On June 26, Bayport-Blue Point High School's Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation during the school's 98th annual commencement ceremony. Dressed in blue and gold caps and gowns, the graduating Phantoms processed onto Bob Sullivan Football Field to Pomp and Circumstance, performed by the high school band and orchestra, as proud family members, friends and faculty cheered them on.
Following the procession, Board of Education student representative Kailey B. led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before the band and orchestra performed The Star-Spangled Banner.
Principal Jamal Walcott welcomed graduates and their loved ones with a message about the impact each student is capable of making. If I told you right now, I invited a special person to attend graduation and that their accomplishments are unmatched, that they are famous for what they have done, would you pay attention? Walcott asked the graduates. I encourage you to take a look at yourself and see that that is you. You reflect everything that's good and important about our school community.
Then, Board of Education President Michael Miller challenged graduates to carry three guiding principles with them wherever life leads. First, always be a good person, he said. Being kind and a good person has the power to make someone feel seen, welcome and valued. Second, always work hard. There will be challenges ahead, but growth comes from your effort, your perseverance and believing in yourself. Third, always believe in yourself. Each of you have a unique gift, talent and strength. Don't be scared to use it.
Addressing the graduates during his final commencement before retirement, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy P. Hearney reflected on the significance of new beginnings. Drawing a connection between his own retirement and the students' graduation, he reminded the Class of 2026 that Graduation is an ending, retirement is an ending, but neither is really about what is ending. They're about what comes next. He concluded by encouraging graduates to embrace opportunities to learn from people with different perspectives, dream boldly, work hard, be kind and never stop learning.
Salutatorian Shlok P. reflected on the memories and milestones the class had shared throughout their years together, encouraging his classmates to treasure both the present and the future. I hope that wherever you go, whatever you do, you can look at the moments you're in, the moments you'll have with the same nostalgia and joy of today's memories, he said.
Valedictorian Jefferson S. acknowledged the challenges that await beyond graduation while reminding his classmates to trust in themselves. As the Class of 2026 steps out into the world, things are going to change. We're going to face big pressures, huge decisions and the uncertainty of life, Swan said. When you feel overwhelmed or stuck or take a risk, remember everything that you learned here at Bayport-Blue Point. Use that wisdom and don't let fear hold you back from anything you want.
The ceremony also featured a touching performance of Stevie Nicks' Landslide by the Bayport-Blue Point High School Chorus, adding to the emotion of the evening.
Before the graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, Dr. Hearney officially certified the Class of 2026. In a heartwarming surprise, the retiring superintendent was presented with an honorary Bayport-Blue Point High School diploma in recognition of his years of dedicated service, drawing thunderous applause from those in attendance.
One by one, graduates accepted their diplomas to resounding applause from family, friends and faculty. Class President Francesco S. then led his classmates in the ceremonial tassel change before the Class of 2026 was officially declared graduates of Bayport-Blue Point High School, closing one chapter and stepping confidently into the next with the support of an entire community behind them.
