West Hempstead Secondary School’s Class of 2024 donned the black and gold one last time during their graduation ceremony at the Tilles Center at LIU Post on June 30.
The commencement ceremony included speeches by the valedictorian and salutatorian, Aden Palmer and Eduardo León Lotero, Superintendent of Schools Dan Rehman, and Principal Joseph Pumo. The ceremony also featured a performance from the secondary school’s chamber choir.
“Regardless of the situation we were in as freshmen during the pandemic, we still remained strong,” Palmer said. “We emerged even better as we enjoyed our sophomore, junior and senior year with no difficulties at all. I’ve seen members of different clubs assume leadership positions, and I’ve seen athletes become All-County and conference champions. All I can say is that you guys have done great, and you truly deserve it all.”
“We all have such special talents, and it’s just a pleasure that I got the chance to meet all of the amazing members of the Class of 2024,” León Lotero said. “If what you’re doing is working, then keep on doing that. If it’s not working, then make the necessary changes to make it work. It’s a simple message, but I hope we can all remember this and that we can all keep smiling.”
Additionally, on June 27, the secondary school held a special ceremony for Benjamin Valenzuela, who entered the U.S. Air Force Academy. The district wishes the West Hempstead Secondary School’s Class of 2024 all the best in their future endeavors.
More images are located here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ym1CCLqeXr7ROJVHQKKVnalhhsUKPAyU?usp=sharing
Photo captions:
1: West Hempstead Secondary School’s Class of 2024 tossed their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas at the Tilles Center at LIU Post on June 30.
2-4: West Hempstead Secondary School’s Class of 2024 celebrated their achievements during their commencement ceremony on June 30.
5: West Hempstead Secondary School’s commencement ceremony also featured a performance from the school’s chamber choir.
6: Aden Palmer, valedictorian of the West Hempstead Secondary School Class of 2024, delivered his valedictory address to his fellow graduates at the school’s commencement ceremony on June 30.
7: West Hempstead Secondary School Class of 2024 salutatorian Eduardo León Lotero, who moved from Colombia to West Hempstead in 2021, reflected on his high school experience with his classmates during his salutatory address at graduation on June 30.
8: West Hempstead School District Superintendent of Schools Dan Rehman addressed West Hempstead Secondary School’s Class of 2024 on June 30.
9: On June 27, West Hempstead Secondary School held a special graduation ceremony for Benjamin Valenzuela, who entered the U.S. Air Force Academy. Also pictured is Principal Joseph Pumo.
10-14: Graduates were proud to celebrate and reflect on their memories at West Hempstead Secondary School.
Photos courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District