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Herricks High School Celebrates the Class of 2026

The Herricks community gathered on June 25 to celebrate the graduation of 407 members of the Herricks High School Class of 2026. The commencement ceremony recognized the graduates’ achievements and the many family members, educators and mentors who helped them reach this milestone.

The celebration began with a processional by the Herricks High School Band under the direction of Mr. Stickley, setting an inspiring tone as graduates entered to the cheers of family, friends and faculty.

Principal Joan Keegan welcomed the audience by encouraging graduates to reflect on the experiences that shaped their high school years. While celebrating their accomplishments, she reminded students that their greatest growth came through perseverance, meaningful relationships and the everyday choices that helped define who they have become. 
“Class of 2026, your story is not just told in transcripts or accolades – it is written in thousands of small, meaningful choices that brought you to this very day,” Principal Keegan said. She also thanked parents, families, district leadership, faculty and staff for supporting the graduates throughout their journey.

The ceremony recognized longtime Board of Education trustees Jim Gounaris and Henry Zanetti for their lasting contributions to Herricks schools. Principal Keegan also welcomed Board of Education Vice President and Class of 2026 parent Maria Bono and PTSA President Lauren Marzo, recognizing the strong partnership between families and the school community.

Student speakers reflected on the relationships and experiences that shaped their time at Herricks.

Class President Kush Vania described Senior Sunset as far more than watching the sun go down. “What we experienced was much more than just a sunset,” he said. “That’s what community is ... and maybe, just maybe, that community is the greatest achievement we’ve had in these four years.”

Student Government Executive Board President Emma Su delivered an address titled “The Road Here,” emphasizing that success is never achieved alone. Sharing lessons from science research coordinator Ms. Etri, she reminded classmates that their worth extends far beyond grades or college acceptances. 

“The people who have truly impacted our lives did not value us because of what we achieved; they valued us because of who we are,” she said.

Herricks’ multicultural community was celebrated as students welcomed guests in the many native languages spoken by district families, reflecting the diversity that defines the school district.

Director of Fine and Performing Arts Ms. Anissa Arnold, recognized for 25 years of dedicated service to Herricks, introduced the ceremony’s final student speakers.

Salutatorian Angelina Liu encouraged classmates to appreciate life’s unexpected moments, reminding graduates that while goals and achievements matter, many of the most meaningful memories happen outside carefully planned expectations.

Valedictorian Aarthi Palaniappan used the image of a jigsaw puzzle to describe the people who shape our lives. Reflecting on the loss of her father at a young age, she encouraged classmates to remember those who guide, support and inspire them throughout life’s journey.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tony Sinanis congratulated the graduates and expressed his pride in serving as their superintendent throughout their high school experience. He also recognized Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Guercin, who is retiring after 25 years of service to Herricks, for her compassionate leadership and dedication to students and staff.

Following a performance of the Alma Mater conducted by graduate and All-State Vocal Jazz honoree Isabella Marzo, Principal Keegan officially certified the Class of 2026 for graduation and offered one final message. “Be strong. Be fearless. Be true. And remember the importance of the people who stand beside you along the way,” she said. “May your Herricks experience remain your compass.”

With the traditional turning of the tassels, the Class of 2026 officially became Herricks High School alumni, ready to begin the next chapter while carrying forward the lessons, friendships and memories that made their time at Herricks so meaningful.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!
 

