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Hicksville High School Graduates Class Of 2012

More than 400 graduates bid farewell to school, classmates

The Hicksville High School commencement program on Sunday, June 24 celebrated the myriad achievements and accomplishments of the Class of 2012 with a traditional outdoor ceremony that focused on future success for more than 400 graduates.

“Hicksville High School has been a wonderful school for you and because of you,” said Superintendent of Schools Maureen K. Bright in her thoughtful address.

In referring to their past experiences and in anticipation of their experiences in the next four years, Bright said, “We are confident that in the coming years you will put all of the pieces together and unlock the full extent of your potential and when you do – there is no doubt that miracles will happen in our world. We look forward to that day.”

U.S. Senator and honored guest Charles E. Schumer, who urged the graduates to take full advantage of having been educated in an era bustling with advanced technology, said, “My challenge for the Class of 2012? Go for it.”

Outgoing Board of Education President Anthony J. Edelman added, “My wish for you is that you achieve your dream.”

The senior chorus, directed and accompanied by music teacher Michelle Emeric, performed a melodious version of The Jackson 5’s I’ll Be There that echoed throughout the afternoon breeze and prefaced Principal Brijinder Singh’s sentiment, “Don’t ever stop caring for yourselves and for each other. You have the opportunity to shape the world and the responsibility to make it better.”

The class’ top two students also had the opportunity to share their thoughts. “Don’t follow anyone’s path but your own,” advised Valedictorian Christopher Datsikas.

“We must all be extraordinary,” added Salutatorian Arpita Bose.

After the presentation of diplomas, the students marked the end of the ceremony by sending their mortarboards skyward and heading for joyous reunions with friends and family to continue the celebration.

News

With drinks flowing in a room filled with the laughter and praises of family, friends and art patrons, local artist and Hicksville native, Evan Campanella, proudly displayed his artwork at opening night of his own show at the BJ Spoke Gallery in Huntington.

After being sponsored by a member of the gallery for a member’s choice showing, one of his works helped to turn the limelight on him. Now a member of the gallery himself, his paintings have taken over the entire front room of BJ Spoke for the next month.  

Across Nassau County, residents are reacting with mixed emotions to the Nassau County District Attorney’s recent arrests of more than 100 men for soliciting prostitutes, including three from Hicksville, four from Levittown, eight from Wantagh and East Meadow, and one from Bethpage. The DA’s office not only arrested the men, but made public their names and photographs.

But for as shocking as these very public revelations may be, some local residents seem nonplussed by the whole incident.


Sports

Award winners Jill Loveland and Anne Broderick led a large contingent of runners from Hicksville who successfully completed the 2nd annual Belmont Stakes Blue Ribbon 5K Run for Prostate Cancer on June 2.

Loveland was the first woman in the 25-29 age group to cross the finish line with a time of 23 minutes, 19 seconds. Broderick scored in 26:15 to earn the first place award in the women’s 45-49 age group.

The Annual Jones Beach Volleyball Tournament has returned. This tournament consists of a six-player division and a four-player division. All six-player division games will take place on Saturday, July 13 and all four-player division games will take place on Sunday, July 14.

Registration is free and is running now through July 12, or until registration is full. For information, requirements and rules, call the Regional Recreation Department at 631-321-3510 or Jones Beach State Park at 516-785-1600.


Calendar

Unrehearsed: A Night of Improv

Friday, June 14

Book Signing

Saturday, June 15

Fred K’s Cancer Event

Saturday, June 29



Columns

The Worst-Case Coliseum
Written by Sheila Ferrari

Belmont Stakes 2013: A Sure Bet
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net