"Four years ago no one would have thought twice about names like Osama bin Laden ...No one even knew what the word austerity meant."

- Class President Danielle Harris

On Friday afternoon, 196 seniors processed out the doors of Manhasset High School, the ones they had entered so many times, to take their places among their classmates, family, and friends in celebration of the school's 85th commencement ceremony.

"Four years ago no one would have thought twice about names like Osama bin Laden or Scott Peterson. In 2001 it was considered a miracle for the Red Sox to even come near the playoffs or the World Series. No one even knew what the word austerity meant and Tom Cruise's fiancée Katie Holmes was only 22 years old," said president of the senior class Danielle Harris as she addressed the crowd. She went on to commend her class for unifying in the face of the tragedy of September 11. "Since that time we have only grown stronger and have come together as a grade and community in support of our troops and country," she said. Included in her speech were the many athletic achievements the class has seen. The girls and boys lacrosse teams were New York State champions. The fledgling crew teams made tremendous strides and the girls' varsity field hockey team made it to the state tournament. She ended with an inspirational quote from Mary Anne Radmacher. "Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as this is all there is."

Principal William Stark praised the graduates as being extraordinary role models, noting "the standard they have set for future classes." He quoted comedian Jon Stewart in saying, "School is something you complete, life is something you experience." As he acknowledged, this class had many of these life experiences throughout their four years. He proudly numbered their many accomplishments such as tsunami relief, toy, and blood drives.

Also "singing" the classes' praises was music teacher Mark van Schenkhof who gave the "Graduation Address." He lovingly referred to the class, who chose him to give this address, as a "treasure of incalculable worth." "The caliber of humanity we have before us is a lesson to us all," he stated. Calling the students his "consolation and joy," he went on to give examples of how they have touched his life. They helped him through the loss of his sister and times when he felt discouraged. Some students even came to his home to install air conditioners this summer. His emotional parting words moved the audience. "For six years I followed my professional responsibility and called you my students. Now I call you my friends."

Salutatorian Katherine Aitken thanked her class for making high school "come alive" for her. She spoke of the students' ability to truly love and respect one another. "You are all my heroes," she said of her spirited classmates.

The highest honor a student can receive at graduation, the "Silver M Award," is bestowed upon students who display a positive image to those around them. Silver M President Gregory Klainberg commended the class for winning the largest amount of these awards in the school's history. The teacher recipient of this honor, David Dorman, has been teaching at MHS for 42 years. Klainberg pointed out that he is a Woodrow Wilson Scholar, "a true beacon of fashion," and "the toughest grader in Manhasset High School history."

Nicholas Calluzzo and Yousuf Qureshi wanted to stray from the quintessential speeches given by valedictorians. They accomplished this goal, entertaining the crowd with their witty words. They thanked their parents for conceiving them and their teachers for giving them four years of anxiety, stress, and sleep deprivation. They compared high school to a sandbox in which "everyone gets thrown together." Now prepared to step out of the sandbox, they are left with some "awesome sandcastles."

Presenting the class gift, "The High Five Scholarship" was class Vice President Julie Lavin. She explained that this will be awarded to a student who exemplifies a true commitment to education, community, and sports. Another parting gift given by the students is the addition of three new Manhasset Indian floor mats to decorate their former hallways.

"They come back," said parent Wendy Bennett as she addressed fellow parents who will be sending their children to college in two short months. She lightheartedly explained that after the initial empty nest syndrome passes, parents will experience some of the benefits of their children being away. A full tank of gas, uninterrupted sleep, and "a floor you probably haven't seen in six years," were among the positive things she listed. To help ease the transition, she advised the college bound seniors to express gratitude to their parents and make certain they call home often.

When asked to describe the ceremony, graduate Michelle Moledo used the word "bittersweet" and noted "the friends she is used to seeing everyday," as being what she will miss most about high school. Julie Lavin was in agreement. "I only wish I had another four years here. I can't wait for our reunion 10 years from now."