Westhampton Beach High School valedictorian Gavin Ehlers was among those honored at The Suffolk County School Superintendents Association’s 28th annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. The tradition, established by SCSSA, honored the enviable accomplishments of the county’s highest-achieving graduates from the Class of 2022 and was attended by school district superintendents, high school principals, valedictorians and their parents.

SCSSA President Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly noted that the honored valedictorians faced countless challenges and programmatic and instructional changes beyond their control, but still maintained their focus, determination and drive. “You clearly recognize that how you respond to life’s challenges and difficult paths is within your control,” Dr. Farrelly said.

Guest speaker Dr. Errol D. Toulon Jr., Suffolk County’s 67th sheriff and the county’s first African American to be elected to a nonjudicial countywide office, described the valedictorians as innovative and nimble when it comes to change. He also urged the students not to compare themselves on social media, pointing out that comparison is the thief of joy.

The valedictorians were then called up onto the stage one-by-one by SCSSA President-Elect James Polansky and were accompanied by their district’s superintendent of schools and high school principal to receive a commemorative plaque. To the valedictorians, Mr. Polansky acknowledged that good things occur around them every day and that it is easy to focus on the negative.

“You represent countless rays of hope and promise that the next generation will, indeed, make its mark in a tremendously positive manner as you pursue your interests and strive to reach your goals,” Mr. Polansky said.

Date Added: 6/17/2022