Schools
Yorktown High School: Meet the Class of 2010
Graduation ceremony took place on Saturday at SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center where 351 high school seniors joyfully received their diplomas.
Around 1,500 friends and family members attended the graduation ceremony for Yorktown High School's Class of 2010, pouring into SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center.
Yorktown High School Principal Joseph DeGennaro kicked off graduation as the lead speaker. DeGennaro spoke of his seniors as "role models that set the tone for all of the other students." He also talked about the importance of courage and integrity.
Class salutatorian Elbert Heng, who will be attending Brown University in the fall, told his fellow students and everyone in the audience that while growing up they were told to say no to many things which keep them from harm. But he stressed the importance of saying "yes" of taking initiative and endeavor throughout their life.
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"Saying no keeps you alive, but saying yes lets us live," Heng said.
The choir members from the class of 2010 contributed to the ceremony. First, they performed a beautiful "Star Spangled Banner." Later on, they sang a moving rendition of "Hold on" by Wilson Phillips.
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Yorktown School District Superintendent Dr. Ralph Napolitano gave advice to the graduates and thanked the high school faculty.
"Build your life on the strong foundation given to you by your parents," Napolitano addressed the class of 2010.
Valedictorian Kimberly Chen thanked her teachers for all of their inspiration.
"We all have the ability to change the world," Class President Ana Cirivelli said in her speech of hope.
The diplomas were handed out on stage to all 351 student by DeGennaro, superintendent Napolitano and School Board President Jackie Carbone.
Yorktown High School's newest graduates exited the stage to face their future and the world to the recessional "God Bless America," performed by the high school band.
As far as accomplishments go, Yorktown High School's Class of 2010 received more than 30 scholarships and over 100 awards.
Some of the standouts were: National Honor Society Academic Awards for Kimberly Chen and Christopher Chung, National Merit Scholarships for Laya Rajan and Elbert Heng.
