ve been given
because at the end of the day, your happiness is all that matters.”

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta addressed the soon-to-be graduates for the final time.

“Each step of this journey has presented a variety of opportunities for growth, overcoming adversities and celebrating successes,” he said. “Looking forward, much is expected of you, and I have great confidence in your abilities. As you move on in life, remember the values, pride and sense of community that each member of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School staff has worked so hard to provide. Many people have worked hard to help you grow academically, socially and emotionally. Now I charge you with the task of continuing to put what you learned to good use and to be a positive force in your community.”

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Assistant Principals Jonathan Cutolo and
David Aguado announced the names of each student. Graduates made their way across the
stage and were congratulated by Agosta and Bannon. After all names were called,
Mr. Agosta instructed the students to turn their tassels, and they then tossed their caps
high into the air in celebration as official graduates of the Class of 2024.