Hicksville High School Celebrates the Class of 2026
On June 24, Hicksville High School proudly celebrated the graduating Class of 2026 with a heartfelt commencement ceremony held on the school's athletic field. As the sound of "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the air, graduates processed onto the field to cheers from family and friends.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a stirring rendition of the national anthem performed by seniors Kayla Mancuso and Kylie McLaughlin. Principal Raymond Williams then welcomed graduates and their families, expressing his gratitude, admiration, and pride in the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
In his commencement address, Principal Williams praised the graduates for their perseverance, academic achievements, and the choices that brought them to this milestone. Focusing on the importance of character, integrity, and living a meaningful life, he reminded students that true success is measured not only by accomplishments but by the values they uphold. "Our greatest responsibility is not simply to succeed," he said, "it is to be the kind of person whose success never comes at the expense of personal values. In the storm of life, challenges and disappointments will come, but the question is: when those moments arrive, plant yourself firmly in integrity and anchor yourself in truth. Stand beside those who need support and always have the courage to do what is right, especially when it seems difficult."
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theodore Fulton also congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to define success on their own terms. Reflecting on the lives of successful individuals throughout history, he emphasized that they never allowed others to determine their worth. "I want you to always possess the skills, the intellect, and the talents necessary to be successful in all of your endeavors, even if the path looks different than what you originally imagined," he said. He concluded by encouraging graduates to "embrace the unknown, take risks, lean into challenges, overcome adversity, outwork your competition, and be the absolute best version of yourself that you can be."
The ceremony also featured remarks from Board of Education Trustee Sunita Manjrekar and special guest Adam Firester, Hicksville's 2026 Hall of Fame inductee.
Valedictorian Ian Kim delivered a thoughtful address reflecting on achievement, self-worth, and the enduring importance of respect. "Self-respect is the first and most essential step toward success," he said. "You can't build anything meaningful on top of a version of yourself that you don't believe in." He concluded by encouraging his classmates to leave a legacy of respect wherever life leads them.
Salutatorian Kapish Pharma compared the high school experience to a roller coaster, filled with both challenges and triumphs, while encouraging classmates to appreciate the good in every day. "As we step out into the real world, a lot of people are going to try and define success for us," he said, "but if high school has taught us anything, it's that real success is custom built." He closed with the advice, "Find things in life that make you want to work hard and stay true to who you are, even when the pressure is on. Don't let anyone else write your script!"
Student Government President Alexander Cruz Zeferino also addressed the graduating class, reflecting on the friendships, memories, and shared experiences that defined their years at Hicksville High School.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas. One by one, graduates crossed the stage to cheers and applause, celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As caps were tossed into the air, the Hicksville High School Class of 2026 officially embarked on the next stage of their journey.