Sound investment

Sullivan West graduates 112 as Class of 2009 goes forth with potential for great yields

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — A fine education is a sound investment in the future. The idea that the investment of time, emotion, money and unfaltering support on the part of parents, teachers, the school and community at large in the education of our children is apt to yield great returns in the future was eloquently put forth by Sullivan West superintendent of schools Dr. Kenneth Hilton in his welcoming address at graduation on June 27.

Hilton noted that that while the economy is slumping and some investments have proven themselves to be unwise, the investment in our young people is sound. He pointed to this milestone as a product of a joint partnership, wrought with students’ diligent efforts, parents’ love and the hard work rendered by the school community and by the taxpayers who invested approximately a quarter of a million dollars in the education of each and every student from kindergarten through graduation.

This emotional, pedagogical and monetary investment is prudent and essential if we are going to extricate ourselves from the miasma of problems that beset us both locally and globally.

Encouraged by remarks put forth by salutatorian Julianne Reggero, valedictorian Ella MacDonald, Hilton and high school principal Margaret Tenbus, one felt that the Class of 2009 has been given a solid foundation to build their future and, by extension, to brighten the lives of others as well.

They issue forth to not just become successful in a myriad of endeavors, but to hopefully become agents of change and wisdom, attributes sorely needed as our beleaguered planet continues to sustain blows from poverty, war, disease, environmental degradation and financial imbalance.

Following “Pomp and Circumstance,” the National Anthem sung by the high school choir seniors, who then sang “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” Hilton then delivered his cogent remarks to the grads. “Your destiny is in your hands. People are counting on you.” Reggero referenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in saying, “We have already taken the first step.” She said that the next step will require goal-setting and even greater efforts.

The band performed James Searington’s “Flight of Valor.”

MacDonald invoked DaVinci’s idea that “learning never exhausts the mind.” “Some of us are fearful of the future, but our hunger for learning will never be satisfied.” She quoted the poem “Invictus,” by William Ernest Henley: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”

Class secretary Kelsey Ritz presented the student gift of a new gas grill and cooking utensils. She thanked class advisers Meg Armstrong and Mike Ellmauer. Tenbus quoted Michael Jordan, who said, “I have failed many times and that is why I am so successful.” Tenbus said, “to have reached this milestone in your life, you have at one time or another had to overcome some element of failure.

“All of your skills, your own personal values and strengths will assist you in your life-long journey. Use them often and use them wisely.”

Graduates received their diplomas and awards and scholarships were noted. The Class of 2009 issued forth as one door closed and others swung open. It was a commencement indeed. Click here for an album of photos.