Mattituck's 99th Annual Commencement Ceremony Filled With Community Pride

Tears, laughter and a fierce sense of community pride filled the Mattituck High School auditorium Saturday as 126 graduates earned their diplomas during the 99th annual commencement ceremony.

Festivities included a sea of commencement awards as Mattituck's best and brightest were lauded for their achievements in art, music, sports, the NJROTC, and media.

The graduating class of 2013, said Principal Shawn Petretti, has overcome challenges, including Superstorm Sandy, the Sandy Hook tragedy, and lockdowns at their own school. Together, he said, they have weathered the storms and reached for their dreams.

"You've made footprints in the sand at Mattituck High School and will do the same as the world welcomes you with open arms," he said.


Also honored at the ceremony were the class of 1988, celebrating its 25th reunion, and the 50th reunion class of 1963.

Salutatorian Michael Kelly, Jr., spoke of the support he and his classmates have shared with one another. "We may not see our best friends every day now but we will always be a part of each other's lives," he said. "We are on team, one family, one class."

Valedictorian Caitlin Penny said she and her fellow students have a common thread that binds them -- Mattituck. "We are a family," she said. As they head out into the world, Penny urged the Class of 2013: "Breathe and laugh, sing and dance. Say 'I love you' to the ones you care about and leave the haters behind. Be sure to live."

Superintendent James McKenna lauded the students for learning well, keeping one another safe, participating, and graduating. "Congratulations on bringing home the gold," he said.