Bridgehampton High School’s class of 2024 worked hard and played hard, helped one another overcome obstacles, and made lots of memories together along the way — all accomplishments that were celebrated during an emotional graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Earning diplomas that afternoon were 17 graduates, described by Michael Cox, the school principal, as “a talented group of individuals who are looking to connect and contribute to a world away from the Hive.”
“We are incredibly proud of you. You have shown resilience, determination, and a capacity for growth that inspires us all,” he said. “No matter where you go or what you do,” he reminded them, “the Bridgehampton family will always be here to support you, to love you, to guide you, and to be here with open arms at any point in your lives.”
Mr. Cox invited the students’ parents and caregivers to stand up and be recognized for their own contributions. “Today we celebrate not only the achievements of our 17 graduates,” he said, “but also the dedication and support that you all have provided. . . . Your love, guidance, and countless sacrifices you made have a long-lasting impact on their future.”
“You have worked hard, studied, persevered, and have made it to your final destination here in Bridgehampton,” Jennifer Vinski, the school board president, told the graduates. “Go out and take on the world. You’re ready. And as you find your way and make your mark on this world, always remember to find your way home. Come visit and fill us in on your journey. . . . We can’t wait to see where life takes each and every one of you.”
The students collectively received more than $90,000 in scholarship money from various school and community groups, including the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, the Hampton Library, the Southampton Rotary Club, and the Bridgehampton Lions Club. The students submitted applications, transcripts, letters of recommendation, community service and activity sheets, and in some cases sat for interviews.
“Bridgehampton is and always has been a tremendously strong and giving community,” Mr. Cox said.
Bonnie Michelle Cannon, executive director of the child care center, said it was a pleasure working with many of the graduates over the years. She congratulated the center’s scholarship honorees: George Caguana, Ana Chamale Martinez, Alexis Davis, Mikhail Feaster, Maria Gonzalez Serna, Mariana Gutierrez Vallejo, Cheyenne Lamb, Nickoya Patterson, Helio Paucar, Justin Urgiles Palacios, Jarek Villalva, and Kimberly Villa.
The Daughters of the American Revolution awarded a scholarship to Sheily Ruiz Soto for receiving the class’s highest score in American history coursework. The Lions Club awarded its first-ever trade school scholarships this year, going to Helio Paucar, Kevin Chunchi, and Christian Cruz Potrero.
“We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions you will make in your careers,” Chris Hayward said in representing the Lions Club.
Cheyenne was also the winner of the first-ever Nancy Bagshaw Sunshine Award, a $1,000 scholarship given in honor of the late Ms. Bagshaw, who taught Spanish at the school for many years before her unexpected death in November. She had been the head of the Sunshine Committee, a subgroup of the Bridgehampton Teachers Association that focuses on outreach to those in need.
“She made sure if someone was having a bad day something good would be coming their way, like a card or a piece of candy,” said Kelly Sharp, a Bridgehampton math teacher who coordinated the award along with Ms. Bagshaw’s husband, Dr. David Bagshaw. “Because she represented kindness in the district, we created this award in her honor.”
Cheyenne, who is headed to the State University at Albany in the fall, said she felt honored to receive the scholarship. “I really just love to make people feel good,” she said after the graduation ceremony.
“I hope she continues to strive,” her father, Tymaine Lamb, wearing a yellow-and-black T-shirt with “Cheyenne” emblazoned on the back in team-jersey style, said. “We’re all proud of her.”
Justin Urgiles, the class salutatorian, was overcome with emotion as he gave his speech, recognizing his parents, grandparents, and uncle for their love and support. He also thanked teachers and staff. “You all played an important role in the success of not just me, but all the students in Bridgehampton,” he said.
Kimberly Villa, the valedictorian, congratulated her peers, many of whom she has known since elementary school. “I couldn’t be happier to be part of a bright, strong, and talented class,” she said. “We’ve been through all of the hard and complicated moments, and we are now walking into the adult world together. . . . We have been able to make every moment memorable.”
Just before the graduates received their diplomas, Kimberly reminded her peers and the audience that “parts of the world around us are in crisis, from the mistreatment of innocent people to the poverty and world hunger.”
“There are countless reasons for the next generation to step up,” she said. “Many of these people can’t speak up for themselves or don’t have the right to do so but we can. We can rise and defend those who can’t defend themselves. We are told as children that we should speak up about bullying, violence, and abuse, so as young adults we cannot abandon these principles.”
“One thing that nobody can ever take away from us is our voice,” she continued, “and this is our time to use our voice for the greater good. We are the next generation, and it is time for us to make a change.”