It is the most highly anticipated event of the year for our senior class and their families. Despite the uncertain weather forecasts for the weekend, the Class of 2023 was greeted by morning sunshine for the Walt Whitman High School 93rd Commencement Ceremony on June 25th. Our graduates, their families, and our administrators had to patiently wait two days from the originally scheduled Friday night ceremony, but the sun finally came out (quite brightly, actually) for the big celebration on Sunday. Emceed by Assistant Principal Jonathan Varlamos, students, guests, and family members heard from Board of Education President Nicholas Ciappetta, District Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia, and Whitman Principal Mr. Ken Costa.
Families were treated to performances by the WWHS Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and The Voices of Walt Whitman.
Speakers included Assistant Principal Mr. Jonathan Varlamos, G.S.O. President Vladimir Gaberman, Principal Mr. Kenneth Costa, Superintendent Dr. Vito M. D’Elia, the Class of 2023’s Salutatorian Zahra Choudry, Valedictorian Anthony Maida, Board of Education President Mr. Nicholas Ciappetta, and Senior Class President Alex Bogdani.
Mr. Costa told graduates to “have faith in the world, challenge injustice, embrace your strengths, admit your failings, value all that you have been taught, and know your own value.” He also reminded them that they have the passion to dream, the heart to love and the strength to endure.
Dr. D’Elia spoke of this class’s tenacity while learning a new way to learn during the Covid 19 pandemic. “When the school reopened,” he remembered, “in spite of the obstacles and interruptions faced, you demonstrated resilience, as you settled into your studies as if nothing had happened. You never skipped a beat, and you went on to have phenomenal seasons, performances, and the Wildcat spirit continued to flourish and grow as if these obstacles never existed.”
Salutatorian Zahra Choudry roused her fellow graduates to see the value in our desire to always improve. “This is not limited to academia,” she said. “It permeates every level of our reality. To improve is contingent upon progress, upon evolution, upon the ability to reject stagnancy and go after what you really want, even if it takes a massive leap of faith.”
And then Valedictorian Anthony Maida reminded our seniors to also fully appreciate today. “Sir Isaac Newton once said,” cited Maida, “that an object in motion remains in motion. Life is the same way, it keeps moving, and moves quickly. Reflect on the past and look towards the future, but live in the present and take time to appreciate the little things.”
After all that heartfelt advice from the morning’s speakers, Senior Class President Alex Bogdani guided his peers into the ceremonial “switching of the tassel,” followed by decorated graduation caps tossed midair. Thank you to the entire staff and administration at Walt Whitman for making this graduation ceremony possible. It is through their careful planning, unwavering support, and shared goal to put our students and community first that allowed this momentous occasion to take place.
Congratulations to the 428 graduates of the Class of 2023! We can’t wait to hear about all the things you’re going to accomplish. Best of Luck!!! Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!!!
The Class of 2023 Seniors prepared to graduate.
Our nation's colors were presented by the United States Marine Corps Color guard.
Board of Education President Mr. Ciappetta said, “The world turns quickly, and you’ve certainly lived through consequential times, but you’ve endured. Not only have you endured, you’ve thrived academically, athletically, and artistically.”
The Class of 2023 Salutatorian, Zahra Choudry (left), and Valedictorian Anthony Maida (right), addressing their classmates.
Students proudly received their diplomas as they crossed the graduation stage.
Senior Class President Alex Bogdani guided his peers in the ceremonial switching of the tassel as he said to them, “Please take a look to your left, and now look to your right. You are looking at the future of our society and our leaders of tomorrow.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!!