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Shoreham-Wading River Class of 2016 says emotional goodbye: Photos

By Bill Landon

Two graduates embrace. (Credit: Bill Landon)

Two graduates embrace. (Credit: Bill Landon)

In an emotional ceremony that included a tribute to the late Thomas Cutinella, the Shoreham-Wading River Class of 2016 celebrated graduation day Saturday.

The commencement ceremony included a releasing of the doves in tribute to Cutinella, who would have graduated today but died following a head injury suffered in a football game in 2014. A speech was also given by Shoreham-Wading River graduate Buddy Gengler, who also graduated from West Point, where Thomas had planned to attend.

Valedictorian Kelvin Ma and Salutatorian Nicholas Maritato also addressed the class during the outdoor ceremony. Read more about them here and learn about the rest of the Class of 2016 in this week’s issue of the Riverhead News-Review on newsstands Thursday.

Thomas Cutinella, who died following an injury suffered in a football game in 2014, had his name called among the graduates of his class Saturday. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Thomas Cutinella, who died following an injury suffered in a football game in 2014, had his name called among the graduates of his class Saturday. The athletic field where the commencement took place is named for him. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Doves were released in honor of Thomas Cutinella. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Doves were released in honor of Thomas Cutinella. (Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
Tossing of the caps. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Tossing of the caps. (Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
Presentation of the diplomas from principal Dan Holtzman. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Presentation of the diplomas from principal Dan Holtzman. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Superintendent's remarks from Steven Cohen. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Superintendent’s remarks from Steven Cohen. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Valedictorian Kelvin Ma. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Valedictorian Kelvin Ma. (Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
Words of farewell from Valedictorian Kelvin Ma. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Words of farewell from Valedictorian Kelvin Ma. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Musical selection: "I'll Remember" by Emily Clasen. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Musical selection: “I’ll Remember” by Emily Clasen. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Musical selection: "I'll Remember" by Emily Clasen. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Musical selection: “I’ll Remember” by Emily Clasen. (Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
Buddy Gengler addresses the class at his alma mater. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Buddy Gengler addresses the class at his alma mater. (Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)

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(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
Salutatorian opening remarks by Nicholas S. Maritato. (Credit: Bill Landon)
Salutatorian opening remarks by Nicholas S. Maritato. (Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)
(Credit: Bill Landon)

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