The commencement exercises were a little smaller and more subdued than your average graduation, but the Farmingdale Evening High School Class of 2003 beamed with as much pride as any valedictorian when they rose to receive their diplomas. Before that big moment, a few of the graduates took to the podium to speak about the tough but empowering journey to earning their diplomas.

"School never came easy for me," said Tara O'Neill, "so this diploma is really important to me." She also had some advice for her fellow graduates: "Never give up. Just believe in yourself, and you can get through anything." William Gace reminded his classmates, "We have graduated high school, and made it over one hurdle in our lives, but we cannot take it easy, because life goes on." He further advised, "It is our job to stay true to ourselves through everything we face in life."

Anthony Vitale, president of the Farmingdale Board of Education, faced the graduates, looked each of them in the eye, and declared, "I want you to know how proud we all are of you. You made it!" He then assured them, "Wherever you go, you're going to be winners."

"You are starting a new chapter in your life," said Guidance Counselor Kevin Shanley. "There will always be people who will tell you what you cannot do," he continued. "Only if you believe them will they be right." Evening High School Principal Dr. Donna Stanza explained that the road to graduation "was not easy for these students. But tonight, the rewards for all their hard work are being paid."