Early morning rain did not dampen spirits on Sunday, June 22 at the Tilles Center as family and friends joined 194 members of the Class of 2003 for the 43rd annual Jericho High School Commencement. After students, in a sea of blue and gold, entered the auditorium to sounds of Pomp and Circumstance, the 9 a.m. ceremony began with the Pledge, the National Anthem, and welcoming remarks by Student Council President Adam Katz and Vice President Richard Steinberg.

In her address to classmates, Salutatorian Marissa Markowitz asked classmates to balance their careers and interests. "Success may not lead to passion, but passion will transform into success," explained Markowitz. "We succeed when we enjoy our lives, and feel passionately about our role in the world."

Jericho School Board President Hilari Cohen pointed out that each person's destiny is the one true thing that can never be taken away.

"You are all taking an enormous step in fulfilling your own destiny as you leave us today to continue your education at a higher level," remarked Mrs. Cohen in her address to seniors. "It is never easy to begin a new chapter in life, but it should always be an adventure." Mrs. Cohen encouraged seniors to make a difference in the world by sharing their knowledge, believing in themselves, and living their dreams. "As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' Wise words, indeed. Get out there. Your destiny awaits."

Class Valedictorian Adam Kaufman reminded graduates about the many choices they will be confronted with in the future. "The power rests with each one of us to chart the course of our life," commented Kaufman. "There is greatness in each one of us, but how we go about realizing our potential is the key. What must we do? We must choose our own road and envision our destination. We must set our goals and pursue them with vigor."

After quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson's definition of success, Class Valedictorian Glenn Todaro, urged classmates not to separate themselves from the difficulties and struggles of others, but rather engage themselves in solving these problems. "No trendy article of clothing, no luxury car, no extravagant mansion makes any one of us less responsible for the future of our world," said Todaro, "For in the end, we are all only human; we were all born, we will all die, and in the meantime, all we have is each other; so let's make the most of it."

Superintendent of Schools Hank Grishman asked students to reflect on who is really important in their lives. "The people who make a real difference in your lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, public recognition or the most awards. They are the ones who care about you," said Grishman. "When you think about the people who have influenced your life most, they are your friends, relatives, and teachers. People who are close to you and have directly impacted you.

"These important people have reached out to you because of love, friendship, caring, concern, and commitment." Grishman reminded graduates to remember to thank those who have reached out to them: "Let them know that you don't take them for granted and how much you truly appreciate all that they have done."

Grishman finished with some advice for a successful and fulfilling future. "To make the very most of your life and the opportunities that you have been given... you...too... must reach out," advised Grishman.

"Be kind and compassionate and give freely of yourself to others. Likewise, be responsible and honorable, as well as courteous and polite. Be more tolerant, appreciative, and accepting of individual differences."

Jericho High School principal Gerard Cairns requested that graduates not forget their commitment to compassion, truthfulness, loyalty, understanding and the acceptance of others: "Leaving Jericho High School, you are now entering a complex and turbulent world, a global nation greatly in need of visionary leadership and creative solutions to a labyrinth of problems whether they be medical, social or economic...Always stand tall, look ahead and work hard to excel in whatever path you choose to take."

Amid a sea of flashing cameras, each of the 194 Jericho High School seniors received diplomas from Mrs. Cohen, Mr. Grishman, and Mr. Cairns. After leaving the stage of the auditorium to the Grand March, smiling graduates and families poured outside onto the grounds of the Tilles Center to find that the rains had ceased.

Cheers, kisses, hugs, handshakes, and even a few tears, completed this memorable occasion for the Jericho High School Class of 2003.