Syosset seniors, wearing red and white caps and gowns, filled Hofstra Arena, June 25, as they took their well-earned places at the Syosset High School Class of 2008 Graduation Ceremony. This group of scholars, athletes, musicians, artists and accomplished students shined as they came together to celebrate their success. Ninety-nine percent of the Class of 2008 will be attending college this fall and 95 percent of the class graduated with Regents Diplomas. Additionally, the Class of 2008 has another remarkable record of accomplishment, and has been awarded more than $21 million in academic earned scholarships. This level of merit-based scholarships is the highest achieved by any Syosset class.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carole G. Hankin listed a handful of the classes' accomplishments. Among them, 279 students, more than half the class, received honors in one or more subjects and forty-one students achieved the highest honors in five or more subjects. In addition, the Class of 2008 possessed five Intel Semi-Finalists, two Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalists, Seven National Merit Finalists, and seventeen students who were awarded New York State Scholarships of Academic Excellence.

The Adelettes opened the ceremony singing The Star-Spangled Banner beautifully. President of the Board of Education, Dr. Marc Herman welcomed families and friends as he congratulated seniors on their success. Each commencement speaker for the Class of 2008 embodied the spirit of students who utilize Syosset High Schools resources and made the most of all opportunities they were given. Salutatorian Alyson Kaplan and Valedictorian Janice Kim looked back on their time at Syosset High School.

Speaking as a representative of the class, Joseph Rozenshtein reflected on the inclusive community that makes Syosset High School exceptional, emphasizing that while each student's experiences were distinctive; the Class of 2008 will always stand together, unified by having attended and graduated from Syosset High School. The class gift was presented by Student Government President Joseph Cervone and Senior Class President Matthew Wilkins. The Syosset PTAs presented students with college scholarships of $3,000 each and awards were presented by SEPTA to students for outstanding achievement.

The entire Syosset Board of Education; President of the Board Dr. Marc Herman, Vice President Pat Machio, and trustees Lana Ajamian, Dr. Michael Cohen, Janet Cox, Shari Dorfman, April Neuendorf, Fern Resnick, and Dr. Wendy Stapen was present to congratulate the students and personally hand each one their Syosset High School diploma.

Honoring tradition as families and friends looked on, students celebrated High School Principal, Dr. Jorge Schneider's closing statement with caps tossed high in the air.