With the sun shining bright on their gold accented gear, the Wantagh High School Class of 2026 proudly received their diplomas on June 12 as the seniors officially became graduates. 

With family members cheering from the bleachers, the Class of 2026 processed onto the Wantagh High School field to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” while Joseph Riso, Corline Feyrer and Luka Sumberac led the presentation of colors. Senior drum majors Madison Rodriguez and Olivia Scherer conducted the band while Emily McHale sang the National Anthem. 

Senior class president Daniel Donahue addressed his peers and emphasized the importance of looking forward to seizing opportunities ahead of them. 

“I hope you can say, ‘I was there, I lived it, and I appreciated every moment while I had it,’” he said. 

Ethan Chen, the Class of 2026 salutatorian, encouraged comfort and confidence as he and his peers moved forward into the unknown. 

“The reality is that most of us are about to enter a period of our lives with new people, new opportunities and experiences we can’t predict – it’s just part of growing up,” he said. “That’s why I’ve started to think that maybe the goal isn’t to have everything figured out. Maybe the goal is to stay curious long enough to find out.” 

In her valedictory address, Victoria Ferraro reflected on what she has learned about leadership. 

“Leadership is so much more than the achievements that we tend to celebrate,” she said. “In fact, not all leaders are always holding the microphone. Some people lead like lightning; some people lead like gravity – unseen yet seamlessly holding everything around them together.” 

Superintendent John McNamara and Board of Education trustees presented each graduate with their diploma and a medal marked with “Wantagh High School Class of 2026.” President of Wantagh Dollars for Scholars Gerald McCrink announced 17 recipients of various scholarships that recognize academic achievement and community contributions. 

Finally, the Class of 2026 turned their tassels before tossing their mortarboards in the air, celebrating their final moment as high school students.