The West Hempstead Secondary School Class of 2026 celebrated the culmination of their academic journey during commencement exercises on June 28 at the Tilles Center at LIU Post, where graduates, families and faculty gathered to honor the class's achievements while embracing this year's theme, “WHe Rise Together.”
Throughout the afternoon, speakers reflected on the power of community, resilience and lifting one another up as graduates prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony featured remarks from valedictorian Victoria Hasan, salutatorian Valerie Schreck, Class President Jayden Leslie, Superintendent of Schools Dan Rehman and Principal Joseph Pumo. The West Hempstead Secondary School Chamber Choir, under the direction of music teacher Joseph Kane, also performed several songs to kick off the ceremony.
Building on the district’s theme of “WHe Rise Together,” Hasan encouraged her classmates to use their individual strengths to uplift others and create positive change.
“To the Class of 2026, it is our turn to make a change,” Hasan said. "Every single person in this room is capable of creating change, so I challenge everyone to go out there and do it. Whether you're changing one life or a million lives, your impact on the world is how you will be rewarded.”
Schreck encouraged her classmates to carry the support they received at West Hempstead with them into the future.
"Whatever you find yourself doing, whether you're studying in college, working or serving in the military, don't just do it for yourself," Schreck said. "Do it for your family, your country and the people who have always believed in you. I encourage you to keep others in mind as you go along with the next chapters of your life."
In his address, Mr. Rehman challenged graduates to carry this year's theme beyond graduation, reminding them that success is strengthened through collaboration, compassion and lifting others along the way.
“Those words are a reflection of who we are as a community,” Mr. Rehman said. “Every accomplishment represented on the stage here today was made possible not only by your individual effort, but by the support of teachers who believed in you, administrators who believed in you, families who encouraged you, friends who stood by you and a community that invested in your success. Be bold in pursuing your dreams, but never forget the people and values that shaped you. Today, we are Ram proud of what you have accomplished.”
Mr. Pumo congratulated the graduates on reaching this milestone and recognized the determination, growth and character they demonstrated throughout their time at West Hempstead Secondary School.
“As you move forward, remember that achievement is important, but so is the person you become along the way,” Mr. Pumo said. “Continue to lead with kindness, continue to support others, continue to be curious, creative and willing to make a positive impact on the people around you. Today, you leave West Hempstead as graduates, but you will always be Rams.”
As tassels were turned and caps soared into the air, the Class of 2026 celebrated not only the end of their high school careers, but also the beginning of new opportunities. United by the experiences they shared in West Hempstead, graduates left the stage ready to carry the district's message of rising together into the future.
The West Hempstead School District congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes its graduates continued success in all of their future endeavors.
For more pictures of the Class of 2026 click here to view on Facebook.
Photos courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District
