Summit's graduation processional was led by Eric Ellman, who carried the U.S. flag and opened our ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard Sitman, Summit's Executive Director, began commencement by welcoming over 300 parents, family members, and friends, and introducing this year's senior videos.

 

Karen and Robbin Park, Summit parents of Ryan Park, and Beth Torin, Summit parent of Rachel Torin, provided their personal perspectives of their time at Summit, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Before diplomas were conferred, numerous honors were bestowed upon students by Summit faculty. At Summit, we are pleased to have the ability to present our deserving seniors awards of meaningful recognition and scholarship. This year, all of Summit's seniors received recognition and merit awards from Assemblyman David Weprin.

 

J.B. Hehman Memorial Scholarship presented by Nancy Morgenroth, Director of Admissions & Speech and Language, to Marken Suaza

 

Michael Herold Memorial Scholarship presented by Carol Falco, Teacher,  

to Jason Taylor

 

Emily Seltzer Memorial Scholarship presented by Marian Corbett, Director of Work-Based Learning Programs, to Wade Hutchinson

 

Carmen Montalvo Summit Promise Scholarship presented by Cindy Berkiw, Teacher, to Matthew Giesse and Sarah Looks

 

John Renner Commitment to Excellence Scholarship presented  

by Larry Litwack, Dean of Students, to Saurav Bhatt

 

NYS Governor's Award presented by Sherri Bordoff, Upper School Clinic Director, to Janelle Berrios and Ryan Lepper

 

Presidential Achievement Award presented by Tara Caprdja, Teacher, to Matthew Palermo, Charles Pisani, and Maya Singer

 

Presidential Excellence Award presented by Georgia Gretchyn, Teacher, to Jared Lantner, Jordan Levinson, Sarah Looks, and Ryan Park

 

 Above from left: Jordan Levinson, Salutatorian and  Jared Lantner, Valedictorian.

 

After the awards presentation, the podium was turned over to our Salutatorian, Jordan Levinson, whose remarks touched on the camaraderie that makes Summit such a special place. "Since I first came to this school in 9th grade, I have had the chance to get to know each and every one of you. We were always there for each other, no matter where we went. We all studied together, went on trips, and partied on prom night until 1:00 in the morning." Jordan described The Class of 2018 as a phoenix. "We have metaphorically risen up from the ashes to gain the skills needed for the rest of our lives...Never be afraid to fail and use your failures as a learning experience." To conclude, Jordan presented the powerful lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II, who, with Richard Rodgers, wrote the music to accompany the graduation scene in the classic musical Carousel. Remember that "with hope in your heart, you'll never walk alone."                    

Summit's 2018 Valedictorian, Jared Lantner, spoke about persevering through the difficult moments in life saying "While it may be fun to dwell on the ups and downs of our high school years, the important thing to remember is that we've all made mistakes, and the fact that we've learned from them has turned us into better people." Jared went on to thank his family, teachers, and coaches, and also shared his best advice about success:

"I think everybody on this stage has ability. I think that whatever it is you do, you excel in. But still, you will always encounter people who are better at whatever it is you do. When this eventually happens, you must always keep the mindset that the competition in any given field will make you stronger in it. In fact, the danger arises when you get it in your head that the students in your classes are somehow beyond your comprehension and that the degree that you are pursuing will never become a reality. As basketball legend Michael Jordan once said, 'If you quit once it becomes a habit. Never quit.' While it is easy to think that the winners of the world possess something that cannot be taught, the reality is that motivation and persistence is what ultimately leads to success. While I have no control over what field you choose to go into, all I can say is, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, 'Whatever you are, be a good one.' Congratulations and good luck!"

Before the recessional, one more graduate was called to the dais -- Carl Miranda, Summit's beloved teacher and Lady Wildcat Coach, who retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Joined by Cindy Berkiw, Allison Edwards, and Summit student and Lady Wildcat Sarah Looks, Mr. Miranda was presented his red and black honor cords, representing the colors of the Lady Wildcats, and a framed certificate to commemorate his thirty-two years of service and excellence.

Above from left: Sarah Looks, Carl Miranda, Upper School Principal Allison Edwards