In top photo, Superintendent of Schools William Bolton congratulates some of the recent grads. Below, student show off their diplomas. As the Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School Class of 2008 prepared to embark on their newest journey, they gathered together one final time - to celebrate the forty-ninth commencement exercise of Copiague High School and their graduation day. Prior to the start of the ceremony the students reminisced with their fellow graduates about many unforgettable memories and began looking forward to their futures.

Processing onto the Walter Reese Memorial Football Field on a beautiful Friday night, amidst a slew of camera flashes, cheers, and the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance," the largest graduating class since the early 1970's celebrated with family, friends, district administrators, and Board of Education members. Speaking to the students for the final time as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William R. Bolton stated, "Thirteen years ago our lives intersected when I became superintendent and you entered kindergarten. We began in Copiague together and we have changed Copiague together. You'll always be a part of the Copiague family. I know you will do amazing things, because you have already done amazing things. Good luck and congratulations." Offering words of encouragement to the graduating seniors were High School Principal Albert Voorneveld and Board of Education President Brian J. Sales. "Your life today is the result of your attitude and the choices you made in the past and your future is the result of your attitude and the choices you make today," stated Mr. Sales. Added Mr. Voorneveld, "Graduates, as you move on remember you represent your families and your community. Keep us all in your hearts, think of us as you travel the world. The experiences you acquired here will serve you well as you enter the larger world. All of us here look forward to your future success." During the ceremony, the audience heard words of congratulations from Salutatorian Dinosca Umana and Valedictorian Zaneta Wykowska, senior class co-president Paige Fairchild gave a flowering Bradford pear tree to the school, which will be planted in honor of Dr. Bolton, and senior class vice president Sabrina Destime presented Dr. Bolton with an engraved rosewood clock to commemorate his retirement. Following the presentation of their diplomas and declaration by Mr. Voorneveld, the Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School Senior Class of 2008 recessed from the football field as Copiague High School Alumni, ready to take on the world that awaits them.