Manhasset Public Schools Celebrate Class of 2024 GraduationManhasset Public Schools Celebrate Class of 2024 Graduation Under the radiant June sky, Manhasset Public Schools held a momentous graduation ceremony to bid farewell to the Class of 2024. As students eagerly crossed the stage, they embarked on the next chapter of their lives. Salutatorian Kate Wede shared an inspiring speech, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs the class had faced during their high school journey. “We adapted to virtual learning, endured hybrid schedules, and navigated the complexities of COVID-19 precautions,” Wede recounted. “But through it all, we grew stronger and more resilient.” She highlighted the importance of consistent dedication and perseverance, emphasizing that success in high school was not simply about bursts of effort, but rather a testament to their unwavering determination. Wede also spoke about the transformative experiences of their third and fourth years, which fostered invaluable life lessons and solidified their bonds as a class. Headmaster Gaurav Passi reminded the graduates to acknowledge the unwavering support of those who had guided them along the way. “To the parents and families, today is a celebration of your love and dedication,” Passi said. “To the incredible teachers, administrators, and staff, your passion and commitment have made this journey possible.” Director Richard Roder shared a poignant anecdote about a tightrope walker, emphasizing the power of community support. “Remember that you have a network of people who believe in your potential,” Roder advised. “When faced with challenges, reach out to your loved ones, mentors, and peers for guidance.” As the graduates bid farewell to their high school home, Superintendent Passi expressed his confidence in their future endeavors. “You have the tools and the determination to become the best versions of yourselves,” Passi said. “Congratulations to the Class of 2024, we are immensely proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the success you deserve.”
On June 21, Manhasset Public Schools celebrated the graduation of the class of 2024. Under blue skies, students crossed the stage and entered the next chapter of their lives.
Among the speakers was Salutatorian Kate Wede, who shared how her class was affected by the pandemic and emerged stronger.
“We faced the initial hurdles of adapting to a heavier workload, navigating our COVID duties and a hybrid school schedule… But once we got going, we learned to navigate these challenges and got more confident with each passing day,” Wede said. “The second year was like reaching our first milestone. Life completely returned to normal. We enjoyed full sports seasons, a budget and extracurricular activities this year, which taught us the importance of setting our pace. We started to understanding that success in high school wasn’t about quick bursts of effort, but about consistent dedication.”
Wede discussed the second half of their high school years, touching on the life lessons they learned in their third year and the camaraderie they developed in their senior year.
“Junior year was the heart of our marathon. The pressure of standardized testing and higher academic demands challenged us…” said Wede. “Senior year… we saw the finish line approaching as we experienced both the joy of our accomplishments and the bittersweet reality of the impending farewell.”
Headmaster Gaurav Passi reminded the graduates to remember those who supported them along the way.
“Today we celebrate an important milestone: your evolution from childhood to young adulthood, a transformation that has been happening before our eyes for years,” said Superintendent Passi. “Let’s recognize that today is a big day for the parents and families of the graduates. To them, it seems like just yesterday you were graduating kindergarten, and in the blink of an eye, here you are, graduating from high school. To them, I you their whole world. They will never finish caring for you, protecting you and loving you, so don’t forget to thank them.”
Superintendent Passi also recognized the incredible teachers, administrators, and support staff who have helped guide and inspire students throughout their high school experience. “Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our students has been truly inspiring,” Passi said.
Director Richard Roder told a story about a tightrope walker who walked over Niagara Falls several times, performing increasingly difficult stunts. The daredevil is then said to have asked a crowd if they believed he could carry someone across the tightrope in a wheelbarrow. The crowd cheered emphatically. The tightrope walker then asked who would get into the wheelbarrow and they responded with silence. Roder then explained: “You are part of a community that supports and believes in you and your potential. If you need guidance, lean on your family, your friends, champion your mentors and never be afraid to ask for help .”
“As you leave this campus today, Manhasset High School graduates will know that we are all proud of you, we all believe in you, and we have confidence that you will continue your personal growth to become the best versions of yourselves. Congratulations to the Manhasset High School Class of 2024,” Roder said.
Congratulations to the class of 2024.
