Class of 2012 Graduates Babylon High School

Mortarboards flew high into the air around 11:00am yesterday as Babylon High School graduated its seniors in a ceremony at the high school's football field on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning.

The 148 members of the Class of 2012 entered the field to the sounds of bagpipes and drums by the American Celtic Pipe Band, and walking through a row of Babylon Cougars and American flags to either side.

Class president Erica Zigon and vice president Greg Dieterich's opening remarks came in the form a rap song, much to the pleasure of the crowd and graduating students.

"Never let your dreams fall as much as astray," sang Zigon. "Some are going to Brown and others to Suffolk – but it really doesn't matter 'cause you're all going to love it."

Al Cirone, attending his first graduation ceremony as Babylon High School's principal, noted the rap was awesome before speaking to the class.

"You're a special graduating class because you are my first here at BHS," he said. "And you'll always have a special place in my heart... Graduation is far from being the end – it is the beginning of all your tomorrows."

The senior class' top students offered great advice to a class that will heading to new places this fall.

"We always need to remember the times we loved here in Babylon and take them wherever we go," said class salutatorian Pamela DuPre during her speech. "We also need to realize that life is not contained within this tiny town of 52 square miles. Next year, we'll go to college, to a job or even to Bolivia and be in a place that won't resemble home. We'll be thrust out of our comfort zone... we should draw from our experience here in Babylon and remember how we thrived."

"I would like to congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2012," said class valedictorian Sarah Grosser. "One of the most unique things about Babylon is you never really have to say goodbye – it's always a variation of 'see ya later'... Graduation does mean moving forward and taking the next step."

The final Farewell Address was given by teacher Francine Spada, who is retiring this year after 33 years working for Babylon School District. She grinned as she thanked the "fellow" members of the Class of 2012.

"Always, always listen to your heart," she said, noting her career path initally took her away from what she had wanted to do – teach. "I believe each one of us has his own calling, his own life's mission and it becomes our job to figure out what that mission is and make sure you follow it no matter what obstacles are in the way."

Check back tomorrow for a full photo gallery from the Babylon High School graduation!