Venturing forth

Sullivan West graduates 112 as Class of 2008 leaves behind its impressive legacy

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — “We’re intelligent, deserving and accomplished,” noted student speaker Victoria Harman, referring to the soon-to-graduate members of the Sullivan West Class of 2008 as they sat on risers at the Sullivan West Commencement Ceremony on June 28.

An understatement to be sure, for during their tenure, this group of 112 has been touted for academic success, athletic prowess and good citizenry.

“Don’t they look good?” asked superintendent Dr. Kenneth Hilton, following the processional and National Anthem played by the Sullivan West band under the direction of Ross Reynolds. Hilton’s opening remarks came on the heels of a rendition of “Homeward Bound” by the Sullivan West senior choir members, accompanied by April Scardino, and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by class

treasurer Michelle Birney.

Hilton urged the graduates to applaud the efforts of their moms and dads. “And let’s not forget your siblings, grandparents, close friends, teachers administrators, coaches and board members who have also been instrumental in your journey, not to mention the entire community.”

Hilton noted that approximately $200,000 was invested in the education of each student from Kindergarten to graduation, “money well spent.” He concluded by saying, “We pray for your future happiness and success and we’re confident in your ability. World, get ready for the Class of 2008.”

Harman, who is heading to Harvard University with nearly $185,000 dollars in scholarships, articulately summed up the experience of her class. “We’ve learned to evaluate our actions and rationales, and we leave behind years of memories. We’ll never forget our times here and the people who made it all worthwhile.”

Following an interlude during which the senior band played Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture, Sarah Lander spoke. “We’ll never forget the staff members who took the time to listen to us,” she said. Reflecting on the past four years, Lander described the evolution from being freshmen who just wanted to “be cool,” to sophomores who began to make their impact felt. It was during her sophomore year that the Sullivan West girls basketball team made history by defeating John S. Burke for the Division IV title.

“As juniors, we felt the glory in our superiority. But now as seniors, this is our time,” she said. “We’re now at the end of our Bulldog days, and we’ve had an unforgettable four years. We’ve made a difference here,” she mused as she equated a current 80-year life expectancy to her height with her arm outstretched. “These four years were a mere four-inch distance across the palm. Just imagine what you can accomplish in the years ahead,”

Matthew Mullally made the presentation of the KRANTZ Memorial Award to Brittney Gieger, Cariann Rutledge and Nicole Terwilliger. The award was created in memory of Scott Timothy Krantz, a member of the Class of 2008 who lost his life in a tragic car accident in his junior year. The letters KRANTZ stand for “Kind Random Acts ‘N True Zest.”

In her address, class president Charlotte Peters noted that the Class of 2008 donated a redwood tree to plant in Krantz’s memory. “The tree is tough but beautiful, and relatively care free,” she noted, a fitting reminder of their beloved friend.

The class also gifted a set of canopy tents for concessions during football games.

High school principal Margaret Tenbus referred to the four years in high school as a pit stop on the educational journey that started 13 years ago. “It’s time to re-evaluate your chartered course,” she said. Tenbus called the graduates one by one to receive their diplomas, while noting significant scholarships awarded to many.

Families and friends gathered with graduates for pictures following the commencement, which indeed signals a new beginning in the lives of a group that is filled with promise and potential.

Click here for a photo album.