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Congratulations to Freeport High School Class of 2025
Freeport Public Schools marked the 132nd Freeport High School Commencement Ceremony on June 14 at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra University.
Led by district administrators, the board of education and staff, the 535 soon-to-be graduates processed into the ceremony as the symphonic band played âPomp and Circumstanceâ beginning the last chapter of their high school journey.
The high school NJROTC proudly presented the colors, followed by the Select Chorale performing âThe Star-Spangled Bannerâ and âAmerica the Beautifulâ filling the venue with emotion.
Assistant Principal Gleni Peña welcomed all attendees to the milestone event and invited Senior Class President Arianna Molina to address her peers. As she thanked all those who have helped make her path to graduation successful, she reflected on the dedication of each of her classmates. âThis is just the beginning and let this milestone be the first step to many more successful events in your life.â
Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alice Kane then spoke to the class offering wise words as they prepare to move onto the next phase of the lives.
âEveryone is so proud of you and we know you will move toward becoming even more successful. It is important to be successful but also consider that it is even more important to be significant. To live a life of significance, focus on making a positive impact, focus on your unique strengths and never stop learning and growing. This involves finding your purpose and consistently taking action toward your goals. Ultimately, significance is contributing value to others and living a life that aligns with your core values. Focus on the impact youâre making rather than just the results youâre achieving.â
Dr. Kane continued ,âIt is the positive mindset, the believing in yourself that will move you ahead toward significance in your life and the lives of others. Remember your values and integrity are integral to what defines you as a person. One of your most prized possessions is your integrity. Never compromise it. Be the role model taking the higher road when others do not. Most importantly, prioritize well-being. Do not postpone joy. Take in every magical moment. This is your time to grow and shine, be bold and fearless. Class of 2025, you are extraordinary, you are unique and we are so proud of you. Congratulations on your graduation.â
Next, Freeport High School Principal Giselle Campbell-Ham addressed the seniors. âYou are here, you have made it! That is not just something to celebrate, it is something to carry with you as a reminder you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do. Whatever your path is, your life has purpose and you have impact on the people you encounter. As you graduate, remember you are carrying your legacy. A legacy built on hope and faith in yourself. You are the future. You are Freeport. You were built with grit, grace and greatness, and the world is waiting for the impact that only you can make.â
Oluwadamiloju Popoola, Class of 2025 salutatorian reflected on her time at Freeport High School. âFreeport High School Class of 2025, we did it. Not by ourselves, but through love, faith and the unwavering support that helped us along the way. Congratulations!â
Next, valedictorian Lourdes Saunders-Blake spoke to the seniors. As we leave this phase of life we may face many emotions, so whenever you are sad about leaving your friends and leaving this time of life, remember those feelings are the immense love for the people and experiences that have made your years meaningful and impactful. Go and become your best selves. You deserve nothing less. Thank you to the Class of 2025 for this wonderful journey and congratulations! We did it!
The Class of 2025 was then given their diplomas and as each student walked across the stage the sound of applause and cheers filled the arena.
âToday we celebrate you, your hard work, your dedication and your determination to work through everything life has thrown at you. You made it and while today marks the end of one chapter it is also the start of a much bigger story,â said Assistant Principal Gleni Peña speaking to the seniors. âThe one thing that will always keep you growing is your willingness to learn. Be a student of life â stay curious, read more, ask a lot of questions and try things even if you fail. As you move forward make the right choices, not the easy ones. Life can change in an instant so celebrate the now, love deeply and take nothing for granted. Now is your moment, savor it. You are the future and you have the power to change your family, your community and yes, the world. Donât wait for permission, go out there and make it happen.â
At last, the moment every senior had been waiting for arrived as the Class of 2025 was instructed to turn their tassels, marking their official transition from Freeport High School students to proud alumni.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! The district, board of education and staff wish you bright futures and endless success on the journey ahead.
Freeport National Honor Society recognizes seniors
The Freeport High School National Honor Society celebrated its graduating seniors at the annual Senior Recognition Night on May 29. The ceremony opened with adviser Brianne Underwood welcoming guests and highlighting the success of the seniorsâ throughout their time as members of the National Honor Society.
âWe honor the National Honor Societyâs senior members not only for their academic excellence, but the efforts they have put forth in the areas of service, leadership and character. These young men and women reflect the best that Freeport High School has to offer,â she said. âThis year, our senior members completed more than 1000 hours of community service while maintaining excellent grades and remaining involved in extracurricular activities. We present them to you with pride and congratulate them on their accomplishments as they move on to the next phase of their lives.â
Ms. Underwood then introduced the Class of 2025 officers: President David De la Llera, Secretary Nadja Salomé-Diaz, Treasurer Maliah Farmer, Student Liaison Maria Awalom and Director of Community Service Angelina Monroy.
Each officer explained one of the four NHS pillars, scholarship, character, leadership, and service, while the incoming officers for the 2025-2026 school year participated in the traditional candlelighting ceremony.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alice Kane then led the new officers in taking the oath to uphold these pillars.
