Principal Hoffer described the Class of 2022 Salutatorian as a gifted student, a leader of his peers and a tremendous person when he invited Mr. Chad Moccio to the podium to speak to the assembly.

Clarifying that the Moccio name may have sounded familiar to some, because at last year’s Commencement, Class of 2021 President was his sister Nicole, Chad remarked. “I’ll go out on a limb and say it’s a pretty rare occurrence for two siblings to speak in consecutive years like this, so there is pretty much not a single person out there who can relate to the position I’m in here. And of course, Nicole gave me a really tough act to follow, but there’s no pressure, right? I’m sure some of my family members will let me know who the better speaker was later. I guess we’ll see.”

Chad recounted how he spent his High School career “playing down” his ardor for music, by shrugging off his critical peers who asked: “’You still do band?’ I know, it’s crazy. Or maybe it's just something that I never made known about myself for the simple reason that I thought people would judge me for it. I used to reply back to this question by saying, ‘Yeah, I still do it, since I’m pretty good at it, I figured it will look good for college.’ I’m apologizing now to everyone who heard that answer from me.”

Chad paused and smiled.  “I lied!” he confessed, which also happened to be the title of his address.  “I didn’t stick with music to list it as an activity on a college application, I kept doing it because I loved it. But for some reason until fairly recently, that felt like something I couldn’t tell people. Perhaps as I watched our time here at Sayville High School winding down to a close, it hit me. One of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of my four years here should not be treated as some extracurricular I did on the side.”

The Class of 2022 Salutatorian admitted he “even worried about talking about this today... I could've chosen a number of different things other than band to discuss in my graduation speech… I had given it much thought and decided that if this speech is that last mark I can make on Sayville high school, I at least want to go out knowing that everyone here today knew the person I really was. And music is a big part of that, not something I want to hide.”

Chad disclosed, “… Some of my closest friendships have come from seeing the same people every day 5th period. In fact, this year’s Valedictorian and I sat next to each other in the trombone section for our Senior year. Mrs. VanBoxel has always liked to say there’s a strong correlation between music and academics. Maybe she’s onto something there. She proudly calls us her smartest section ever. I’m sure Gene could tell you just how much fun I was having each and every day in class. Music will always be something that I can look back on and be thankful that I was a part of, and I want to encourage everyone graduating to get involved with things that they can enjoy and say the same, no matter what others may think about it.”

After exchanging ideas about happiness with his Physics teacher, Mr. Nielson—who was away at his own wedding on the same day as commencement—Chad concluded, “It’s all part of the journey that is starting for us as soon as we leave this place, when we get the chance to create the life that we want to live. But what is life if we’re not doing what makes us happy? If we’re not being true to ourselves?  Go out and find a career that you enjoy, surround yourself with people who make you smile, laugh, and build you up. And as far as the people who want to bring you down, because there will always be those people, let them motivate you to keep moving forward.”

Chad wished his classmates, “Thanks for a fantastic four years and for all the memories. Remember to pursue that happiness, and do you. Best of luck in your future. Let’s go change the world!”

"The Valedictorian for the Class of 2022,” announced Principal Hoffer, “is an outstanding student whose humility is awe-inspiring.  A role model for all, it is my pleasure to introduce the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022, Mr. Gene Weng.”

In his address entitled Endgame—borrowed from the Avengers, the Marvel Comics movie franchise—Gene Weng showed his humorous side. As he approached the podium, the band briefly played the Avengers Theme.  After first acknowledging and thanking the administrators, family and friends in the audience, Gene singled out the High School Band and Dr. Stimmel for special mention:

