The air was thick with humidity and clouds swam lazily above on the evening of Friday, June 27, but the hearts of those taking their final steps as high school students were quick and eager. The students had been waiting years for this, the culmination of their efforts to take in as much as they could from the institution that had been their second home for the four years prior. This ceremony was testament to their myriad successes. The graduating class of 2008 breathed in the excitement-charged air around them, and filed out of the high school's wooden doors in cobalt-clad pairs.

Principal Dr. Dean Schlanger opened the ceremony by welcoming families and friends alike to the school's 88th commencement. Class president Nicole Ann Sbarra next addressed her peers, emphasizing the significance and strength of the bonds formed in high school, that "with all these things that have come our way, we've learned to deal as individuals, but most importantly, as friends. While this may be the end of our time as high school students, it is nowhere near the end of the friendships that we've all formed over these last four, or even 12, years."

Superintendent of Schools Charles Cardillo spoke next, recounting many of Manhasset's unique traditions and senior moments. He quoted Trace Adkins' song You're Gonna Miss This reminding students to always keep with them the experiences they've had going through and ultimately outgrowing Manhasset High School. The song's chorus, "You're going to miss this, you're going to want this back, you're going to wish these days hadn't gone by so fast...these are some good times, so take a good look around, you may not know this now, but you're going to miss this,' invites nostalgic looks back as well as appreciation for how far one has come. Furthering his message, Mr. Cardillo added, "you have inspired one another to pursue dreams." In Chris Jordonne's words, "we all have friends for a lifetime in Manhasset."

Salutatorian Alex Chen delivered an uplifting and personal speech in which he likened the transition from high school to college and beyond to the transplanting of a young yet hardy seedling. Drawing from his own immigrant experience, he spoke positively of transitions, saying "Everyone here today is testimony to the fruits of nurturing and support. Everyone is experiencing these changes; Class of 2008," he stated, "We're all about to be transplanted," and are again on to conquer grander horizons.

This year, six students were inducted into the Silver M Society, which celebrates student leadership by those who contribute in a variety of ways and "display a notable dynamism, excelling in a range of activities." Silver M President Mr. Richard Bennett presented the awards to graduates Amanda Joe, Emily Tamkin, Whitney Quackenbush, Kevin Love, Lukasz Mosakowski, and Joseph Bilotto. Honorary memberships were given to both Mr. Randy Knudsen and Mr. Ken Dunn for their leadership and dedication.

As the ceremony progressed, it was obvious that the graduating class was unified by more than the gowns they wore. Their bonds ran deeper, renewed and strengthened whenever unique experiences were recounted, inside jokes retold, occasions remembered. Lukasz Mosakowski and Erin D'Agostino, the class of 2008's two Valedictorians, spoke of the collective journey the group had made. "High school is about finding ourselves," said Erin, "it's about how our experiences amount to who we are as individuals." Lukasz stated "sing your own tune in college, but always make sure that Manhasset, and the class of 2008, remain an ongoing rhythm within you." Erin spoke of the future, a time "intimidating and exciting and bold," encapsulating in a phrase the inner chill of powerful, positive uncertainty that greets those on the cusp of great change.

In a touching and heartfelt performance, Kathryn Papa and Emmett O'Hanlon sang a duet of Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto's Time to Say Goodbye, beautifully pressing their own emotion into the hearts of each and every listener. Their full, sweet notes hung in the air and expressed the class mature acceptance of the progression of time and reality of change.

Filled with eagerness for the future, the class of 2008 paid tribute to Manhasset High, giving back to the school in the form of their Gift. To support and further one of Manhasset's favorite traditions, the Candy Cane Tournament, Corinne Riggin, on behalf of the graduating class, presented the board of education with a plaque upon which the names of the tournament's winners can be recorded.

Class Advisor Ms. Angela Ferguson followed, quoting Sir Walter Raleigh's His Pilgrimage in her address to the class, defining the journey they are about to embark on as a pilgrimage, a journey with a "quest for purpose," where "the purpose is life." Be patient, she advised, and you will find it.

Dr. Dean Schlanger next addressed the class, reflecting back upon his first year as Manhasset High School Principal, one that had begun "[his] tenure with a warm and loving feeling." It is remarkable that in only a single year, such bonds could be formed with students, teachers, and parents, though in Manhasset perhaps it isn't so out of the ordinary. Further in his speech Dr. Schlanger referenced Randy Pausch's bestseller, The Last Lecture, in which a man aware of his impending death re-evaluates the manner in which he lives his life. "We cannot change the cards we are dealt," he said, "just how we play the hand." He emphasized the importance of fundamentals, where to go from here, and ended with a challenge--for each student in the class of 2008 to "live each day fully...understand and experience life's purpose and its powerful impact."

After Dr. Schlanger spoke, the students sang The Beatles' In My Life, and the diplomas were distributed to an excited class, who, after receiving their certificates of graduation, turned their tassels from right to left, identifying them as Manhasset High School Alumni. Mr. Minerly, who retired this year, received an honorary diploma. The ceremony ended with the singing of the alma mater.

As he addressed the class, Mr. Cardillo quoted graduate Kevin Love, stating, "People are going to miss this. You can't get this anywhere else."