PHOTOS: Hats Off to the Class of 2012

Kings Park pride marched onto the high school track, sporting caps and gowns, smiles and a purple pinned ribbon as a reminder of a friend who wasn't there.

In what was one of the hottest days of this year, these cool grads listened to farewell speeches given by Salutatorian and Valedictorian

Wetzler, who will be attending Harvey Mudd College in the fall, gave a nod to her teachers.

"Our teachers have led us down the path to enlightenment, no matter how much we kicked and screamed," she said.

Nick Hein, who passed away earlier this year in an accident, was remembered throughout the ceremony, in speeches by both the Wetzler and Parigoris.   Graduates and school staff wore purple ribbons in his honor.

Superintendent Susan Agruso commended the students and spoke with tenderness in her voice, remembering their accomplishments and acknowledged their compassion in the face of tragedy. She reminded them of the impacts of electronic media and the digital age.

"We know you have the right words to make your point. You are the students who wrote a Constitution for Student Council and strengthened our Code of Conduct to protect our most vulnerable students," said Agruso.

Kings Park High School principal, Lino Bracco, showed through the numbers, just what a strong year it has been for the school.

• 93 percent of the graduating class will be attending college in the fall
• 95 percent will be graduating with a regents diploma
• 58 percent will graduate with an advanced regents diploma
• Approximately $12 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to the class of 2012

To the class of 2012, our hats are off to you. Congratulations on a stellar year. . We wish you all nothing but success- Kings Park Patch.

To read the entire text of Susan Agruso's speech, click here.