As the school year ended, New Hyde Park Memorial High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated their final milestone as high school students on June 28, 2026. The ceremony, held at Hofstra University, was packed with friends, family and faculty members who gathered to honor this year’s graduating class and take a look back on a memorable six-year journey.
Before graduation, seniors had the chance to decorate their graduation caps with either future college logos, memories or other personal symbols and quotes. This gave seniors the opportunity to display their growth over the years.
The ceremony began with Principal DeGennaro conveying words of wisdom to the departing seniors, noting that this graduating class uniquely coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. She pointed out that the class theme of being “undefined” represents the presence of endless possibilities. She praised their incredible achievements, such as earning close to $65 million in scholarship money.
Following this, co-presidents Breanne Noguera and Mia Campuzano shared how their story started in March 2020, when they were all in quarantine as sixth graders. They discussed how they persevered, laughed and adapted throughout their journey until they reached senior night victories.
“In sixth grade, we had all the time in the world being home with online school. We were stuck on all the latest TikTok trends, whether it was whipping coffee, making cloud bread, or skateboarding. Now, as seniors, we’re doing get-ready-with-me’s, vlogging, and dancing. Although so many trends have changed, and all that time we once thought we had has gone away, some things have stayed the same like the ability our class has to adapt to challenges,” Noguera said.
Student council co-president Ariana Muhammad expressed her gratitude to her family and that of her “village” while second co-president Darsh Mirchandani encouraged his classmates to “put a lot into the people around you” instead of material things.
“I don’t have a favorite place, I only have my favorite people,” Mirchandani said.
Valedictorian Hima Binu delivered an address, sharing wisdom collected from teachers and reminding the audience that “change is scary, but staying the same is even scarier.” She urged her fellow peers to go out of their comfort zone and engage in conversations and never lose themselves in a search for short-term gratification.
Additionally, a moment of remembrance took place as Principal DeGennaro presented a diploma to the family of Hannah George, honoring her enduring legacy of selfless service. At the end of the ceremony, the graduates moved their tassels from right to left, officially closing their high school chapters amid a flurry of caps and roaring cheers.
“The graduation ceremony was—as always—a beautiful, celebratory affair. My favorite part of the whole ceremony is hearing the raucous cheering from the graduates, as their friends called. It’s a reminder of how New Hyde Park is a tight-knit, supportive community. The students may be saying goodbye to their time as students here, but it’s clear every June that the bonds of friendship will last a long time,” English teacher Dr. Otton said.
Graduates will go to different universities across the state, and even the country: NYU, Stony Brook, Temple University, Binghamton, RPI, Baruch, FIT, Hunter College, Manhattan University, Boston College, Northeastern University and other SUNY and CUNY colleges are all just a few examples.
After the graduation ceremony, students reflected back on who they were, as well as their memories from high school, while also looking ahead to their future experiences. While it was a bittersweet experience, many saw it as a special moment to gather with their friends and family for the last time.
“Graduation was really special to me since I got to see all my family and friends all together in one place, celebrating our achievements and our future. I’m excited to go to college to make new friends, experiences, and memories,” senior Jisha Jinu said.
Congratulations to the New Hyde Park Memorial High School Class of 2026!
