Jonah Kramer, Master of Ceremonies
Jonah Kramer wasn't sitting in an auditorium seat with the rest of Huntington High School's Class of 2011 during last week's commencement exercises. The teenager was working hard as the event's master of ceremonies, presiding with style and enthusiasm, something only a skilled actor such as himself could pull-off.
Mr. Kramer is headed to New York University in the fall. He's enjoyed a remarkable four years at Huntington High School. The teenager served as president and dance captain of the high school drama club and was secretary and a section leader of the chamber choir. Theatre and the arts help define Mr. Kramer, who will study in NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
The following is the text of Mr. Kramer's touching introductions of his classmates:
Alexa Giammarino
"Our first speaker marvels audiences with the nuances of her impressive dancing. As captain of the Highsteppers she has pumped up the school spirit at pep rallies, football games, and homecoming. However, her dancing is merely a suggestion of what makes this young woman so amazing. Two of the traits that I truly admire about her are the passion and dedication that she displays for every endeavor that she attempts. Whether it is studying all night for an AP exam or putting in the extra hours of rehearsal for a dance performance, she has proved to be one of the hardest workers that I have ever known. She has led our grade as Senior Class president and will continue her studies at Loyola University Maryland. Please welcome, Alexa Giammarino to present the class gift."
Rebecca Deegan
"The next speaker can be heard singing her heart out with the Chamber Choir and the Drama Club, and can also be seen parrying on the fencing team. This student is always involved in school functions, earning herself leadership positions such as Vice President of the Senior Class, Vice President of the Drama Club, and Secretary of the National Honor Society. Her hard work earned her the highest honor of the Girl Scouts, the Gold Award. I am proud to say that she is not only a peer of mine, but also a close friend. Her courage and willingness to take chances and have fun while doing it, is truly inspiring. There is no doubt that the University of Delaware is gaining a versatile and resourceful student. The lives of numerous animals will be saved after she finishes her veterinary studies. It is an honor to welcome Rebecca Deegan to the stage."
Danielle Cerezo
"This next speaker is a person of many talents. Her breathtaking photography can be seen throughout the hallways and her love of animals is well known among the school population. This young woman served as the Senior Class Treasurer and was honored to have her photographs displayed in the Walt Whitman Museum. She has been the student director of the Drama Club for two years providing a helping hand when it is best needed. And she was awarded a Rotary Club Scholarship. As a friend Danielle has proven to be steadfast and loyal, displaying a wisdom and maturity beyond her years. Her ability to see the beauty in all walks of life is a remarkable trait. She will be studying at SUNY Geneseo to be a veterinarian. Future equestrians will be grateful to have her caring for their horses. It is my privilege to welcome Danielle Cerezo to the podium."
Benjamin Jensen
I'm sure that we will all remember those words for years to come. The next presenter won a prestigious Alumni Cup, an award given to two students who best exhibit sportsmanship, character and dedication to school and the community. This young man has demonstrated all of these traits throughout his high school career. He is a hard-working intern for Mr. Kuver, is an active member of the Habitat for Humanity Club, and through the Crew Team, has won the state title of Second Place in doubles rowing, and was State Champion last year. His achievements exhibit the strong leader, team member, and generous person that this student is. His friendly demeanor and work ethic will be missed at Huntington High School. This fall he will attend the University of Vermont to study captive wildlife and fisheries biology. Please welcome, Ben Jensen."
Shayne Larkin
"Now this speaker is a young woman who has never ceased to make me laugh uncontrollably. She was voted Most Eccentric by our class, and has proven to live up to this title. She manages to keep spirits high even in the most difficult of classes. She is one of the most involved students in the school holding honors such as School Recording Secretary, Section Leader of the Marching Band, and founder of the school's environmental club, the YEAHHS, to name a few of the clubs that she is a part of. Shayne was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for good citizenship, showing that she is not only a hard-working student, but also an open-minded and kind-hearted person to everyone. She has taught all of us that it is our eccentricities that make us each unique and wonderful people. This fall she will be bringing this spirit and enthusiasm to the University of Delaware. Please help me welcome, Shayne Larkin."
Dante Allen
"This student is known on campus for his athletic abilities and good nature. On the field he is an active leader and a team player. This young man is one of the best football players in Suffolk County. He has a record of 10 quarterback sacks and more than 40 tackles last fall for the football team. He earned All-County honors and played in the Suffolk All-Star Game. However, this young man is more than just a star athlete, he is also a model student in the community and an overall great person. His accomplishments as an athlete and a student have won him the Horatio Alger Scholarship and the Triple C Attorney General's Award, to name a few. His welcoming smile and determined personality will be missed but I am sure that he will make us proud while studying and playing football at Stony Brook University. Please welcome, Dante Allen."
Alexandra Kiley
"The next speaker is a peer who completely embodies what Huntington High School is all about. A look at her academic and extracurricular resume often makes me wonder when she has time to sleep, but she manages to achieve everything without breaking a sweat. She is a proud member of the Drama Club and Chamber Choir, the School President, President of the English Honor Society, Girl Scouts Gold Award Recipient, and Homecoming Queen to mention a few of her accomplishments. As a close friend of mine, she has been someone that I can share anything with and I can't thank her enough for that. She was voted Most Likely to Succeed and there is no doubt that she will do just that. This young woman has taught all of us that we can accomplish anything if we put our mind to it. It just takes that extra inch to go the distance. With her graduation, Huntington will be losing a truly outstanding student, but Harvard University will be adding an extraordinary young woman to its roster of students. It is my pleasure to introduce Alexandra Kiley."