The ‘Unstoppable’ Mineola Class of 2013

Typically at the annual Mineola High School graduation ceremonies, superintendent Dr. Michael Nagler tells anecdotes about several members of the class. However, when the members of the class of 2013 took the stage at the Tilles Center at C.W. Post on June 22, he broke with tradition, noting the great difficulty this year because “this class is different. When I was done with my first draft I had over 50 different memories and it was very long and when I tried to edit it down I agonized over which story I should take out.”

Janet Ribando’s documentary “Unstopa13le” – using ’13’ instead of a ‘b’ in the title – “really captured the essence of this class,” Nagler said. “I think in the video Allison Furuya summed it up best when she said ‘everyone is part of the community and people are really inclusive. Although we all have our friends group, we all kind of mesh together to make one big community.’ And in fact the words ‘community,’ ‘family,’ ‘friendships’ are repeated throughout the video by seniors when they describe their class. The collective social conscious of this grade gives me great hope for the future. We are exiting a class into the world that truly might be unstoppable.”

The class is comprised of 196 members, with 123 receiving advanced regents diplomas, 36 with distinction.

“Gathered here today we are celebrating more than just the diplomas we have received,” salutatorian Juilianne Falotico said. “Rather, we are celebrating the people we have become, the memories we have made, the everlasting friendships that have bonded us in this very small school. We are off to experience the next chapter in our lives, growing as individuals as we embark on our collegiate years. However what makes our departure from Mineola so special is the closeness of our community; the fact that we have been together for so long, truly learning the value of friendship. Whether we like it or not, we have grown to become a family.”

Falotico also recognized the sacrifices that students’ family members had made over their high school careers, saying that they were “sacrifices that are in no way repayable but will always be appreciated as their guidance, support and love has successfully carried us this far in life” and advising her classmates to “use this time to become who you want to be.”

A musical presentation of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” was performed by SangMin Bak, Thomas Behan, Calbert Chan and Vineeth Varghese.

“In the past four years many things have happened; you’ve matured into young men and women, you’ve developed connections with your teachers and coaches, you’ve had successes in the classroom, on stage and in athletics, you developed friendships and shared good times and happy memories that will last a lifetime,” principal Ed Escobar noted before conferring diplomas upon the graduates. “Through all of your school experiences, a constant has been the support and guidance of your family; today, they are very proud of you. I believe that by working hard, doing what is right, and I mean doing what is right not just when people are around, but when no one is watching, you will connect with people and have a positive impact on them and your community. Graduation represents a beginning, not an ending.”

“I can’t speak as if I know what’s in store for us or any extra knowledge or experience of the world. That being said, I have spoken with people from all walks of life and I’ve head many things about giving some great advice,” valedictorian Sujith Maracheril said.

In his speech, told the class to follow four simple principles: love always, illuminate yourself, volunteer freely and emit positivity, or LIVE.

“When put together you will truly be able to live in a brighter future,” he said. “We stopped thinking about the negatives in our lives and started thinking about the future. By helping others, we are helping ourselves. Although young and inexperienced, we are the ones who will be molding the future. It may seem trivial, but one act if kindness can go a long way. If you can shed light on and illuminate the you that you wish to be, you’re ready for the world. I’m bringing your attention to a way of life that I feel can be very helpful. Although we blink passively, we can’t always passively live life with a purpose of just living.”

“In life there are many journeys; today we come together in celebration of the end of your journey as Mineola students,” Mineola Board of Education President William Hornberger said. “As you continue your journey beyond the hallways of Mineola High School, I offer the following: don’t be afraid to succeed; life will provide you with many opportunities for success. Some of those opportunities demand that you rise to the challenge and overcome the fear of being wrong, looking stupid or failing; don’t be afraid to be wrong.”

“A high school is only as good as the kids in it,” Dr. Nagler noted. “In particular, the seniors set the tone for a building. This class has personified the district’s mission statement and you should be very proud of yourselves. Through your actions, deeds and words, you have demonstrated that school is so much more than academics; this class has demonstrated contributing positively to a global society. More importantly, you’ve established a benchmark for our younger grades to strive for; a legacy to be emulated.”

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