LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY – “Just a few short years ago, as a freshman, I remember my teachers telling us our time in high school would fly by, and before we knew it—in the blink of an eye—it would be over," said Mya Landers, Sullivan West’s Class of 2017 valedictorian.

Describing her studies at the local high school as a “seemingly short amount of time," Landers added that she and her fellow seniors were introduced to the Pythagorean theorem, the Constitution of the United States, the scientific method “and countless other ideas” along their educational journey.

Sounding a positive note in her address, the summa cum laude recipient told her fellow grads that is was their time “to teach, to lead, to inherit this earth… I hope each and every one of you goes out into this world and takes action to improve it… I want us all to realize that we are the hope for this earth and are the only ones who can do anything to change it.”

“[We are] the ones who can choose to focus on saving our beloved planet, rather than denying that a problem exists.”

Future plans for the valedictorian include attending the University of Binghamton to enroll in its biomedical engineering program.

In his remarks, Class of 2017 salutatorian and summa cum laude award honoree Aidan Sensiba referred to the difficulties associated with selecting a college, asking “how was I supposed to go out into the real world on my own?” until he realized something.

“It is impossible to know the future,” he said. “As we enter the unknown, we are given the chance to learn more about ourselves and grow far beyond what is possible in the small realm of what we know now.”

Sensiba plans to study interactive media and game design at Worchester Polytechnic Institute.

The Class of 2017 valedictorian and salutatorian were joined in donning the distinctive light blue stoles denoting the highest high school academic honors by classmates Ayden Gann, Carson Mannino, Kristen McAndrew and Ryan Rydell.

“As a community, Sullivan West gathers this morning to celebrate our seniors in their season,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy M. Hackett in her opening remarks.

She asked the graduates to reflect upon one word, a single word of infinite possibilities and dreams.

“If you think about ‘believing’, you’ve already accomplished it," said Hackett. “Congratulations, Class of 2017!”

High school principal Mark Plescia trotted out a few rather impressive numbers for the Class of 2017: $1.3 million in collective scholarships, 46% of the seniors graduated with a GPA of 85 or higher, and some outstanding athletic records posted by the sports teams.

“You’ve experienced success in all areas," he told the soon-to-be grads, adding that it takes “hard work to strengthen your skills… the desire to succeed motivated you. Remember, relentless pursuit, focus and passion are the greatest strengths one can possess.

In summation, Plescia recalled the trials and tribulations of J.K. Rowling in getting what would become a international best-selling series of books published, as an example of believing in yourself and your abilities.

“Nobody wanted to hear stories about Harry Potter,” he said, noting that a “focus to win” can surmount a lot of obstacles.

“You’re ready to move on to the next stage our your lives”, he added.

The future of the United States military was well represented as four grads have already signed the dotted line with Uncle Sam: heading off to the USMC are Aaron Terpstra, Tommy Stauch and Ben Mitterwager, while Tim Haas is going into the army.

Nothing like small town America to show it patriotic colors!

The annual rite of passage was held in the high school gymnasium on Saturday, June 24, and concluded with the traditional recessional as performed by the spirited Sullivan West High School Band.