The 47th annual H. Frank Carey High School commencement took place on Sunday June 27. The members of the class of 2004 along with School Board members, Senator Charles Schumer, Members of Central Administration, Carey Administration, faculty, family members, and friends packed the Carey court yard for the festive occasion.

At the ceremony, awards reserved especially for graduation were presented. Mr. Norman Barrie, assistant principal, presented the James A. DeSonne Award, named after Carey's first principal, for Outstanding Leadership to Nicole Crean. Mrs. Lorraine Wright, assistant principal, presented the John E. London Award for the senior who provided the most outstanding service to the school through the co-curricular program to Carlo Carlino. Mr. Douglas Monaghan, principal, presented the Hall of Fame Award for outstanding scholarship, service, and leadership to Steven Panariello and Ronald Pickett, and the Principal's Award for outstanding service to the school and community to Caitlin Gorta and Jesus Jojo DeLeon. The Salutatorian award was presented to Danielle Perri.

Prior to graduation address by Dr. George Goldstein, superintendent of schools for the Sewanhaka Central High School District, Senator Schumer presented Dr. Goldstein with a senate resolution in honor of his retirement and service to the district. This was the 85th and final address given in Dr. Goldstein's illustrious tenure as superintendent of schools for the Sewanhaka Central High School District. Dr. Goldstein provided the graduates with words of encouragement and praise for their accomplishments. The class graduated 96 percent of its members, had approximately 80 percent of the students earn the highest level of a Regent's Diplomas offered by NY State, and earned over $10 million in scholarship money. Dr. Goldstein also honored five students with superintendent's honors. The students and the colleges they will be attending are as follows: John Martin (Syracuse University) for Courage and Excellence, TJ Corredine (Fairfield University) for Humanitarianism and Excellence, Deborah Choi (University of Michigan), Martin Rosenberg (Carnegie Mellon University), and Jesus Jojo Deleon (LaGuardia Community College) for Carey Excellence.

The Valedictorian of the class of 2004 was Yuhli Tsuei. In her speech, Yuhli recalled how hard the class has worked and how they must continue to strive to be the best. Her speech was inspirational and moving. Mrs. Karwasky, senior class advisor, offered the graduates many words of encouragement. She told them, "Everyone has a special gift to offer to society as you go out on your own."

The class of 2004 is a special group of young adults who will be greatly missed by the faculty, staff, and students of Carey High School.