Celebrating Excellence

 On June 5, the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents hosted its annual celebration honoring the extraordinary achievements of the county’s top academic scholars from the Class of 2026. Held at the historic Crest Hollow Country Club, the ceremony brought together school leaders, families and distinguished students to recognize the remarkable dedication of Nassau County's public school valedictorians and salutatorians. The gathering serves as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. James Tolle, the late former Executive Director of the NCCSS, who left an indelible mark on education across the state of New York.

The event opened with a series of musical arrangements showcasing local student talent. The Hicksville High School String Chamber Group welcomed attendees in the lobby, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem and "We Go Together" by the Syosset High School Adelettes. Members of the Westbury JROTC presented the colors with precision and pride, marking the official start to the program. Dr. Mary O’Meara, superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, provided welcoming remarks, followed by an address by NCCSS President and North Bellmore Superintendent Marie Testa.

In her opening address to the graduates and families, Ms. Testa delivered a powerful message, reminding attendees that long-term dedication, rather than any single achievement, truly defines success.

"Excellence then is not an act, but a habit," Testa noted, channeling Aristotle. "Excellence is not defined by a single test, assignment or accomplishment. It is the result of consistent effort, intellectual curiosity and the courage to embrace the challenges and to leap over those hurdles."

The highlight of the morning took place early in the program with the individual recognition of the scholars. As the superintendents who serve on the Celebrating Excellence Committee took to the stage alongside their district's top students, they announced each valedictorian and salutatorian along with the colleges they plan to attend and their anticipated majors. Each honoree received a plaque to commemorate their outstanding high school accomplishments.

Following the presentation of awards, attendees were treated to an inspiring keynote address delivered by Brett Roer, Founder and CEO of Amplify and Elevate Innovation. A former teacher, advisor and principal in New York City public schools, Mr. Roer delivered a heartfelt, humorous and deeply moving speech on leadership, family and gratitude. He reflected on the profound emotional gravity of the milestone, encouraging parents and students to pause and truly anchor themselves in the magnitude of the moment.

"Your children have worked their entire lives to get here, and I hope you enjoy every single second of it and remember that this is what life is," Mr. Roer said. "Right here, right now, this is life."

He challenged the graduates to look past numbers or simple accolades, emphasizing the deep internal realization of achievement, safety and happiness that marks this true "peak moment" in their lives.

"You're going to look at those pictures 25 years from now and you're going to remember that moment and these people," Roer reminded the Class of 2026 scholars, urging them to make eye contact with the loved ones who supported them. "Look at opportunities and moments that present themselves that remind you of your why and your purpose."

The morning concluded with inspiring closing remarks from David Schneider, Bethpage Superintendent and NCCSS President-Elect, who reminded the honorees that their academic achievements are only the beginning of their journey.

"As we close this chapter, remember that the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian are not just rewards, where you have been, they are the launch pads for where you are going," Mr. Schneider stated. "As you move on to the next chapter in your lives, the true measure of your success will not be the GPAs you maintain, but the problems you solve and the people you lift up."

As the ceremony drew to a close, the NCCSS extended its final heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians, celebrating both their academic distinction and the qualities of kindness, curiosity and leadership that will serve them well on the diverse professional pathways awaiting them in the future.