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Graduates in blue and gold gowns walk on a track with a stadium and trees in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns march on a track carrying school banners, with spectators in bleachers in the background.
A group of graduates in blue gowns walk along a track, with a woman in a white dress waving in the foreground and a building and fence in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns walk on a track with spectators in bleachers in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns and caps walk on a track with spectators in bleachers in the background.
A group of graduates in blue gowns and caps are walking in a procession on a red track, with trees and spectators visible in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns and caps walk on a track with spectators in bleachers in the background.
A group of graduates in blue gowns and caps walk on a red track with a blue sky and trees in the background.
A group of smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps walk on a red track with trees and a building in the background.
A group of smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps walk across a track with a stadium and trees in the background.
A group of smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps stand on a track with trees and a building in the background.
A band of young musicians in white outfits plays instruments on a football field, with a blue building and trees in the background.
A young man in a blue graduation gown and cap speaks at a podium, with other graduates and attendees in the background under a white tent.
A young woman in a blue graduation gown speaks at a podium adorned with flowers, while other graduates in similar attire stand behind her under a white tent.
Graduates in blue gowns stand near a podium under a tent, with a blurred background of a field and spectators.
A woman in a graduation gown speaks at a podium with a blue banner, while an audience sits behind her under a white tent.
A young man in a blue graduation gown speaks at a podium adorned with flowers, while graduates in caps and gowns sit in the background under a tent.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown stands at a wooden podium with a %22Herricks%22 banner, while an audience sits in the background under a tent.
A young woman in a blue graduation gown speaks at a podium with a banner that reads %22HERRICKS%22 in the background, while an audience sits behind her.
A group of graduates in blue gowns stand on a football field with a goalpost in the background.
A young woman in a blue graduation gown speaks at a wooden podium with a %22Herricks%22 banner, while an audience is visible in the blurred background under a tent.
A woman in a graduation gown speaks at a podium with a banner, while graduates sit in the background under a tent.
A woman in academic regalia speaks at a podium with a banner in the foreground, while graduates sit in the background under a tent.
A graduate in a blue cap and gown poses for a photo on a green field in front of a group of graduates on bleachers, with a cloudy sky and trees in the background.
A smiling man and woman in graduation gowns pose in the foreground with a crowd of graduates and spectators in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns stand on a field in front of a blue building and trees.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds a diploma in front of a blurred background of trees and a football field.
A jubilant graduate in a blue cap and gown with leis celebrates on a green field in front of an audience seated on a stage with an American flag.
A graduate in a blue cap and gown gives a thumbs up while holding a diploma, with a cheering crowd in the bleachers behind him.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds his diploma, with a woman in academic regalia behind him, as other graduates sit in the background on a grassy field.
Graduates in blue gowns and caps walk on a track with a cheering crowd in bleachers in the background.
A young man in a blue graduation gown and cap holds his diploma in front of a graduation ceremony with tents and seated guests in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds her diploma on a grassy field with a white tent and bleachers in the background.
A young man in a blue graduation gown and cap poses with his diploma on a green field, while other graduates and a stage with a %22Herricks High School%22 banner are visible in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds his diploma in the foreground, while other graduates and a tent are visible in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds a diploma in the foreground, while other graduates and attendees are visible on a football field in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds a diploma in the foreground, while a woman in academic regalia stands beside her, with a crowd of graduates and spectators in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds her diploma in the foreground, while a procession of fellow graduates walks behind her on a field with a banner and trees in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown gives a thumbs up with a diploma in hand, while other graduates and a %22Herricks High School%22 banner are visible in the background.
A young woman in a blue graduation gown and cap holds her diploma in the foreground, while other graduates and a stage are visible in the background.
A smiling graduate in a blue cap and gown holds her diploma in the foreground, with a line of fellow graduates and a football field in the background.
A young man in a blue graduation gown and cap smiles and gives a thumbs up while holding his diploma on a grassy field, with other graduates and a football goalpost visible in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns toss their caps in the air on a sunny day in front of a packed stadium filled with cheering spectators.
A smiling young woman in a blue graduation gown holds a decorated cap, posing with a man in academic regalia, while a crowd of graduates and spectators fills the background.
Three smiling graduates in blue gowns pose with decorated caps and diplomas in front of a blurred crowd at an outdoor ceremony.
Two smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps pose in the foreground with a blurred crowd and tents in the background.
Four smiling graduates in blue gowns pose with decorated caps in the foreground, while a crowd of similarly dressed graduates fills the background under a bright sky.
A group of seven young men in blue graduation gowns and caps stand on a grassy field, holding diplomas, with a blurred crowd and trees in the background.
Six graduates in blue gowns and decorated caps stand on a field with bleachers and trees in the background.
Three smiling graduates in blue gowns and gold sashes pose with their diplomas and a decorated artwork in front of a blurred crowd and stadium seating.
A group of smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps pose for a photo on a grassy field with a blurred crowd in the background.
A young couple in blue graduation gowns smiles at the camera in the foreground, with a large white tent and other graduates in the background.
A group of graduates in blue gowns and holding diplomas stand on a green field in front of bleachers.
Three young men in blue graduation gowns and caps pose in the foreground, holding a diploma and a graduation cap sign, with a blurred crowd and trees in the background.
Four smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps hold diplomas and decorated caps in the foreground, with a blurred crowd and tents in the background.
Graduates in blue gowns toss their caps in the air in front of a crowded stadium filled with spectators.