The following is a transcript of Dr. Frank A. Tassone's address to the graduates of the Class of 1999 delivered at the Roslyn High School graduation ceremony last Saturday, June 26.

Dear graduates:

In a school district such as Roslyn, where many students accomplish so much during their academic careers, there is a temptation to take student achievement for granted. But all achievements, ranging from the exceptional to the everyday, are reflections of the values of our school community.

In today's graduation program, and in the awards ceremonies held in recent weeks at which academic, athletic and community awards were presented to our students, we have seen ample evidence of the remarkable achievements of Roslyn's graduates. While every graduating class demonstrates its own, unique talents and abilities, it does indeed seem as though the Roslyn High School Class of 1999 has exceeded even the very high expectations that we normally have for our students. They are to be congratulated for a truly dazzling performance.

I often hear people say that outstanding students will do well wherever they go to school. I disagree. This is usually said by critics of public education who would have us believe that natural abilities are the only important factor in determining which students will do well and which will struggle. It is true that naturally gifted young men and women have certain advantages, but it is also true that not every school prepares and supports its students in an equal manner.

Our school district's commitment to its many and varied educational programs, the dedication of outstanding teachers and administrators, the careful nurturing by parents and the consistent support of the entire school community are all factors that make student success possible. Talent and determination are abundant among all the world's young people; but the commitment among adults of time, energy and resources is not found in equal measure in all schools and in all communities.

As Superintendent of Schools, I take very seriously my responsibility for the education of all the students in Roslyn, from the most gifted to those who need extra support to reach their own heights of academic achievement. I cannot express in words how proud I am of the well-deserved accolades earned by so many of our exceptional graduates. But I know very well that there are students on this stage for whom just earning a high school diploma and being accepted into college represents a tremendous personal triumph. I also know that some of these youngsters simply may not have had that opportunity if they hadn't been students in Roslyn.

Some of the events of the past year have made us all realize how fortunate we are. If we think of what it must have been like for the graduates of Columbine High School at their commencement exercises a few weeks ago, we are not merely thankful for our good fortune. What has been striking about the aftermath of the Littleton shootings is the degree to which Americans continue to empathize with that shattered community. In my conversations with students, parents and staff members over the last two months, I have heard how closely Roslyn identifies with Littleton, and how the tragedy there has helped us focus ever more intensely on the safe and healthy development of our young people.

I hesitate to say that that is a good thing, but anything that redoubles our commitment to children must have its positive attributes. Thomas Paine wrote, "What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection." If it feels as though the Columbine High School tragedy could happen anywhere, then we have taken an important step toward valuing more highly the good fortune that we enjoy in Roslyn.

One of the aspects of our educational program on which we pride ourselves is the degree to which our students participate in school activities. Our youngsters' high level of participation in interscholastic athletics, individual research projects, after-school clubs, and musical and dramatic productions is evidenced in the many commendations they have earned. More importantly, perhaps, it also contributes to their sense of belonging, to feeling connected to the larger world around them.

An initiative which has been instrumental in teaching students that they are part of a society that demands their active participation is the Community Service Program. The class of 1999 has set a new record of dedication, performing 21,372 hours of service. The average student accumulated 101 hours of service, which is two-and-a-half times the 40 hours required for graduation. This wonderful achievement represents not only the special character of this particular class, but also is reflective of an environment that encourages tolerance, engages students in a range of life-enhancing activities, and fosters positive relationships among students, parents, faculty and the wider community. In the wake of this year's tragic events, I am more convinced than ever that such programs do make a difference.

To our graduates, I would like to remind you that you have gained courage and confidence by every experience that has challenged you. By staring fear in the face, overcoming obstacles and learning to feel connected to the family of humankind, you have been very well prepared to take on the challenges that face you in the future. I hope you will always look back on your years in the Roslyn Public Schools as a source of strength and inspiration in all your endeavors.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 1999.