On June 14, eight students graduated from the Meadowbrook Alternative Program. Mekhi Beckett, Kevin DeJesus, Jason Font, Paul LaRocco, salutatorian Luke Piano, valedictorian Tyrik Purcell, Samantha Quigley and Jenna Rath were honored by Principal Susan Ellinghaus, school psychologist Dr. Joseph Netto and other MAP staffers.

Ellinghaus said she “looked upon the graduates as heroes who never gave up even after quarantine and a senior year filled with social distancing and other protocols.”

Valedictorian Tyrik Purcell thanked his teachers and the MAP staff for being so supportive of him and his fellow classmates.

The class selected Zachary Gosse for the Faculty Address. In his address, Gosse reminded the students that “they are worthy and that no one could take that from them.”

Derek Baumann, a MAP Class of 2017 alumnus and soon to be graduate LIU Class of 2021 with honors, presented the alumni address.

He explained his reasons for attending MAP and how “the support of the staff helped him to develop feelings of self-worth.” He reminded them that “anyone could be traditional, but the real interesting people are alternative.”