Bulldogs to Grads: LHS Class of 2011 Gets Diplomas

It's customary to get a little misty-eyed during a graduation. Students moving on, and their parents proud that they've done so, all sharing in the emotions of the day.

In Lindenhurst misty-eyed took on a whole new meaning during the high school graduation ceremonies – the first time it was ever held on Friday instead of Saturday morning.

A light rain threatened to put a damper on the festivities, but no worry…they went on as scheduled, as the 578 seniors received their diplomas, braved the elements and took their place as members of the graduating class of 2011.

The “let's stay ahead of the weather” mood was best summed up by no less than Senator Chuck Schumer. He showed up, and tore up his planned speech before a thunderous ovation from the thousands in attendance at the athletic field.

The United States senator simply offered his congratulations, and then it was on to the main event, as each student got their name called as they received their diploma.

Every student got their moment in the sun (minus the sun), and that's what class stressed in his message to his classmates: the individual.

"The greatest shame in life is the individual who's not one," Aydin said. "Find the beacon that spurs your curiosities – yours and not others – do what brings you joy, and channel your drive into it. Do not ever let thought or imagination be lost."

It was a day to look ahead, but also reflect on the four years the seniors spent within the halls of the LHS.

"We will be meeting new people, gaining new skills and learning more about ourselves as we become college students and young professionals," said 2011 Class President Miranda Freilich. "On the other hand, our memories from high school will comfort us as we leave our childhood and enter into the real world."

It's appropriate that weather was a factor in commencement. Four years ago, the seniors sat on the very same field, as eighth-graders moving up to high school. They did so through the pouring rain. Tonight, the rain held up just enough for students to move up, and out, of .

joked that he wouldn't be able to get through his whole speech without a reference to the weather.

The crowd and fellow classmates responded with smiles and laughter since it’s known around the LHS that he has an interest in meteorology, and this time he decided to read a quote from author Vivian Green.

"It's not about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain," the quote read.

In the end Colbert put his own little spin on it.

"As we learned tonight, never let a little rain push you down," he said, drawing applause from his classmates: the Lindenhurst High School class of 2011.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out of the ceremony in another gallery and read the full story . And check out part one of the video highlights , and part two, . Here’s Class President Miranda Freilich’s . Here’s Class Salutatorian Michael Colbert’s . And here’s Class Valedictorian Taner Aydin’s .