This is a tremendous responsibility and you are most deserving of congratulations, said Dr. Kane. May you carry out your role with joy and great pride.
The NHS officers for the 2025-2026 school year are: President Lordia Bossman, Vice President Emmanuel Merino, Secretary Julissa Rodriguez, Treasurer Julia Mendoza-Pineyro, Student Liaison Alyssa Donnelly and Director of Community Service Dayanis Puca.
Ms. Underwood then called the seniors from the Class of 2025 to the stage as Freeport High School Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham and incoming NHS President Loria Bossman presented each senior with their honor cords to be worn at graduation on June 14.
As the ceremony concluded, students were awarded scholarships from the Freeport Dollars for Scholars program. Organization President Ms. Shultis, former Freeport High School teacher, and Treasurer Ms. Linda Hendrickson, called each student to the stage to congratulate them on their outstanding efforts and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Freeport High School celebrates academic excellence
Freeport High Schoolâs annual Academic Awards Breakfast recognized juniors and seniors for their dedication to academic excellence throughout the school year on May 20.
During the breakfast celebration, awards and scholarships were presented to students who demonstrated academic excellence, achievement, community service, leadership and education growth.
âToday we celebrate the many accomplishments of our students,â said Freeport High School Principal Gisselle Campbell-Ham. âYour hard work, creativity and dedication â whether in the classroom, on stage or through service to your community â have brought you here. We are so proud of what you have achieved and urge you to continue to keep growing and strive to reach you fullest potential.â
The awards were provided by Nassau County, New York State and the Town of Hempstead. In addition, many universities, organizations, and institutes offered awards including the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester.
The district congratulates all the award recipients.
âAidaâ delivers breathtaking performances
Freeport High Schoolâs Drama Company took audiences on a journey through ancient Egypt with their remarkable performance of Elton John and Tim Riceâs beloved musical âAida,â which ran from March 27-29 in the schoolâs performing arts center.
Captivating audiences from curtain up to call, the production delivered breathtaking vocals and choreography showcasing the talent of the students. The lead roles were performed with deep emotion and passion, with senior Tamara Crawford portraying Aida, Emil Collado as Radames and Teena Zarcone as Amneris. The companyâs renditions of songs like âElaborate Livesâ and âThe Gods Love Nubiaâ left audiences in awe both from the emotion of the story and the talent of the student actors.
The production was further elevated by stunning choreography by Victoria Martin, while Melissa Moraâs set design transported viewers to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The musicalâs score, under the direction of Adam Rubin, was delivered with skill, and orchestra preparation by Jill Boardman added depth to the moving story. This is yet another show that director Vashti N. Burke and producer Renson Delos Santos have put together wonderfully, demonstrating their dedication and passion for the arts.
âOur students were committed to delivering a beautiful performance, and it was inspiring to watch them grow into their roles with each rehearsal,â said Burke. âBeyond the great music, âAidaâ carries a powerful message of love and unity â a message that resonates with our students and our Freeport community.â
The performances closed each night with enthusiastic applause from the audience, praising the cast and crew for their artistry. The Freeport High School Drama Company would like to thank the district and the community for their support of the arts.
Freeport High School earns College Boardâs 2024 AP School Honor Roll and AP Access Award
Freeport High School has been recognized on the College Boardâs prestigious 2024 AP School Honor Roll for developing an AP program that creates a college-going culture and provides students opportunities to earn college credit and maximize their college outcomesâ an acknowledgment of the schoolâs commitment to providing students with opportunities to ensure academic success. Freeport High School was also honored with the 2024 AP Access Award for ensuring AP coursework is equally available to students regardless of their backgrounds.
This year, only 5,061 schoolsârepresenting 32% of eligible high schools nationwideâearned a place on the AP School Honor Roll. Of these schools, just 1,962 which includes Freeport High School, received the AP Access Award in recognition of their dedication to increasing AP participation while maintaining strong student performance.
âStudents who take AP courses are better prepared for the challenges of college, whether they earn credit or simply gain exposure to the rigorous coursework,â said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fia P. Davis. âThis recognition is a testament to the hard work of our educators, students and staff who continuously prioritize academic excellence and opportunity for all our students.â
Freeport High Schoolâs AP program has expanded over the years, offering students a variety of college-level courses in subjects such as mathematics, science, history and the humanities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Freeport High School offers 25 AP courses with 440 students enrolled.
âThe dedication and drive of our students to challenge themselves through AP courses exemplify their commitment to lifelong learning and success beyond high school,â said Freeport High School Principal Gisselle Campbell Ham. âThis recognition also reflects the support of our educators, who inspire and empower students to reach their full potential through a culture of academic excellence.â
The College Board, which administers the AP program, awards this recognition to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to AP coursework by increasing student participation, particularly among underrepresented groups, and achieving high levels of student performance.
New Athletic Fields Coming to High School
Freeport Public Schools is proud to announce the district officially broke ground on the new state-of-the-art athletic fields at Freeport High School on Jan. 23. This exciting development reflects the districtâs ongoing commitment to student excellence in athletics and academics.
