Gabrielle Farb took the podium at the 2016 North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony while her peers, teachers, family and friends watched with joy and admiration. She began her speech by stating, “For those of you who have not followed us through the past four years, the Class of 2016 is a pretty spectacular group. If every grade could be like us, then there would be no reason to worry about this generation. In this sea of maroon and white gowns, we have future doctors, politicians, artists, actors, scientists, designers, athletes, you name it, we can do it!” Gabrielle concluded by saying, “To the Class of 2016, we are a spectacular group of people, and that is a responsibility that we should not take lightly. As we embark on our futures, I urge you all to try your best and always work to succeed. We have the power to do what we want, but it is our individual will that sets us apart. Let’s graduate and hold our heads up high, knowing that we came from North Shore. Let’s take on the world.”
It is clear from reviewing Gabrielle’s extensive list of awards and honors that she has approached every challenge of her high school career with hard work, passion and dedication. This is reflected in her numerous accomplishments including: Clarkson Achievement Award, George Washington Medal, Long Island Press High School Journalism Awards, National Spanish Exam Bronze Medal, Knight of Columbus Student of the Month Award, AP Scholar Award, Science and Math Student of the Month – just to name a few! In addition, Gabrielle also received five gold medals and one silver medal at the Long Island Math Fair and was a member of the National Honor Society and the High Honor Roll.
While her academic accomplishments have been outstanding, Gabrielle also participated in a myriad of fulfilling activities including being a Co-Captain of the Relay of Life Team, Co-Vice President of the Student Government, a Mu Alpha Theta Secretary, Peer Leader, and Mathlete. She also was a Co-Captain of the Bowling Team, member of the Key Club, Newspaper, and Yearbook Club, and played the Violin in the North Shore Schools orchestra. She will be attending the University of Connecticut Honors Program where she will be majoring in biology and minoring in math. Everyone at the North Shore Schools is very proud of her many accomplishments and wishes Gabrielle only the very best of luck now and in the future.
Salutatorian, Emma Kleemann
Over her past four years at North Shore High School, Emma has truly excelled. Among her long list of honors, she received the following: Harvard Book Award, National Spanish Exam Bronze Medal, Scholar Athlete Award, English Scholar of the Month, North Shore Varsity Athlete Award, MVP for Varsity Girls Gold and All Division in Golf Awards. She is also an AP Scholar with Honors and was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society.
Emma has also participated in the Debate Team, Spanish Club, Key Club, Yearbook Club, Prom Committee, Reader Leaders, Writing Fellows, and was a Peer Leader. In addition, she was on the Girls Varsity Field Hockey Team, Girls Varsity Golf Team, and Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse Team.
During the 2016 North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony, Emma said, “The Class of 2016 is truly like no other for we are comprised of students with extremely diverse passions and aspirations. Whether in the classroom, the lab, the art room, the theatre, or athletic field, the Class of 2016 has prospered in every aspect. She concluded by saying, “It is crucial that you find a balance between keeping an open mind to others, yet also sticking to your own and focusing on your own development as an individual. Never forget to profusely thank those who have broadened your sphere of knowledge and helped you get to where you are today as an individual and intellectual…” Congratulations to Emma Kleemann as you embark on your years at Boston College studying biology and in all of your future endeavors!
Lots of luck to both Gabrielle Farb and Emma Kleemann. We at the North Shore Schools are all so very proud of both students and congratulate them for their dedication, passion, courage, and talent. This is only the beginning and we celebrate you and the entire North Shore High School Class of 2016.
Article by Shelly Newman Photos by Adrienne Daley
Photo Caption: Congratulations to Gabrielle Farb, North Shore High School Valedictorian, and Emma Kleemann, North Shore High School Salutatorian. Best of luck!