The Long Beach High School graduating class of 2022 has endured so much in four years; an ongoing pandemic, school closures and educational disruption, time away from friends, a shift to virtual learning, and a complete upheaval of the normal that we have all grown to know. To call them resilient is an understatement. In spite of tremendous obstacles, they have distinguished themselves as scholars, athletes, artists, leaders and humanitarians. 41 graduates have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate diploma program. Four students were named National Merit Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship program. Artists were featured in the 17th annual Advanced Visions 17 art exhibit and student art was featured in the Go APE exhibit and athletes were honored at counties and states. The Alumni community welcomes 308 new members as they embark on life after high school. They will go to college, the military, trade school and join the workforce. Their accomplishments at the high school are just the beginning.

To our new alumni: no matter where you are, you have Long Beach sand in your shoes, and the support system within the LB alumni community, is vast, deep, and integral to your continued success.

New to the alumni community, Christopher Buonocore, class of 2022, will be attending Bryant University in the fall. Chris will study supply chain management and dive on their division 1 team.

While at Long Beach High School, Chris was a three season athlete, participating on the swim/dive, lacrosse, and football Varsity teams. His dive coach, Phil Cabasino, Class of 2006, explains, “Chris is a young man of impeccable character and diligence. His leadership skills are second to none and he is well adapted to handling any obstacles in his way."

What has been most memorable for Chris during his time in high school was when he made it to states during senior year. At the county meet, Chris broke a pair of longstanding program records, previously made by Keith Griffin, Class of 2000. Chris is Long Beach's new all-time leader in 6- and 11- dive scoring- records. Chris has also been a member of DECA, an international business association and club, Athletes Helping Athletes, and refereed for the Long Beach Bulldog Football Association- Long Beach's youth league.

When asked to share his best advice to current high school students on how to make the most out of their Long Beach High School experience, Chris explains, "don't put all of your eggs into one basket. Branch out, try different things."

Good luck to Chris at Bryant!

Keith Griffin, class of 2000, certainly made his mark as a student at LBHS! Keith participated in lacrosse, swim/dive, soccer, cross country and football. Perhaps the most meaningful experience for Keith was when he received the Distinguished Athlete Award during his senior year at Long Beach. There were many deserving candidates for the class of 2000 so it was an especially proud moment for him. Another proud moment for Keith includes breaking the 1 meter diving record during his 1999 season- Keith held on to that record for 22 years!

After graduating from Long Beach, Keith went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communications from Fairfield University-all while playing on their division 1 lacrosse team. Senior season he was voted one of the team Captains by his teammates. Former Fairfield teammate, Matthew Bagglio, remembers Keith as "a tenacious and strong short-stick defensive midfielder. He was always the most athletic player on the field, and was tasked with shutting down the best offensive players on the field, and did so with ease. Whenever a big play was needed, #21 was usually on the field."

Upon graduation, Keith began working for Merrill Lynch. 17 years later, he is still with the BofA/ML franchise as a Director of Prime Finance within Global Banking and Markets.

Keith lived in California for the last six years, and recently moved back to Long Beach last May. He is newly engaged to Ariel Myers, class of 2003, and the couple is expecting a baby boy in December 2022. Keith loves sharing Long Beach with so many amazing friends who live locally as well. He is an avid runner, enjoys traveling, and plays volleyball in local summer leagues.

When asked to give new alumni advice, Keith explains, "LB is a small community and it's great. I have always loved it here. Don't be afraid to think outside the box or experience living life in other places. You can always come back home."

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the City of Long Beach, the Centennial Committee is bringing back the brick program! By reserving your personalized engraved brick, you are guaranteed to leave a permanent mark in Kennedy Plaza in front of City Hall. For years to come, residents and visitors will walk on the Heritage Walkway. Your message can include your name or organization, honor a loved one, or commemorate a special occasion. Give a brick as a gift. Engrave your grandchild's name, your wedding anniversary or the date your family was established in Long Beach.

Follow the link for more information and to complete an order form:

https://www.longbeachny.gov/buyabrick

Click the link to purchase some Long Beach Centennial Celebration swag!

https://cityoflongbeach.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Are you in need of responsible high school employees? Fill out the google doc below! Jobs are listed on the counseling webpage at the high school for students to review.

Complete the registration form to become an official member of the Long Beach Alumni Association. Membership will afford you inside information on events specifically geared towards alumni, and access to our newsletters. Click here to join the Alumni Association!

Email: alumni@lbeach.org
Location: Long Beach, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachAlumni/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Email: alumni@lbeach.org
Website: www.lbeach.org
Location: Long Beach, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongBeachPublicSchools/
Twitter: @LBSchoolsNY