Memories of the JEA—Dix Hills Class of 1978 Graduation Ceremony

 

 

1978 was my final year at the James E. Allen Learning Center in Dix Hills.  1978 was also the last year at JEA for thirty-six graduating seniors, many of whom had been at JEA—Dix Hills since it opened in September 1973.

 

JEA—Dix Hills’ 1978 Commencement Exercises took place during school hours on Friday, June 16, 1978, a bright, sunny day.  The ceremony started at about 11:00 AM and took place on the athletic field behind the school.  Here was the order of events as I remember them:

 

• There was the Senior Processional with the JEA Cardinal Band playing “Pomp and Circumstance”
• The principal, Mr. Cuthbertson, and other BOCES III administrators made opening remarks.
• An opening prayer was given.
• JEA—Dix Hills student Alice Doherty sung Bonnie Tyler’s “It’s A Heartache,” which was a Top Ten hit that week.
• The diplomas were handed out to the thirty-six graduating seniors.
• The “Senior Last Will,” which was published in the 1978 Cardinal yearbook, was read.
• A guest speaker addressed the seniors.
• Finally, at approximately noon, the closing remarks were made.

 

Sources: James E. Allen’s Cardinal 1978 yearbook has the “Senior Last Will.”

The Bulletin Board: James E. Allen PTA “Hot Line.” June 1978: 6.

 

NOTE:  If anyone has saved any programs from this or other James E. Allen graduation ceremonies, please e-mail me.  Thank you.

 

Return to JEA 1977/78

Home