Due to threatening skies, family members and friends of the Oyster Bay High School Class of 2006 gathered in the Howard E. Imhof gymnasium for commencement ceremonies on June 25. Following the traditional processional to Pomp and Circumstance, the graduates were led in the pledge of allegiance by senior class president Carly Bucheister. Carly also presented the class gift - the purchase of a chair in the newly renovated auditorium.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dennis O'Hara, principal, stated, "I can't tell you how impressed and proud I am of this class. I have to give credit where credit is due. Thank you, parents, for raising your children into such fine adults. Parents, you have done well and I know your children thank you, too." In his advice to the graduates, which echoed words of Teddy Roosevelt, he said, "I hope you will have a good time as long as you live and that you will do something worthwhile." He also encouraged students to "do the things you set out to do and give the world your very best."

In her welcoming address, salutatorian Alexandra Bocci tried to answer the questions, "Who are we and what do we want?" "We can't wait to get out of high school and yet we become more nostalgic with a desire to linger as the time comes to move on," Alexandra observed. "When we live life, we should really live it, wholly alive and we are finally doing that," she said. Reflecting that change will be good as students go away with a clean slate for a fresh start, she advised, "Lean forward with open arms to experience life."

In her superintendent's address, Dr. Phyllis Harrington said, "Passion is the fuel that ignites your success and will provide you with energy to achieve your goals." As an example, Dr. Harrington cited the life of Pierre Omidyar, who wrote the computer code for what eventually became eBay. He started with a passion for computer technology and, as a result of trying to help his girlfriend with her collection of Pez candy dispensers on his auction website, became a multimillionaire and philanthropist. "It is never too late to ignite your passion, so follow your heart and do something every day to create a legacy you can be proud of," she concluded.

Valedictorian Jason Lim presented the farewell speech. "We are entering a strange and fascinating world that changes every day," Jason said. As with previous generations, the young are expected to conquer all obstacles and fix the world's problems. As we continue our journey through life we will have to make choices . Remember, it is not the final destination that matters, but how we get there."

For the traditional Board of Education president's remarks, James Smiros said that over his past five years on the board his pride and joy in each graduating class has grown exponentially. "I celebrate your achievements and promise. In the future, don't be afraid to take chances; do not hesitate to grab opportunities to go beyond what you think you can do. Be a free-thinker with a healthy amount of skepticism so that you will be a leader and not a follower." Mr. Smiros also observed that the quality of education the students received has prepared them well for future success. Over 90 percent of the students will go on to higher education at such prestigious schools as Harvard, Cornell, Duke, Tufts, the University of Michigan and Boston College.

Seanna Burke, president of the National Honor Society, announced this year's honorary inductee, a member of the staff who demonstrates the four qualities of membership - scholarship, leadership, citizenship and service. "Karen Crowley is a Renaissance woman who makes connections with each student and encourages them to learn something new every day," said Seanna. She is an art teacher, Agapae advisor, basketball scorekeeper and black belt in karate, who speaks Mandarin and sings opera. A graduate of Cornell University with a master's degree from Parsons School of Design, she is pursuing her doctorate at Columbia University's Teachers College.

The speeches concluded with Julia Silver, a graduate of Oyster Bay High School and a sponsor of the Tom Robinson Memorial Fund, who presented the Tom Robinson Scholarship to Alejandra Huerfano. "This scholarship honors Tom and all he stood for," Julia said. "His love for people, academics, as well as athletics touched everyone in the community." Honorary diplomas also were presented by principal Dennis O'Hara to Kathy Hendrickson, physical education teacher who is retiring after 36 years and James Smiros, outgoing president of the Board of Education.

During the ceremony, the Concert Band performed themes from Green Bushes with Matthew Sisia conducting and the Senior Ensemble sang The Time of My Life under the direction of Linda Koevary.