On June 26, Carle Place High School’s Class of 2026 gathered at Joseph F. Coady Field to celebrate their graduation. The 70th annual commencement ceremony brought students, families, staff and community members together for a memorable celebration honoring the achievements and accomplishments of the graduating class.

The graduates entered the field to “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the Carle Place High School band under the direction of Mrs. Emika Smith. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, senior Giuliana D’Alessandro performed the national anthem.

PTSA Council President Ms. Kim Ribarich led the senior class tribute, during which students who had lost a loved one released butterflies in their memory.

Superintendent of Schools Ted Cannone delivered the superintendent’s address. “You have the tools to build bright futures and meet any challenge life throws at you,” he said. “Trust compassion and passion — it’s more than a motto; it’s what will set you apart. Believe in yourselves and the people and places that have helped shape who you are. You are capable of great things on stages big and small.”

Board of Education President Ms. Vanessa Dong-Monaco spoke to students about using their internal compass to guide them, describing the Carle Place campus as their roots. “The sun rises in the east, where you found people who inspired you, and sets in the west, giving you time to reenergize for the opportunities ahead,” she said. “At every crossroads, take a deep breath and try a different path. Do not give up.”

In their speeches, student leaders spoke about growth, resilience and the bonds they’ve formed. Salutatorian Carolina Viegas talked about the impact of her teachers and their lessons. “Change doesn’t happen if you simply sit back and watch,” she said. “Growth requires discomfort — it takes courage to fail. Never settle — you don’t need to know where you’re going, you just need to keep moving forward.”

Valedictorian Lorelei Gorman reflected on the experiences and relationships that shaped the Class of 2026 and encouraged her classmates to carry those lessons into the future. “Our experiences and connections don’t define us, but help us realize who we are,” she said. “Hold on to the people that bring you to your horizon. We worked our way through the highs and lows of high school and have everything we need to succeed.”

The celebration continued with a musical performance by the senior Carle Place High School music students. Class President Isabella Cezario then delivered the Class of 2026 address, describing the bonds the grade formed throughout their years together and the memories they will carry into the future. “Over the years, we celebrated each other, sat next to each other, cheered each other on and somehow became part of each other’s childhoods,” she said. “Today isn’t about leaving Carle Place, it’s about taking everything it has given us — the lessons, friendships and memories — and carrying it with you into the next phase of life.”

Class of 2026 graduate Luca D’Arpino delivered the farewell address, speaking on the close-knit community that shaped the graduates’ experiences. “For most of our lives, Carle Place felt small,” he said. “But the closeness is what makes this community so special. What we thought was one square mile turned out to be the places that shaped who we are and gave us more than we ever realized.”

Principal Allen Foraker addressed the Class of 2026 one final time before they officially began their next chapter. “As you move forward, be yourself. You are enough,” he said. “Continue to grow, continue to learn, continue to challenge yourself, but never lose the qualities that make you who you are — kindness, character, dedication, compassion and passion. Those are what will carry you.”

Following the speeches and reflections, graduates were individually called to the stage to receive their diplomas from Dr. Cannone and members of the board of education. After the conferral of diplomas, the Class of 2026 celebrated their achievement with a traditional cap toss, officially beginning their next chapter beyond Carle Place High School.

The Carle Place School District congratulates the Class of 2026 on this incredible achievement and looks forward to all they will accomplish in the future.