B-BP Graduates the Class of 2013

This article and photos were provided by Jennifer Kuefner/Syntax and posted by Judy Mottl.

A ceremony rich in tradition marked the end of the Class of 2013’s educational journey in the Bayport-Blue Point School District. 

Surrounded by proud family members, former teachers and friends, the 213-member class gathered to mark this momentous milestone on the front lawn of Bayport-Blue Point High School on June 22. 

Dressed in school colors, the soon-to-be graduates proceeded into the ceremony draped in gold and blue robes to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

After the audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Student Council President Chandler Varone and “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the high school band and orchestra, Board of Education President James S. March addressed the crowd. “Every graduate that sits before us is well-deserving of recognition for reaching this milestone,” he said, adding to the graduates, “We are confident that the Bayport-Blue Point school system has afforded you the proper training for the journey ahead. It is now up to you to apply it.”

C.J. Furchert, who has served as class president for the past four years, told his peers, “It feels as though we were just freshmen, feeling nervous, scared and excited for the four years ahead. Now I stand here having those same feelings all over again, as we end this chapter at Bayport-Blue Point High School and begin our new journey, wherever it may be.”

In his message, Principal Dr. Timothy Hearney spotlighted the graduates’ myriad of accomplishments both in and outside of the classroom. 

Among the notable highlights was the fact that this year, 161 students (76 percent) received a Regents diploma with an Advanced Regents endorsement, the highest percentage to attain this honor in school history. 

Reminding students that it is the journey that is worth treasuring, not the designation, he urged them, “Stop every so often to appreciate what you have accomplished.” Extending his congratulations to the students, he added, “If these past four years are a representation of the rest of your lives, then you are destined for great things.”

Valedictorian Christine Bachek and salutatorian Kathleen Bailey reflected on their time in the school district and the goals they had set for their class.

 “We’ve made it to the end of the longest task we have ever undertaken, and we’ve made it to the beginning of the longest thing we will ever have to do,” said Kathleen. 

“Now is our time to be the change we want to see,” said Christine. “I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to find a purpose with your creativity, intellect and personality to become a better version of yourself every day. We won’t start tomorrow, but today.”

Encouraging the students to never allow defeat to stand in their way, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vincent Butera said, “It is your choice whether you are going to allow [negative] experiences to build upon one another and affirm and reinforce the message that you can’t, or allow those experiences to build in you what every successful person I have ever met possesses – persistence.”

Complementing the tone of the day, members of the senior class joined the high school band and orchestra in the performance of the finale from “Queen in Concert,” while the senior members of the chorus sung a moving rendition of “I Was Here.” 

Prior to each graduate being awarded his or her diploma, many seniors were presented with honor medallions, and senior class advisers Lauren Dawson and Silvia Francese bestowed their congratulations upon their fellow classmates.

After turning their tassels in unison, the graduates ceremonially tossed their graduation caps high into the air, marking their first official act as alumni of the Bayport-Blue Point School District.