Photos: Riverhead High School graduates the Class of 2014

It was an emotional morning on McKillop Memorial Field, where the Riverhead High School Class of 2014 assembled for graduation ceremonies before hundreds of cheering, horn-blowing, applauding relatives, friends and fans — even more emotional than is typical for such a momentous occasion, a pivotal event in every young life. See photo slideshow below. 

Tears flowed freely as Michael Hubbard, 17, was wheeled onto the stage by his mother, Nancy Reyer, to receive his honorary diploma, as his classmates and the crowd jumped to their feet and cheered. The Riverhead teen has been hospitalized since May 28, 2011, when the then-freshman was severely burned by an exploding gel “fire pot” in a freak backyard accident.

But emotions were running high before Michael was brought to center stage.

Michael’s tragic accident, which left him with third-degree burns over 40 percent of his body, turned the shy, quiet 14-year-old boy into the focus of attention of his classmates. They hosted fundraiser after fundraiser for his benefit, dedicated homecoming parade floats to him and made sure no one ever forgot their classmate as he struggled first to survive, and then to recover, from his injuries.

Their efforts and their spirit culminated in the Class of 2014’s senior class gift. Instead of gifting something to their alma mater by which to be remembered, the class thought it would be “more appropriate for Michael and his family to remember how much Michael meant to us,” said class secretary Samantha Lombardi.

The class donated $2,000 to the Brendan House, a home for traumatic brain injury survivors now being built in Riverhead, where Michael will live. They also donated $8,000 to the Michael Hubbard Fund, to assist him in his recovery.

Through the tragedy that befell their classmate, Samantha said, “we came together as one and formed a family.”

“Mike,” she said addressing him directly, “you have taught us more than any classroom could have. You have taught us what it means to live, what it means to fight and what it means to survive. Your strong desire to live inspires each and every one of us every day.

“You’re an inspiration to us all. You also have given us a gift: you have shown us courage, strength and determination. These are lessons that sometimes take a lifetime to learn. Luckily for us we have you.”

Class president Carolyn Carrera, who has held that post all four years of her high school career, drew on that experience as she advised her classmates to “cherish each and every moment that you are given … love the people you come in contact with… and live every day like it’s the last day of the person you are with, because life is a gift and a blessing.”

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
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RiverheadLOCAL photos by Emil Breitenbach Jr.
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