It was standing room only as family and friends packed the tent behind Hampton Bays High School on Saturday, June 23 to watch the commencement exercises for nearly 170 members of the Class of 2012.

The ceremony included remarks by the Honorable William J. Lindsay, presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature, District Superintendent Lars Clemensen, and High School Principal Christopher Richardt. Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman was also in attendance.

Valedictorian Sara Reed, Salutatorian Anthony Romagnoli, and Class President John Capuano gave speeches as well. Other contributing students included Sandra Cuccia, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, select members of the Hampton Bays High School Chorus, who sang the national anthem, and the Hampton Bays High School Band.

Mr. Clemensen stressed the importance of being ready for the future, using President Abraham Lincoln as an example. “Lincoln said, ‘I will prepare and some day my chance will come.’ He spent his life readying himself. Are you ready? Because your chance is here today.”

Mr. Lindsay spoke of the obligations of service to others and the benefits of hard work. “There are certain things that my generation can pass on to your generation,” he said. “Hard work is something that will always be in demand...Never overlook an opportunity, especially for education...Approach every day with a positive attitude...You have one mouth and two ears, use them in proportion.”