One last joyful hug is shared by these friends after this year's graduation.

Red carnations added a splash of color for the young men as they were "pinned" by faculty and staff members prior to the graduation ceremony.Class of 2009 Valedictorian Sarah D'Antonio (left) and Salutatorian Alison Heuser posed with their single red roses before leading the student processional across Warren King Field. Led by Student Council President Anne-Carine Frederique, the graduation ceremony officially began with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Lawrence Quinn, retiring member of the Board of Education, awarded diplomas to members of the Class of 2009 during the ceremony. Board of Education Trustee Laura Brown awarded diplomas to graduates during graduation. Class of 2009 Valedictorian Sarah D'Antonio (left) and Salutatorian Alison Heuser posed with their single red roses before leading the student processional across Warren King Field. Garden City High School Principal Nanine Cuttitta welcomed the students and their parents and family members to the Class of 2009 Graduation Ceremony. Former Garden City Mayor Peter Bee, his grandparents, parents, and himself all graduates of Garden City High School, entertained attendees as the Keynote Speaker at this year's ceremony. Angela Heineman, Board of Education Trustee, congratulated students as she awarded diplomas during the ceremony. Robed in academic attire, Board of Education members and district administrators assembled on the central dais as the students entered the field. Salutatorian Alison Heuser opened her speech with a thank you to teachers, counselors, family, friends, and, "most importantly" to parents. Graduation seating was filled with parents, family and friends who applauded and cheered for their children - Garden City High School's Class of 2009. A much-deserved "high 5" is shared by two graduates as they process from the field at the conclusion of the ceremony. The girls all wore white dresses and carried red roses as they processed across the field. Julia Maloney Scholarship recipient, Katherine Castronovo, addressed the graduation attendees surrounded by school officials and Board of Education members. Garden City Public Schools Board of Education President Colleen Foley led the awarding of diplomas at this year's graduation. The field was lined with flags as the Class of 2009 took their seats for graduation. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen shared words of wisdom with the Class of 2009 during the ceremony and wished the graduates much success in their future endeavors. Board of Education Vice President Barbara Trapasso congratulated each graduate as she awarded their diploma.