BABYLON, NEW YORK (JUNE 2023)—Members of the Babylon Junior-Senior High School class of 2023 celebrated their graduation with a commencement ceremony held on June 23. The students and members of the audience gathered and were treated with inspiring parting words from the class valedictorian, salutatorian, interim superintendent, and incoming superintendent.

Drew Scherrif, the class valedictorian, gave a motivational speech about making the right choices, taking accountability for your actions, staying determined, and fighting for what is right. “On our journey through life, we will inevitably stumble, fail, or be set back. We cannot let these give us doubt or fear,” Drew said, “We must take the punches and keep going, because this is life; if it were easy, it would not be real. Hardships make us stronger, more capable people, while complaining and making excuses only holds us back”.

Class Salutatorian Caroline Cassidy spoke about the three characteristics that exemplify her fellow graduates and their time in the Babylon School District. These characteristics are passion, perseverance, and unity. “I snatched that pen back from whatever awful writer decided it was my time to stop and I wrote my own story and I persevered,” Caroline said after recounting her own personal story of perseverance contending with a heart condition, “I know everyone here has struggled in some way, but the fact that you are sitting here in front of me is a testament to your strength”.

Babylon’s Interim Superintendent of Schools, Brian Conboy, spoke to the class on the great opportunities ahead of them made possible by their families and the Babylon community. “Today you’re receiving your first golden ticket to your future: a New York State high school diploma from a high achieving Long Island school district,” Mr. Conboy said. “Babylon Schools will always be a part of you, and hopefully you will come to appreciate the great gift that your parents gave to you: a childhood and a public education in Babylon, Long Island”.

Incoming Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza, who had served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the previous school year, also had an opportunity to speak at the ceremony. “I had the great honor of joining this very special learning committee at the start of this school year, and it has been a tremendous honor to serve as your assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction,” Manza said. “I have also had the opportunity to interact with some of the students of the class of 2023 and I can tell you they are a wonderful group of students, and I join you in the pride that you feel for the students here this evening. Congratulations to our families and congratulations to our students on this very important milestone.”

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Date Added: 7/10/2023

BABYLON, NEW YORK (JUNE 2023)—Nine members of Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2023 have received New York State Seals of Biliteracy. The students—Caroline Cassidy, Olivia Cavallo, Olivia Conti, Jackson Esposito, Nico Giammarino, Jameson Howard, Matthew Nyman, Lisa Petraitis, and Madeline Romaine—underwent a rigorous testing process to achieve this distinction and demonstrate their biliteracy. For their accomplishments, the students received certificates, medals to be worn at their graduation ceremonies, and a seal on their diplomas.

To receive their seals, the nine students had to complete requirements in English as well as in either French or Spanish. The state requires that they have high achievement on the ELA Regents, take an AP English cour

se, and score a 3 or better on the exam along with high grades in the course. For the world language, they needed to take a Checkpoint C language course with above-average achievement. Students also had to write and research a scholarly essay, which they presented to a panel of language teachers who questioned them on specific points presented in the paper. This project was used to assess their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills at the intermediate high level according to the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language scale. Finally, successful candidates were recommended by an English and a world language teacher to complete the process.

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/.

Date Added: 7/10/2023