Laurel Bonn Feted at Suffolk Valedictorian’s Luncheon

Huntington High School senior Laurel Bonn took her rightful place at the 29th annual Suffolk County School Superintendents Association valedictorian’s luncheon at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook late last week.

Ms. Bonn is valedictorian of Huntington’s Class of 2023. The teenager plans to attend the University of Georgia where she intends to pursue a degree in biology in preparation for a career in dentistry.

Huntington’s valedictorian was accompanied to the luncheon by her parents, Dennis and Elizabeth and brother, Aidan.

“It was very rewarding and humbling to be one of the honorees at the valedictorian luncheon,” Ms. Bonn said. “It was exciting and interesting to meet other students that are like minded. All of us worked so hard and sacrificed so much to earn the title of valedictorian and a seat at the event.”

As president of the SCSSA, Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky presided over the luncheon, serving as master of ceremonies. Superintendents, principals and the families of the valedictorians filled the large banquet room, but it was the top students from every county high school who were clearly the stars of the day.

“All students who have met or exceeded the standards required to exit high school will soon be honored with a diploma as they prepare for the next stages in the academic, personal and professional lives,” Mr. Polansky told the crowd. “We genuinely appreciate the efforts they have put forth and the work they have done to reach this pinnacle in their K-12 careers. The young people assembled in this room today, however, have risen to the top in their respective districts, regardless of the exact criterion or criteria implemented. This is our chance to recognize you as current and future leaders and as beacons of hope for a tremendously bright future in store for society and humanity in general.”

Ms. Bonn feels the key to her success has been grit and self-discipline. While acing all of Huntington’s toughest courses, she has also excelled as captain of the Blue Devil varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams. She is one of New York’s top players in both sports.

“You will hear countless words of praise and wisdom over the next several weeks,” Mr. Polansky said to the crowd. “I promise not to overdo it today. With that said, I know that transitions can be challenging. You are moving on to great things and great places, but the expectations may very well differ from those you have experienced for the last thirteen years.”

Ms. Bonn said that while it might be easy to lose motivation and feel overwhelmed with so many things on her plate, she always reminds herself of her purpose. She believes that giving up would only let herself down along with those who support her.

“Truth be told, I likely can’t enlighten you with much more than you already know, but we all need to be reminded of the basics at times,” Mr. Polansky told the valedictorians. “I am told age breeds wisdom, but I can say firsthand that I have learned a great deal from young people during the past three-and-a-half decades. Anything I can impart in that respect is a tribute to so many fine young people.  First and most importantly, please continue being you. You may need to adapt to new surroundings in the coming months, but continue to go out of your way to respect and accommodate others. Don’t even think about becoming someone or something you’re not despite the change in environment. You are in this room today for a reason … continue to grow into yourselves and you will make a difference.”

A member of four different academic honor societies and treasurer of the high school’s Environmental Club, Ms. Bonn and her research partners who local, regional, state and national awards for their National History Day project. She’s competed on Huntington’s Science Olympiad team and even found the time to work part-time at Claytime pottery studio.

“A few additional thoughts that fall into the category ‘if I knew then what I know now …’ and also things to think about when an obstacle presents itself,” Mr. Polansky said. “They are actually pieces of advice gleaned from a wise 90-year old person. Take them to heart as best you can.  Here …

• “You don’t have to win every argument; similar to what I just stated, stay true to yourself.”

• “Yield (not necessarily on the road, but in life’s interactions)”

• “Don’t compare your life to others; you have no idea what their journey is all about.”

• “However good or bad a situation might be, it will change.”

• “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.”

• “Be confident and humble simultaneously.”

• “Give credit and take the blame.”

• “Life is too short not to enjoy it.”

• “When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.”

• “What other people think of you is none of your business.”

• “No one is in charge of your happiness but you.”

• “Believe in miracles.”

• “The best is yet to come …”