Neither the threat of thunderstorms nor the heat and humidity could dampen the spirits of the Sewanhaka High School graduating Class of 1998. As the future graduates anxiously awaited the playing of Pomp and Circumstance, they hugged fellow classmates and fondly reflected upon their six years at Sewanhaka High School. Student Council President Alex Pecor aptly voiced the sentiments of the graduates commenting that, "Time is a great teacher." Over the years at Sewanhaka the graduates have grown and learned to accept responsibility. More importantly, they are prepared to accept whatever life throws at them.

The seniors have arrived at this point in their lives through the people they have met and their experiences at Sewanhaka. Superintendent Dr. George Goldstein commented that Sewanhaka is not a typical high school. Students from 12 different nationalities, speaking 15 different languages fill the halls, making Sewanhaka a true multicultural experience. Senior Class President Amanda Healy also wisely observed that "Sewanhaka is not just about learning. It is about growing inside and out. We grew as individuals and as a group."

Larina Pun's Valedictorian speech reflected the closeness experienced by the class. "Arriving at Sewanhaka we began the journey as strangers and now are much more." They have created friendships and according to Salutatorian David Cho learned the lesson that "failure is a part of life. It should be used as a springboard to reach bigger and better dreams."

David Cho also commented that his fellow classmates leave Sewanhaka as "individuals with a new sense of independence." Parents, friends and family reveled in the graduates newfound sense of independence and their achievements. These achievements have allowed the graduates to earn more than $3,600,000 in scholarships and the respect of the Sewanhaka community. Principal Debra Lidowsky and Assistant Principals Valerie Angelillo and Luigi Farina each expressed "great pride, confidence and affection" for the Class of 1998.

Graduates also expressed great pride in the achievements of fellow classmates. Special presentations honored three exceptional individuals who exhibited the outstanding leadership and scholarship representative of the Class of 1998. Dr. Goldstein awarded the Harold W. Wright Award to Larina Pun, the Howard W. Nordahl Memorial Award to Joseph Blando and the Anthony T. Dwyer Memorial Award to Joseph Iaquinta.

In parting, Dr. Goldstein offered words of wisdom for all to live by. "Whatever we are, whatever we become is determined by how far the imagination will take you."