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Emotional farewell for Southold High School Class of 2016

Tossing their caps. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

The 110th commencement ceremony took place at Southold High School Saturday afternoon as the class of 2016 bid farewell to the school many of them had attended since kindergarten. 

The ceremony began with a poignant moment of silence in memory of Ronan Guyer, their classmate who died in 2012.  An empty chair on stage held flowers in remembrance of Ronan. The audience was also asked to remember boys basketball coach Phil Reed, who died earlier this year.

Dozens of awards, scholarships and bonds totaling over one million dollars were handed out and the choir sang for the attendees.

Finally, after students received their diplomas they met on the front steps of the school for the traditional mortar board toss.

(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
The choir sings. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
The choir sings. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Valedictorian Aidan Walker gives his speech. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Valedictorian Aidan Walker gives his speech. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Valedictorian Aidan Walker. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Valedictorian Aidan Walker. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Salutatorian Noah Mina. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Salutatorian Noah Mina. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
An empty chair covered with flowers in memory of Ronan Guyer, who died during a cross country practice in 2012. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
An empty chair covered with flowers in memory of Ronan Guyer, who died during a cross country practice in 2012. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
 (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Valedictorian Aidan Walker, left, with salutatorian Noah Mina. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Valedictorian Aidan Walker, left, with salutatorian Noah Mina. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
From left:  Maya Jackowski, Myles Williams and Vivienne Glasser. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
From left: Maya Jackowski, Myles Williams and Vivienne Glasser. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
(Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Southold High School principal Bill Galati with valedictorian Aidan Walker. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Southold High School principal Bill Galati with valedictorian Aidan Walker. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Waiting to enter the auditorium are, from left, Julia Schade, Kimiko Jujita, Paige Messana. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Waiting to enter the auditorium are, from left, Julia Schade, Kimiko Fujita, Paige Messana. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)