Massapequa graduates of the Class of 2007 came together with family and friends for the District's 51st Annual Commencement Exercises. Farmingdale State University's gymnasium was a sea of royal blue as 550 graduates received their diplomas from a district that has served them well through the years.

The ceremony began with the Massapequa High School Chamber Singers, who performed a beautiful segment from "America the Beautiful."

High School Principal Dr. James Grossane introduced Class of 2007 President Sam Bryson-Brockman, who mulled over the meaning of "commencement" with his peers. "We are commencing our descent into the valley of our next pursuit," he stated. "We will move on and make new memories."

Bryson-Brockman also stressed the importance of the voice of today's youth, urging his peers to exercise their right to vote, and make an effort to bring about change in the world. Salutatorian Fayrisa Greenwald also shared words of wisdom with the graduates. "Each person views the world a little differently," she said. "It is essential that we employ our own perspectives to unleash possibilities for change in this world, and to do wonderful things."

Following the addresses by the Class President and Salutatorian, Board of Education President Arlene Martin presented select graduates with special awards for excellence in each subject area.

Valedictorian Caitlin Irwin received an academic excellence award for maintaining the highest GPA in the graduating class, then began her speech with thank you's to her parents, teachers, and board of education members. "Be a generation who affects change," Irwin advised her peers. "Don't be indifferent to the ills of this world - face them head on, and make a difference."

Led by High School Assistant Principals Dr. Thomas McKillop and Robert Piotrowski, Dr. Grossane presented the diplomas as the Board of Education, Acting Superintendent Charles Sulc, and Assistant Superintendents for Curriculum and Instruction Lucille Iconis and Susan Woodbury stood by to personally congratulate each member of the Class of 2007.

When the last name was read, the gymnasium exploded into thunderous applause as the Class of 2007 stepped out into the bright sunshine, prepared for all of the challenges that lie ahead.