Wyandanch Memorial High School celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its 65th commencement ceremony on the morning of June 26. Wearing green and white caps and gowns, the graduates gathered to reflect on their high school journey and celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
The ceremony began with the processional of graduates, followed by the presentation of colors by the JROTC Color Guard and performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by the school’s Elite Wolves vocal ensemble. 

“Throughout this school year, I’ve often compared running a school building to flying an airplane,” Acting Principal Noel Rios said. “September is the takeoff. June is the landing. Of course, as with every flight, we encountered turbulence. There were challenges, unexpected obstacles and illnesses that tested us, but together we stayed the course. Class of 2026, each and every one of you have your own story filled with perseverance, growth, friendship and accomplishments. You have demonstrated resilience, and that resilience will carry you through wherever life leads you. As you depart on your next flight, know that all of us here believe in you.”

Superintendent Dr. Erik Wright offered three important pieces of advice for the new graduates.

“Number one, be resilient and passionate, because you will face challenges,” Dr. Wright said. “Don’t let anyone take your confidence away. Number two, be a lifelong learner, and use situations as teachable moments. And number three, be kind, because the world needs a change. As humans, we have to do a better job of being honest, helpful and considerate of others. To the Class of 2026, I wish you a great summer and much success as you navigate the next chapter of your life.”

“Today, we celebrate more than diplomas; we celebrate resilience, courage and the power of young people who pride themselves on being advocates,” Board of Education President Latesha Walker said. “Throughout your journey, many of you engaged in thoughtful protests and civil disobedience to bring attention to issues that matter to you and your school community. Whether people agreed with your position or not, your willingness to participate in the democratic process demonstrated leadership and conviction in the vein of King, Thoreau and Gandhi. As students from a proud minority community like ours, you carry with you a legacy of individuals who challenged barriers, demanded opportunity and worked to create a better future. Today, you become a part of that legacy.”

“I feel like this is an appropriate time to announce my official resignation,” Class President Lauren Alfaro said. “Four years in office feels fair, especially considering I strongly believe in term limits. But in all seriousness, thank you for trusting me, letting me lead, laugh, advocate, celebrate and grow alongside you. Being president was never about standing in front of our class; it was about standing with it. I truly don’t think Wyandanch will ever see another class stand in such unity again.”

Salutatorian Keiry Argueta talked about feeling like an outsider when she moved to Wyandanch in fifth grade, before thanking God, her mother, stepfather, sister, boyfriend, best friends, army instructors and teachers.
 
“I felt out of place, and it took several years and a bunch of highs and lows to finally find my place,” Argueta recalled. “I laughed, I cried and, most importantly of all, I learned. There were times when I wanted to give up. This is why I’d like to thank those people who picked me up off the ground and helped me walk all the way up to the stage.”

Valedictorian Katia Pereira Alvarado, who was honored for her perfect attendance record, delivered a remarkable and moving speech referencing her personal history as an immigrant. 

“When people see someone stand at the podium as valedictorian, they often see the achievements,” Pereira Alvarado said. “What they don’t see are the sacrifices, struggles, fears and countless moments that made those achievements possible. I’m a proud immigrant. Before I was valedictorian or a student at this high school, I was a little girl traveling with her brother in search for a better future. My brother and I crossed rivers and three countries with very little money and a lot of uncertainty. Looking back now, I realize that every obstacle taught me resilience, and every sacrifice made by my family reminded me that I have a responsibility to make the most of the opportunity I was given. Class of 2026, when I look at each of you, I don’t just see classmates, I see stories. Every single one of us is here not because the journey was simple, but because we kept showing up. As we leave this high school, remember that success is not defined by where we begin, but by how far we’ve come and our courage to keep moving forward. If a little girl who slept on cold floors, crossed rivers, lost everything she knew and arrived in a new country unable to speak English can stand here today as valedictorian, there is no limit to what any of us can accomplish.”

Following the presentation of diplomas, the graduates completed the traditional turning of the tassels and walked out into the sunshine as proud Wyandanch Wolves alumni.

Click here to view the post and full set of photos on Facebook!