The Bellport High School Class of 2021 demonstrated adaptability and resiliency to overcome a pandemic era and to celebrate an important milestone in their academic careers during the annual commencement ceremony, held in-person on June 25. Leading up to the ceremony, the local police and fire departments escorted students, parents and family as they drove through the middle of Bellport Village from Bellport Middle School to the high school grounds where they were greeted by the administration and members of the board of education.
“Pomp and Circumstance” was played over the PA system as students took their places on the field with family watching from the sidelines. After Student Council President Jack Frankie led the salute to the flag, he welcomed the graduates and reflected on his remembrances of high school. He also told his peers that the pandemic had taught him to appreciate every aspect of life.
During his remarks to the class, Principal Timothy Hogan encouraged students to cherish life processes and experiences and to find solutions to problems. “Strive to be the solution in every situation — not the problem,” he said. He also whole-heartedly and with much emotion thanked the students for his long-time career and told them he will miss the relationships he has made along the way.
Essayist Charlotte Kellogg, whose task was to reflect on high school, spoke about how relationships gave them the strength to transition from adolescence to adulthood. “We all took that leap together…from merely listening to voicing our own thoughts and opinions,” Charlotte said. “We discovered our own truths together.”
Salutatorian Victoria Monte explained the first lines of Morgan Harper Nichols’ poem “Let July be July. Let August be August” to explain that the moment in which they are living, graduation, is the only moment that should matter right now. “The present is the only concrete thing we have, so make the absolute most of it, even when that means still having a really hard day,” Victoria said. “Recognize the ability that you have to do what you hope to do and the value that every moment holds.”
Valedictorian Anthony Notartomaso talked about the future and noted that, based on the last year, no one really knows what the future holds. “That mystery (not knowing the future) doesn’t have to make us live in fear,” Anthony said. “For the future is not completely out of our control. Simple choices and actions in the past have led us here today. Likewise, our choices of today will mold our future.”
After the celebratory speeches, the retirement of social studies teacher Paul Feltman and long-time athletic office secretary Marybeth Stitt were acknowledged with the presentation of honorary diplomas. Student Council President Jack Frankie also presented Mr. Hogan with a gift to recognize his retirement as principal.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani certified the diplomas and announced that the seniors had completed the requirements for graduation. Board President E. Anne Hayes then led the students in the traditional moving of the tassel, symbolizing that the seniors were now alumni of the South Country Central School District. The evening was punctuated by a fireworks display by Grucci Fireworks and students then joined their family and friends for photos and to say farewell to friends, administrators and faculty.