On June 27, Carle Place High School’s Class of 2025 gathered at Joseph F. Coady Field to celebrate their graduation. The 69th annual commencement ceremony was filled with cheers, proud families and reflections as graduates marked this important milestone in their lives. The students entered the field as “Pomp and Circumstance” played and after the Pledge of Allegiance, seniors Reese Aguilar and Daniella Falco performed the national anthem.
Superintendent of Schools Ted Cannone delivered the opening address, sharing remarks about the difference between success and significance. “Success looks inward and asks, ‘How can I help myself?’” he said. “Significance looks outward and asks, ‘How can I help others?’ A life of significance influences others to be their best selves—and I’ve already seen you lead by example. Be lifelong learners, value significance, work tenaciously to achieve it and become the best human beings you can be.”
Board of Education First Vice President Vanessa Dong-Monaco also offered advice to the graduates. “Stay healthy, don’t sweat the small stuff, listen to both sides of the story and give back to those around you,” she said. “Take the path you believe in—if it’s successful, embrace it with gratitude. If not, find another. Never give up.”
In their speeches, student leaders reflected on growth, resilience and the bonds they’ve formed. Salutatorian Luna Coronel shared, “It may have seemed like we were just collecting titles or checking boxes, but we were doing something far greater. We were growing, discovering who we are and learning what it means to show up—for each other, for our community and for something beyond ourselves.”
Valedictorian Isabella “Izzy” Buscemi encouraged her classmates to seize every opportunity. “From this moment on, we’ll be forging our own paths. But know that our time here has prepared us for it in better ways than even we expect. Take every opportunity you are given, be involved and don’t miss the chance to be kind or make a new friend. The opportunities ahead are limitless.”
The celebration continued with musical performances by the school’s orchestra, band and chorus before Matthew Babino, president of the Carle Place Student Organization, delivered his remarks. “Change can be exciting, scary, nerve wracking and even sad,” he said. “But it teaches us to adapt and grow. Stepping out of your comfort zone will lead to a whole new world of opportunity.”
Class President James Birong emphasized the value of everyday conversations and genuine connections. “A simple conversation can lead to unimaginable possibilities,” he said. “They allow you to gain insight, make a connection and create an opportunity without realizing it. The opportunities you’re looking for might be closer than you think— all it takes is the willingness to connect with someone new, stay open, talk to people and listen.”
Class of 2025 graduate Samira Azam was selected to deliver the farewell address. “We stand here not as strangers passing through but as the last chapter of a story we wrote together. For anyone who didn’t start at Carle Place from the beginning, this moment proves you still matter at the end— you just have to show up, stay true to yourself and keep going. It’s okay to not have it all figured out because the goal right now isn’t to know exactly where we’re going, it’s to trust that we are ready for whatever comes next.”
Although Principal Allen Foraker could not attend in person, he shared a virtual message with the graduates. “Nerves are a sign of growth,” he said. “They show up before you do something big and bold— something that stretches who you are and pushes you closer to who you are meant to become.”
Following the speeches, graduates were called individually to cross the stage and receive their diplomas from the board of education. After being officially declared graduates of Carle Place High School, the Class of 2025 marked the moment with a cap toss, celebrating the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.
