There is a moment where you can finally breathe and embrace the changes happening around you and it is then that the change finally becomes yours. Congratulations to the class of 2024!!!! A class like no other! The graduation of the class of 2024 demonstrates new beginnings and the unification that is always found in our community; two things that truly make us Musketeers.

The ceremony that marks this important milestone for this year’s graduating seniors was held at the Suffolk Community College Brentwood campus and it
amassed a crowd full of alumni, friends, and family all in support of the graduates.

Before they walked to their seat I got the privilege to ask those graduating what they took away from their time at Central Islip, any advice to underclassmen, or just statements in general about how they felt in the moment:

“Congratulations graduates! We are so of you and continue to make us proud. Never stop striving for greatness” -Mrs.Pang

“Boundless and unlimited” -Christopher Smith Hidalgo

“Bazinga”- Gianluca Pillaga

“Everyone here has worked so hard to experience what we’ve been working for, there is no better reward.” -Chelsea Alvarenga

“Anything is possible!” -Tatiana Avelar

“My biggest motivation this year was Andrea Funez!”-Jeralyn Rivera

“Cherish every moment.” -Anisa Spann

“I’m excited to start my next journey in life.” – Michelle Galeas

“Life moves fast: Stop and look around.” -Michael Castillo

“Always help yourself first.” -Ray Reyes

“Its ok to overthink things.” -Valerie Lopez

“It’s not how smart you are or how good you are. It’s about how hard you work.” -Donesh

While there was a frenzy of energy while these graduates were sharing their thoughts with me, I really got to see people start to fully realize what their time at Central Islip had meant to them. Whether it was clubs, being involved with the band or choirs, musicals, events, a class they enjoyed because of the teacher or their interest in the subject itself— without a doubt, everyone had something to take away with them. They realized that their experiences at CIHS would impact their opportunities after they walk across the stage and become alumni.

When you see a community grow whether it is on a large scale or small, pride will forever be abundant. It was a message of perseverance that was showcased in the speeches given by Mr. Haruthunian, Dr. Dungeee, and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Most importantly, the salutatorian Lesly Bonilla and valedictorian Gianluca Pillaga shared how they strived both academically and outside the classroom in countless activities and events and  both delivered inspirational speeches reminding their peers not to restrict themselves. They warned against living for anyone’s aspirations but their own and not allowing fear to deny them the opportunities they are more than capable of achieving.