Through all the speeches given during Sachem High School East’s graduation on Friday, the theme of “character” seemed to be a constant.
More than 600 graduates and a couple thousand guests sat and listened about character traits, about personal growth and reflection and how it relates to the Sachem experience and journey.
“What’s most important and what makes Sachem such a special place is certainly the people,” said Sachem Superintendent James Nolan. “Who people become is far more important than what they become. It’s the people.”
Both Valedictorian Olivia Lattanza and Class President Danielle Nigro rattled off countless experiences and influential individuals in their Sachem careers which helped define their character and will continue to guide them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“When I started to write this speech I was unsure of how to express the emotion of this momentous occasion in just a few minutes,” said Lattanza, who will attend Boston College. “For all of us, graduation is not only an end, but a beginning.”
For Sachem East Principal Lou Antonetti, a Sachem alum from the Class of 1996, this was his first commencement as a principal. He shared his experiences about leaving Sachem and thinking everyone in the world knew where he was from. After someone on his lacrosse team couldn’t pronounce Sachem correctly, his eyes opened.
“At that moment I knew, that while Sachem was a big district, the world outside of it was much larger,” he said.
His words of wisdom and advice were about being a self-starter.
“We must constantly reflect on who we are and improve mentally, physically and spiritually over time,” he said. “The only way to learn who you really are is to force yourself to take risks. Then, and only then, will you realize your true potential. Don’t fear the future. Make it a priority to live in the moment.”
Quoting baseball legend Babe Ruth, Lattanza said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
“It’s important we keep this thought in our minds,” she said. “We are moments away from crossing a new threshold to a new point in our lives, which may seem daunting because the comfort and opportunity that the Sachem community has provided will be ending. I’m confident that my class will overcome any apprehensions about the future and will do it with enthusiasm as this is the time to take chances and to define who we were in the world. There are an immeasurable amount of opportunities open to us.”
“We are extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of our students,” Superintendent Nolan said. “To the Class of 2013, on behalf of the entire Sachem Family, we wish you a life time of good health, happiness and inner peace to allow you each and every day to be grateful for what you have in life and to share that with others.”
PHOTOS: Click for more photos from East’s graduation
VIDEO: See full speeches from Valedictorian and Class President
VIDEO: See clips on Facebook.com/SachemSchools
(Official release of Sachem Central School District)