27 William Floyd Grads Finish Floyd Strong

Twenty-seven William Floyd High School students capped off their summer with diplomas in hand as the district celebrated its newest members of the Class of 2026 during its annual August commencement ceremony.

The graduation was held Friday, Aug. 28, before family, friends, teachers, administrators and Board of Education members. The ceremony recognized students who completed their graduation requirements over the summer.

The event opened with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” processional, followed by the Presentation of Colors by William Floyd High School NJROTC cadets under Senior Chief Andrew DiDonato. Graduate Julian Reddington led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Summer school co-principals John DeBenedetto and Michele Manion praised the graduates for refusing to give up on earning their diplomas.

“Today’s graduation ceremony is your final lesson from high school,” DeBenedetto told graduates. “It teaches you that with determination and support, anything is possible.”

Manion described the graduates as the “epitome of Floyd Strong,” telling them that regardless of the challenges they encountered, they had earned something no one could take away from them.

Superintendent Kevin M. Coster also recognized the families who helped the students reach graduation day, reminding graduates that their diplomas were no different from those awarded during the district’s June commencement.

“Life is a marathon, you must persevere and endure, and you can’t do it alone,” Coster said.

Board of Education trustees presented diplomas to each of the 27 graduates before Angel Becker led the traditional tassel ceremony.

High School Principal Phillip Scotto closed the ceremony by reminding graduates of the value of what they had earned.

Their diplomas, Scotto said, would “open doors” and provide a path toward future success.

“You fought for it, you worked for it,” Scotto told them, “and no one is ever going to ask you what month you graduated.”