Mangano to grads: 'Reach for the stars'

Number of graduates670

Keynote speakerNassau County Executive Edward Mangano told students, "I urge you to dream big and reach for the stars. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do what you set out to do."

ValedictorianMichael Drennan, 46, of Selden, graduated with a bachelor's in business management with a 3.91 GPA. Drennan, assistant manager of Centereach Pathmark, told fellow graduates of the tragedy he experienced seven months after enrolling, when his wife died of breast cancer, leaving him to raise his 3-year-old daughter. "Everyone had or will have some type of tragedy in their life. It's how we handle these challenges that defines our character . . . When you leave here today, go out and celebrate. But stay focused on your dreams because we can achieve anything we set our minds to do."