Smiles surround Sayville High School with portraits of the Class of 2020

Sayville Public Schools provided the information and photos below.

This year, Sayville High School had expected to hold its Class of 2020 Commencement exercises on Friday, June 26, but the unexpected pandemic changed those plans.

Yet, the High School community would not let this class fade into history without making a new way to celebrate the graduates. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Sayville High School administrative team, portraits of each graduate have been affixed to the fences surrounding the Sayville High School campus for public display.

As a touching reminder that the Class of 2020 is in our hearts during these challenging times, it has garnered much appreciation from the graduates and their families. Once the Class of 2020 formally departs as graduates, each student will be allowed to take the portrait home as mementos of an unprecedented year.

No one can predict the near future as COVID-19 continues to impact the world. Even so, Sayville administrators and high school parents are still in discussion about holding a socially-distant football-field commencement —should Executive Orders allow — on Friday, July 24. Otherwise, a commencement car parade will be the alternative. Wait-and-see is the current strategy as we all adjust to this new normal.

However, for some students for whom time and obligations would prevent them from participating in the late July exercises, Sayville High School Principal and staff hosted a small, diploma-awarding ceremony outside on Friday, June 26.

Surrounded by family, the following students were awarded their diplomas:  Constantine Michaelides; Meagan Kotkiewicz; Joseph Dozier; Taylor Maddy; triplets Aidan, Caroline, and Rory Collins; Connor Brennan, Joseph Olivo; and Paige Reeves.

Congratulations to these graduates and good luck in your future endeavors.

Photos from Sayville’s mini graduation ceremony on June 26

Class of 2020 portraits