Lakeland High School: Meet the Class of 2010

Excited family and friends poured into the Westchester County Center Saturday, eager to support the 2010 graduates of Lakeland High School.

The program began promptly at 10 a.m as the large auditorium quickly filled with on-lookers carrying flowers, balloons and other gifts for their graduates. The teachers and honored staff of the high school made their way to the stage, accompanied by a beautiful rendition of "When the Battle's Over" played on the bagpipes by Joseph Brady.

As the 288 members of the class of 2010 entered, the Lakeland High School Symphonic Band, directed by Paul Mesches, played the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance." When the students had taken their seats, the National Anthem was sung in flawless vocal harmonies by the 13 senior members of Wig 'n Whiskers.

Principal Cheryl H. Champ thanked the families of the students for their support and talked about the changing role of teachers in a society where information is more readily available then ever before.

"Teachers and educators are no longer purveyors of knowledge, we are now purveyors of wisdom," she said, emphasizing the importance of the guidance that must accompany learning.

Champ also quoted King Solomon, saying "there is a time for everything." She discussed the difficulties and challenges that the class of 2010 has encountered and overcome as a group, expressing her respect for them all.

"It has been a privilege for the staff to have worked with you," she said.

Superintendent Kenneth Connolly welcomed the graduates to a "wondrous world." He also stressed the importance of social responsibility in that world by telling the students that "a successful life is one that touches the lives of others."

Elizabeth Kogler, president of the Board of Education, echoed his sentiments regarding the importance of courage, self-sacrifice and respect. Kogler also encouraged the class to "never stop learning."

The valedictorian and salutatorian, twin brothers Akhil and Nikhil Neti, in keeping with their life-long pattern of togetherness, furthered when they both attend the University of California Berkeley in the fall, shared their speech.

Themes of respect and camaraderie ran through their address, initiated by the brothers simultaneously quoting a Sanskrit proverb which emphasizes reverence for teachers as life-givers. The proof that such respect for educators was common among the class of 2010 was given when all 288 gave the staff a standing ovation. They were then joined by the audience.

Continuing with a nostalgic humor, the Netis recalled key events, both local and global, that the classmates had experienced together over the past four years. These included all of the success that the Lakeland class of 2010 had enjoyed in sports, arts and music as well as the pains they had felt during the recession, the oil spill, and various natural disasters.

The student address was delivered by Christopher Lustrino, a respected young man who was noted for his involvement in Habitat For Humanity and leadership in the Boy Scouts.

Lustrino compared the excitement he felt in introducing the next generation of Americans to how Steve Jobs of Apple must feel when he announces the next industry-changing innovation. Pulling from his experience on the track team, Lustrino highlighted the school's athletic achievements and discussed individual examples of strength of spirit shown by his classmates. Christopher praised his friends and classmates as "champions of the human spirit."

Michael Schaper gave the faculty address and throughout it he exhibited the sense of humor that made him so loved amongst his students. After recapping some of the more light-hearted memories, he gave the students valuable advice: "Know the difference between what is urgent and what is important." Schaper also told them to "refuse to accept failure."

After the addresses the senior members of the Lakeland High School Choir, accompanied by members of the student orchestra, fittingly sang "I Was Here" by Lady Antebellum. The song proclaims:

"I wanna do somethin' that matters, somethin' that says I was here."