“The band shows up to so many Sayville events and is a crucial part of the Sayville community. As you now know, Chad and I both played trombone in the band, and last year at graduation we sat next to each other in those very seats playing for the Class of 2021. I’d even be willing to bet that the next year’s valedictorian or salutatorian also comes from the band…. Lastly, I would like to recognize our Superintendent, Dr. Stimmel. When I first met Dr. Stimmel, I didn’t know him as the Superintendent but as the Principal of Cherry Avenue, where I went to elementary school. Dr. Stimmel has made an impact on me ever since my very first day of school. After my first day at Cherry, I was supposed to go to an afterschool program called New Life. However, with all my excitement and nervousness in the morning, I forgot to ask my parents what bus I was taking there. That was kind of a problem. At the end of the day, I watched frantically as all the other students were shuffled from the cafeteria to their buses and soon out of sight. In the midst of my panic, Dr. Stimmel came up behind me and calmed me down. He then personally drove me in his car to New Life. I’ll never forget that. As this is Dr. Stimmel’s last year at Sayville, I want to give a big round of applause for him. Thank you for all you’ve done. To me, this story really emphasizes the characters of the teachers and staff at Sayville. Each is willing to take time out of his or her day to help others. To the teachers and staff, thank you for all the work you’ve put in to get us to where we are today. You guys are our heroes.”

Gene segued into the focus on his speech. “Talking about heroes, I love the Avengers movies. Yeah, I’m kind of a nerd… I think our high school years played out very similar to the Avengers movies. Our freshman year represents the first Avengers movie…we formed new connections, banded together, and somehow made it through our first year of high school.”

On cue, the Band played the Avengers Theme. “Our sophomore year was Avengers: Age of Ultron. No one really remembers this one, or cares about it, but at the end of the day, robots took over the world. Except in our case, they weren’t named Ultron, they were named Zoom and Google Meets. Yeah, that’s when COVID hit us. And that’s when our version of Infinity War began.”

Gene continued with his clever analogy. “Junior year was definitely tough. Our entire school was snapped. While half of us didn’t exactly turn to dust, we were separated into two cohorts, never able to interact. While I don’t think any of us actually fought Thanos in Junior year, we did face other great threats. We had to suffer through lockdowns, contact tracing, quarantines, and the ever-present bong of a Google Meet. …But, like Thor and Groot in Infinity War, we made new friends and joined forces in Junior year. We were there for each other, always trying to brighten someone else’s day, as dark as it may have been. Like the Avengers.”

Again, the Band played an Avengers interlude before Gene resumed.  “Senior year was our Avengers Endgame. Time to collect the Infinity Stones. But instead of the Time Stone, Power Stone, and all that, we had to get letters of recommendation, activity resumes, college essays….. But through all the stress… we united as a class, finally coming together in person. We rooted for each other, supported each other, fought for each other. We assembled like Avengers… What matters is that by the end of the year, we survived. We braved through the pandemic, we braved through our Infinity War. After everything we have experienced, I can say that we, as the Class of 2022, are one of the bravest and most resilient classes of Sayville High School….And now after we have united together, it’s time to depart. Even the Avengers went their separate ways after Endgame.”

Neatly tying up his Avengers references, Gene concluded: “Next year, … you may find yourself in unfamiliar settings and even Far From Home… remember the powers you gained from Sayville High School and the Sayville community. While we weren’t bitten by radioactive spiders, we did gain the power of forming webs and connections with the people around us. While we didn’t get an unbreakable shield, we did gain the unbreakable power of resilience…. As a class, we faced intense, unique challenges throughout our time at Sayville High School. . . and we beat them! That’s why we are here today! As we enter our New Life, we won’t have our teachers to guide us or Dr. Stimmel to drive us. But, Class of 2022, remember we are heroes and nothing can stop us. Thank you.”  Gene stepped from behind the podium and, with a superman move, pulled his robes apart to reveal his Avengers logo t-shirt in a final gesture. As the applause erupted, the High School Band struck up the Avengers theme until the Class of 2022 Valedictorian returned to his seat.

Principal Hoffer thanked Shayla and continued by acknowledging the "tremendously dedicated and caring group of professionals who have assisted them in achieving this milestone of high school graduation—the teachers of Sayville Public Schools.” Hoffer listed the names of the “Teachers Who Have Made a Difference” for the Class of 2022.  He followed by stating that “The Class of 2022 has been an outstanding class to work with in all endeavors.  Our students, your sons, daughters and friends, have earned many significant honors, both individually and collectively, and they have been outstanding representatives of our school and community….95% of the students in the Class of 2022 will go on to further education, and that approximately 99% of our graduates have earned Regents diplomas this year.” Principal Hoffer continued by recognizing “the noblest of commitments” and asked  Keira Collins, Colin Gover, Vincent Palumbo, Jack Quinlan, Jillian Rastello, Allison Reilly, Yirdaw Rivera, and Nicholas Romano to stand. “These young adults will be serving in our US military and providing us with the veil of freedom we have all come to know and love.  Thank you for your anticipated service.”