Freeport High School has a strong legacy of exceptional athletic programs and the new athletic fields will further support this legacy by offering cutting edge facilities to enhance athletic development.
The new facility will include a new turf football field, new bleachers, an updated press box, upgraded lighting, a jumbotron and new spectator amenities that will allow students, families and community members to have an exceptional experience during Freeport athletic events.
The district is excited to mark this exciting milestone and to support the success of the districtâs athletic programs. The expected completion date is Fall 2025.
Red Devils Robotics Team Showcases Skills at VEX Competition
The Freeport High School Red Devil Robotics team showcased their engineering talent and determination at the VEX Robotics Competition: High Stakes held at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Flushing on Jan. 4.
Competing against 48 teams from Long Island, New York City and Westchester, the Red Devils demonstrated exceptional teamwork with three of the four Freeport teams advancing to playoffs.
This yearâs competition challenged students to design, build and program robots to score points by collecting and placing plastic rings on stakes; some of which are mobile, and others fixed to the competition ring floor. Teams strategized in two-on-two matches, navigating the dynamic arena to outscore opponents.
The competition provided a valuable experience for the Red Devils, who left inspired to aim even higher for the next competition of the season.
Dodd Middle School and Freeport High Schoolâs winter arts festivals celebrate creativity
The Freeport Public Schoolsâ Performing Arts Center was full of incredible creativity as Dodd Middle School and Freeport High School hosted their annual Winter Festivals of the Arts. The performances, held on Dec. 9 and 10, respectively, showcased the remarkable artistic and musical talents of the students bringing the community together in a celebration of fine arts prior to the winter holidays.
Dodd Middle Schoolâs Winter Festival of the Arts kicked off with a visual arts presentation, setting the stage for an evening of exceptional performances. The concert began with the concert bandâs performance of âA Heroâs Return,â by D.A. Richard. Next, the mixed chorus gave a beautiful rendition of âCarol of the Bells,â under the direction of Ms. Sherill Spruill.
The concert orchestra impressed with the first movement of the âBrandenburg Concerto No. 5â by J.S. Bach, while the select chorale delighted the audience with a vocal rendition of âDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,â arranged by J. Funks. Adding to the eveningâs magic, the mariachi ensemble performed three stunning pieces, including âCielo Azteca.â The chamber orchestra closed the performance with a showstopping rendition of âChristmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,â the holiday hit from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The artistic excellence continued at Freeport High School the following evening with the high schoolâs Winter Festival of the Arts that featured a variety of performances that captivated the audience.
The event started with a fine arts presentation, where pieces were also on display in the lobby for live viewing. The performances kicked off with the mixed chorus singing âChildren, Go Where I Send Theeâ and âJoy to the World.â The first performance from the new vocal jazz ensemble was âWinter Wonderlandâ and âThe Christmas Songâ was also a highlight of the show. The concert band played two pieces, including the lively and festive âSanta the Barbarianâ by R. Standridge with narration by Mr. Warner. The select chorale, under the direction of Monique Retzlaff, delivered a remarkable performance with three exquisite pieces, including âSoon Ah Will Be Done.â Their talent and artistry truly shined, adding a special touch to the evening.
Next, the wind ensemble closed the performance with a combined instrumental and choral finale, âChristmas on Broadway,â a medley of Christmas classics. The event also included the combined strings ensemble, mixed chorus and sinfonietta.
Both events underscored the districtâs commitment to encouraging artistic expression and providing platforms for students to shine.
Freeport High School announces top 10 seniors for the Class of 2025
Freeport Public Schools is proud to announce the top 10 seniors for the Class of 2025. These students have shown outstanding academic achievements and set the bar high with their dedication and passion for learning. The top 10 seniors are those who have the highest cumulative grade point average and includes the valedictorian and salutatorian.
âThis achievement is a true reflection not only of the studentsâ individual accomplishments, but also of the supportive environment our educators and community provide,â said Superintendent of Schools Ms. Fia Davis. âI am incredibly proud of these students and know they will reach their goals and excel in all their future endeavors.â
A breakfast was held to honor the top 10 with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Glori Engel, Assistant Superintendent for Educational and Administrative Services Dr. Helen Kanellopoulos, Board of Education Trustee Maria Jordan-Awalom, Freeport High School Principal, Giselle Campbell-Ham, assistant principals and guidance counselors in attendance.
âWe are so incredibly proud to celebrate the top 10 seniors and their hard work and commitment to excellence,â said Ms. Campbell-Ham. âWe are excited to see all they will accomplish in the future.â
Freeport Public Schools congratulates the top 10 on this academic milestone: valedictorian Lourdes Saunders-Blake, salutatorian Oluwadamilaju Popoola, Ashley Retzlaff (3), John Martini (4), David de la Llera (5), Amara Vasquez (6), Kiery Cabrera-Vasquez (7), James Cumento (8), Ava Evering (9) and Nadja Salome-Diaz (10).
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