AHHS Class of 2026 celebrates commencement

Members of the Class of 2026 first gathered in the school gym to get organized and ready themselves to receive their diplomas.

As a breeze blew through the Michael Arciola Field where the celebration took place, students were reminded how life will change but they are ready.

Interim Principal Jeffrey Capuano reminded graduates that focusing on the externals is fine, but they should be aware of that there is more to appearance and wealth.

“I would emphatically say yes, there is more,” he said. “But a successful and meaningful life is not really about how you look, the kind of car you drive or the house you purchase. Life is not the clothes you wear the image you create or the things you acquire. These actually turn out to be hollow and empty.”

“Class of 2026, if you remember just one thing, I say to you as you leave our school, it’s not about what is on the outside that matters. It’s about what you are about on the inside. Real meaning in life is about relationships, how you treat others. Be humble, be kind, be unselfish, always be truthful. If you do these things well, you will be  a true fiend to many and you will be seen as having a meaningful and impactful life.”

Salutatorian Joseph Salhab said he was honored to have grown up alongside his classmates.

He focused on the small class size of 97 seniors and noted that just because they come from a smaller school and village, they can have an impact.

“In just a few weeks we will be in schools or workplaces with many more people. Although we come from a tiny village this does not mean our individual impacts on the world will be smaller than others. Today marks the start of something new. Today marks the first time we begin writing our own narratives and writing our own stories.”

“Through time you will be known by the story you choose as you grow,” he said. “Don’t be afraid of change, change is simply your story being written in real time.”

Superintendent of Schools Susan Yom, in her address to the class, invoked the recent success of the Champion team New York Knicks. As a fan, she said she has waited a long time to celebrate such a win.

She reminded the class that superstar Jaylen Brunson was not a first round draft pick, and people questioned his abilities to play in the NBA.

“What set Jaylen apart,” she said, “was his work ethic.”

“Greatness is built in the unseen moments when no one is looking,” she said. “It’s built when you continue to work after setbacks, it’s built when no one is applauding or recognizing your efforts.”

She noted that their diplomas were not earned this year, but over thousands of days, hours, lessons learned, challenges overcome and study circles, mistakes that turned into opportunities, and goals pursued one step at a time.

“Success does not happen overnight. It is a product of hard work commitment and never losing sight of your vision of a future yet to come.”

“Keep working when no one is watching, there is something beautiful that is about to happen,” she said. “Know you will reap what you sow when no one is looking.”

Valedictorian Joshuanaveen Naveenatharaja joked that he and his classmates have met their legal requirements and are off to a good start.

“Today is about looking ahead,” he said. “If there is one thing I’ve learned going through high school is that growth starts by willing to look a little bit stupid. Ask the dumb questions. Some of the most valuable lessons from asking question may feel dumb in the moment but who cares.”

“Life is full of answers, but they are not handed to you, you have to go out and find them,” he said. “And only way to find them is to be curious and humble enough to ask.”

“My challenge to you class of 2026 I simple: Try things that scare you.” 

Once declared the class to be official graduates by Vice President of the Board of Education, Alfredo Lezama, it was just a matter of time. Diplomas were conferred, tassels moved and the celebration as AHHS alumni began!