Before closing the ceremony, Mr. Hoffer thanked the volunteers who serve on the Sayville Board of Education, the Central Office Administrators, along with the faculty, the staff, the technicians from IMC and the grounds crew “for their support, guidance, and leadership throughout the year.  Without their teamwork, their commitment and their cooperation, we would not be able to provide the quality of programs that we are able to provide for our school and community each year.”

After the Senior members of the High School Chorale sang God Bless America, Principal Hoffer addressed the Class of 2022 for one last time. “The Class of 2022 has been a credit to our school and community.”  He acknowledged the efforts of the class officers, Student Government and Class Advisors, along with the Guidance Department and Assistant Principals, before he announced: “I would like to congratulate and compliment the members of this outstanding class for your commitment to excellence in every arena. I can state, without hesitation, that the Class of 2022 has been a remarkable class to work with in all endeavors.  I applaud you for all of your efforts throughout your respective high school careers, and I would encourage you, as the future leaders of this wonderful country, to continue to be energetic, hardworking and committed to your goals and to your dreams. As a representative of our faculty, staff, and administration, it has been my pleasure to have worked with you for the past four years.  Ladies and gentleman... Thank you for joining us this evening.  Please have a safe and enjoyable evening. I congratulate the Class of 2022, and wish you success, health, and happiness.”

The Sayville Graduates waited until their principal finished before they tossed their mortarboards. Like birds on the wing, colorful caps soared skyward.

• Ms. Sonja Anderson - Brooke Aufiero,Sarah Newman 
• Mr. Philip Anzalone - Cole Amodemo                                                            
• Mr. John Bombara - Shayla Smith 
• Mr. Adam Brown - Daniel Weber 
• Mr. Daniel Cameron - William Grandfield 
• Mr. Fred Diekmann - Olivia Reiss 
• Ms. Melissa Dreyer- Gene Weng                                                                 
• Mr. Kevin Durnin - Ava Gross, Kerry O’Donoghue 
• Ms. Audra Feeley - Maleena Dionisio 
• Ms. Kaytie Ferremi - Ava Eriksen 
• Ms. Cynthia Giannico - Caroline Gozaloff 
• Mr. Evan Hammer- Andrew Person                                                            
• Ms. Susan Hart - William Kretz 
• Mr. Robert Hoss - Matthew Bonfanti                                                        
• Mr. Ari Kramer- Evan Como, Alayna Pavao 
• Ms. Gabrielle Lambiase - Christina Arlotta 
• Mr. James Lecci - Aiden Lorenzo,Brigid Manning 
• Ms. Eileen McCullough- Erin Maher 
• Ms. Hannah Michaelson - William Busch,Jack Corcoran,Holly Doxey,Eric McFadden 
• Ms. Melinda Moran- Isabelle Smith 
• Ms. Caitlin Morrell- Casey Malone                                      
• Mr. Matthew Nani - Brenna Mattia 
• Ms. Georgia Psilakis - Luke Buyes,Thomas Cea, Jr.,Charlie Sands 
• Ms. Gina Romano - Braden Ainslie 
• Mr. Gerard Sampson - Demetri Dozier
• Mr. Reade Sands - Nicholas Desiderio 
• Mr. Douglas Shaw - Molly Schollenberger 
• Mr. Adam Sznitken - Gwen Brown 
• Ms. Nicole Teufel - Angelina Sagginario 
• Ms. Amy Thomas- Leah Muscarello 
• Ms. Debra Urso - Abbey White 
• Ms. Eileen Walsh-Ahrens - Olivia Massey                                                  
• Ms. Katherine Whitehurst- Isabella Graziano 
• Mr. John Verschure- Josefina Wilson