The W.T. Clarke High School Class of 2026 celebrated its commencement on June 26 on the school’s football field, marking the culmination of four years defined by growth, connection and shared experience as graduates prepared to take the next step beyond high school.
Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and district leadership, graduates entered the ceremony to “Pomp and Circumstance” and were joined on the field by members of the East Meadow Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Rosner, district and school administrators, Principal Timothy Voels, and members of the W.T. Clarke faculty and staff.
Throughout the ceremony, student speakers reflected on identity, resilience and the lasting bonds formed at Clarke, emphasizing both the diversity of the graduating class and the uncertainty—and possibility—of the future ahead.
Valedictorian Charlotte Huang spoke to the strength found in the individuality of the class.
“Our diversity is one of our biggest strengths and our class serves to represent a microcosm of the world,” Huang said. “As we step beyond the schoolhouse gates, our remarkable characteristic and traits will carry us into fruitful lives. As you enter the next chapter, bring your goodness with you.”
Salutatorian Alexander Babwah encouraged classmates to embrace uncertainty with confidence and trust in their own resilience.
“As we all sit here today, we face the biggest uncertainty of all: the future,” Babwah said. “So maybe the lesson is simple, we don’t need to have everything figured out right now. We just need to trust the process. Keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain, stay true to who we are, lean on the people around us and keep going. Not because it’s easy, but because we’ve already proven we can handle more than we think.”
Class President Ryan Morovich and ex-officio student board member Tara Visvanathan also addressed their classmates, reflecting on the lasting impact of their time at Clarke and the sense of belonging carried beyond graduation.
“Every single member of the Class of 2026 changed Clarke for someone else,” Visvanathan said. “No matter how long you’ve been at Clarke, this place becomes a part of you and the people here, they will stay with you longer than you think. Once a Ram, always a Ram.”
Mr. Rosner congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to pursue their goals with focus and determination while recognizing the strength of the district community that supported them along the way.
“It’s been a very surreal privilege to be Superintendent of Schools here in East Meadow over the past three years,” Mr. Rosner said. “This district has two of the finest high schools in New York State, and it’s because of everyone here in attendance. To the Class of 2026, I hope that you all zoom in on your goals and go for it.”
A meaningful moment followed as Class President Morovich presented a gift on behalf of the graduating class to Principal Timothy Voels, who is retiring at the end of the school year. Mr. Voels reflected on his time leading W.T. Clarke High School and the lasting impact of the Class of 2026.
“Over the past four years, I was honored to see the growth and development of your character, and character is what endures,” Mr. Voels said. “Growth rarely announces itself. It simply becomes visible when enough time has passed. Your love, encouragement, sacrifice and unwavering belief helped to make this moment possible. To quote the German poet, Ludwig Jacobowski, do not cry because they are passed, smile because they once were.”
Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates were met with cheers as they processed off the football field, officially joining the W.T. Clarke High School alumni community.
The East Meadow School District congratulates the W.T. Clarke High School Class of 2026 and extends its sincere best wishes for success, fulfillment and continued growth in the years ahead.
