The Great Neck Public Schools Class of 2026 marked the end of its high school years with graduation ceremonies last week, as Great Neck North High School and Great Neck South High School awarded diplomas Thursday at the Tilles Center, while Village School celebrated its commencement on June 26.

Together, North High and South High graduated 626 seniors — 270 from North High and 356 from South High — surrounded by family, friends, faculty and district leaders.

Both ceremonies blended long-standing commencement traditions with student performances and reflections on the graduates’ accomplishments. At North High, seniors proceeded to “Pomp and Circumstance,” while the school band and choir performed throughout the ceremony. Student speakers Charlotte Nerayoff and Maxwell Pour addressed their classmates, and Superintendent Kenneth R. Bossert delivered remarks before Principal Corey McNamara presented diplomas.

North High also recognized academic excellence and service. Sophia Li was honored as valedictorian, Julian Elihu as salutatorian, and Elihu received the Alan L. Gleitsman Outstanding Graduate Award. Michael Lyakhov received the Genelle Taney Award, which recognizes scholarship, leadership and service.

At South High, the commencement featured three musical performances by graduating seniors, student speeches and remarks from Bossert before Principal Thomas DePaola presented the Class of 2026. Chloe Ning served as valedictorian, while salutatorian Elaine He welcomed the audience. A special tribute also honored three retiring faculty members whose careers have left a lasting impact on the school community.

Village School celebrated its 56th annual commencement on Friday, June 26, graduating 17 seniors. Following the school’s tradition, graduates received their diplomas from classmates before being congratulated by faculty, district administrators and Board of Education trustees. The ceremony also marked the retirement of Principal Stephen Goldberg, who received a standing ovation after concluding his 24-year tenure as principal and more than three decades with the Great Neck Public Schools.