Manhasset High School Class of 2024 GraduatesManhasset High School Class of 2024 Graduates Amidst the serene skies of June 21, Manhasset Public Schools witnessed the triumphant graduation of its class of 2024. As they crossed the stage, these students embarked on a new chapter, their high school journey coming to an end. Salutatorian Kate Wede’s Inspiring Speech Salutatorian Kate Wede delivered a poignant address, reflecting on the class’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. The pandemic, she noted, had been a defining experience, forcing them to adapt and persevere. Wede emphasized the importance of consistency and dedication in achieving success. She spoke of the milestones they had reached in their sophomore and junior years, and the camaraderie they had forged as seniors. Headmaster Gaurav Passi’s Gratitude Headmaster Gaurav Passi reminded the graduates of the profound support they had received throughout their high school years. He urged them to express their gratitude to their parents, teachers, and mentors who had guided them along the way. Director Richard Roder’s Thought-Provoking Tale Director Richard Roder shared a captivating story about a tightrope walker who asked for volunteers to cross Niagara Falls with him. The crowd cheered enthusiastically, but when asked who would get into the wheelbarrow, silence ensued. Roder explained that the community believed in them and encouraged them to seek support whenever necessary. A Collective Celebration and a Bright Future Superintendent Passi and Director Roder expressed their pride and confidence in the graduates. They emphasized that Manhasset High School would forever be a beacon of support as they embarked on their futures. With a resounding applause, the graduates celebrated their accomplishments. The class of 2024 left the campus with a collective sense of optimism and a bright future ahead.
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.
