Class of 2016 learned how to cope with change as Riverhead High School underwent its own transformation

In their four years at Riverhead High School, members of the Class of 2016 saw “an amazing transformation” at the school — and, as most student body representatives who spoke at today’s commencement ceremonies notes, will always remember living through months of renovation and construction.

The changes that took place at what is now their alma mater became a metaphor for the changes in their own young lives as they moved from adolescence to adulthood.

Some, like Senior Class President Samantha Dunn, lamented the transition that took place. She said she unexpectedly found herself longing for the way it was — and even missed walking in the rain to get to class in the portables.

“It’s finally time to make the biggest change of our lives,” she said.

“One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly without you noticing, someday is today. And then it’s yesterday. And this is your life,” she said.

Salutatorian Joseph Messina said when the construction that seemed like it would never end was finally finished, Riverhead High School was a different place.

“The first day of senior year was funny. Freshmen would come up to seniors asking for directions and we had no idea where anything was,” he said.

“But I cannot complain about the new section. It was added to make Riverhead great again,” he joked.

He urged his classmates to “embrace change” and adapt to it. “Change is inevitable,” he said.

“To make anything better, we have to take the initiative,” valedictorian Peter Cook said.

On behalf of the senior class, class secretary Lauren Block and treasurer Stephanie Ambrosio, presented the high school with a stone paved compass rose for the center of a new courtyard.

The Class of 2016 has witnessed “an unprecedented amount of change” in just four short years, principal Dr. Charles Regan told the students, families and friends assembled at the athletic complex this morning. “You leave here as transformed as the building itself,” he said.

“One of the most amazing things to me about Riverhead High School is how many alumni find their way back— as employees, visitors or, one day, parents themselves. That’s one of the very special things about Riverhead. In the nearly 30 years since I walked across my high school stage, I haven’t been back once,” he said.

“As long as I’m here you’re welcome to return to us and say hello, or if you need a hand, just reach out,” Regan said. “But remember to bring your ID or you won’t get in,” he joked.

“As you walk off the field today, you’ll be saying your final goodbye to Riverhead High School as a student. But wherever life takes you, you will go as a Blue Wave,” the principal said.

Superintendent Nancy Carney exhorted the graduates to take with them one simple rule to live by: “Be kind to each other,” she said. “It’s simple advice that will sustain you always and simple advice that will make the world a better place.”

RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl and Denise Civiletti