A long-anticipated moment was treasured by the 311 West Islip High School seniors whose final moment together as a class came on the evening of June 27 on the turf field. It was the school’s 68th annual commencement exercises, complete with all the traditions of the past including the graduates passing under the trellis during the procession and the singing of the alma mater after conferring diplomas.
The Class of 2025, in their blue and white caps and gowns, took their spots in the middle of the field as proud family and friends filled out the bleachers and lined the fence on both sides. Student Senate presidents Taylor Riley and Krista Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Teagan McGuire singing the national anthem, who was accompanied by the band.
“Live in the moment” was a common theme among speakers, who reminded the graduates that even the small day-to-day occurrences can often make for some of the best memories. Superintendent Dr. Paul Romanelli cautioned students against letting fear stand in the way of moments that can help them achieve their dreams.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late to be great,” he said to the graduates. “Be curious, say yes to the things that excite you, even if they scare you a little.”
Principal Andrew O’Farrell, who has known many of the graduates since middle school, said it has been a gift to watch them grow.
“It fills me with deep admiration and tremendous hope for what comes next,” he said, adding three words to help guide them in the future: “advocate, navigate and innovate.”
Several graduates were recognized during the ceremony, including the top 10 academic leaders, International Baccalaureate degree recipients, Academic Excellence Club members and seniors committed to joining the armed forces or attending a military institution.
Board of Education President Anthony Tussie listed many of the arts and athletics accomplishments of the Class of 2025, from championships to All-State music selections. All of those accolades are part of the story that led them to graduation, he said.
“This moment right here is something special,” Mr. Tussie said. “But often, we rush moments like this. Don’t. Life moves fast. You can’t slow it down, but you can choose to be present for the moments that matter.”
This year’s academic leader speeches were given by Abigail Lam and Taylor Riley. Riley noted that everyone in the class has been through moments good and bad, and they should be grateful for both.
“Without experiencing hardships, one can never discover the best version of themselves,” she said, adding, “It is crucial to be kind. You will never truly understand what someone else is going through. We must continue to support each other because we don’t know when we may need aid ourselves.”
Lam spoke of the importance of “simply experiencing everything.” Make the best of every situation, she said, including the time of change they are now facing as graduates.
“With every moment that passes, I try to remind myself to be present in order to truly enjoy wherever I am currently in my life,” she said. “Remember, your life is about the journey, not the destination. Life is a beautiful thing so we should all try our best to appreciate the people and places that are integral to our journey.”
Following the presentation of diplomas, Krista Williams was joined by fellow senior class officers for final remarks to the graduates. Mr. O’Farrell and Dr. Romanelli led the tassel-turning ceremony to make the milestone official for West Islip’s newest alumni.
Click here to view the West Islip Graduates Treasure Milestone Moment slideshow.
Date Added: 7/1/2025