Rows of proud students, wearing caps and gowns, and their best smiles, were in the spotlight during graduation exercises for the Class of 2001 in Westbury and Carle Place last week. Graduations were held at Westbury High School and Carle Place High School, on June 21, and June 23, respectively.

Westbury High School's ceremony, held last Thursday evening in the school's Dr. Cecil L. Rice Memorial Auditorium, featured more than 200 graduates, and several speakers. Among them was guest speaker Dr. Jose Torres, a member of Westbury High School's Class of 1992 who went on to graduate from Columbia School of Medicine this year. The Westbury High School Class of 2001 Valedictorian Olatokunbo "Toks" Famakinwa, and Salutatorian Lauren Pasqual, also delivered addresses.

Westbury Board of Education President Robert Troiano, Jr. provided greetings, as well as the presentation of the diplomas, while Dr. Pless Dickerson, principal of the high school, did the presentation of the class. The Westbury commencement program was rounded out by music by the high school band, led by Edward Elgar, as well as the high school select choir.

With the choice of holding their graduation ceremonies indoors because of the threat of rain or taking a chance on an outdoor gala, Carle Place High School seniors showed their optimism by choosing an outdoor ceremony - and no sooner did the festivities begin on Saturday afternoon than the sun came out. More than 100 students graduated at Carle Place High School during Saturday's ceremony.

With a processional and musical selections provided by the high school band and orchestra, conducted by Kevin Kavanagh and Richard Stein, the class of '01 was led in a salute to the flag by class president Carmine Fischetti. The welcome was provided by board of education member Barry Dennis, in honor of the graduation of his son, Jeremy Brett.

The Carle Place ceremonies continued, with addresses by salutatorian Elizabeth Lo and valedictorian Kyle Lavery, followed by an address by Richard Banyon, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, a farewell from Mr. Fischetti and the presentation of the class by principal Neil J. Connolly. Board of education president Joan Manley, members of the board of education and Assistant Principal Richard M. Volo presented the diplomas.