Congratulations to all our graduates!
Dear Members of the graduating
Class of 2020,
These are extraordinary times
— and each of you are extraordinary
in your own way. Congratulations
on reaching this landmark
time in your life!
This certainly isn’t what you
expected when you started the
year back in September, and had
visions of striding onto the stage
in your cap and gown to pick
up the diploma or degree you’ve
worked so hard to achieve.
You are living through incredible
times, and they happen to
converge on a milestone in your
life.L
et us challenge you a bit to
put these times aside. Live in the
moment, live in the present; never
forget that it is a present. You can
do nothing about the past, and
nobody can read the future. Enjoy
the present with your family, your
friends and your loved ones.
Those of you who just received
your college degree are about to
head out into the “real world,”
and even with the difficulties that
currently exist, you can make an
immediate impact to help improve
our city, state and country.
Your attention, like other
graduates, is about finding that
coveted first job. As you search,
stay focused, positive and, most
importantly, persistent. With persistence,
you will find a place,
whether it be graduate school or
other opportunities in the workplace.
If a job is not available, jump
in and consider being a volunteer.
Take an internship! Nothing
is better than experiencing the
world, even in unpaid positions,
until you find a paid position.
Your creativity, your skill set and
your desire will make the difference
when hiring begins.
It’s always beneficial to learn
lessons in life at an early age so
that you are prepared for them as
you get older. If anything can be
learned from this pandemic, it is
that life is precious. You can’t take
any day for granted. You will face
adversity in many ways throughout
life.
There are lessons to be learned
during this pandemic. Remember
that when we work together,
our impact upon society will be
even greater than working on our
own.
Wearing a mask now makes a
difference in your life, and every
other life around you.
For those of you heading to
college next year, get ready for a
unique time in your life. Enjoy
each day!
As you tackle the core classes,
term papers and other academic
challenges that college poses, follow
your heart. Find your passion.
Nothing is better in life than doing
what you love. If it’s something
you’re emotionally and intellectually
invested in, pursue it.
As for middle school students
heading into high school, the next
four years will be filled with new
friends, harder courses and test
after test after test. Welcome to
the next level of your academic
career; take one day at a time.
Study hard and work hard. The
path to success is very simple:
Work hard. Throw yourself into
school activities.
High school is full of all sorts
of afterschool activities beyond
sports. Take part in them. Begin
finding your passion, join a club
(or two), make new friends and
learn more about the world
around you.
Remember always the people
who have loved you and who have
cared about you to bring you to
this point in your life. A thank
you to the wonderful families who
Contributing Writers: Azad Ali, Tangerine Clarke,
Nelson King, George Alleyne,
Vinette K. Pryce, Bert Wilkinson
GENERAL INFORMATION (718) 260-2500
Caribbean L 10 ife, May 29-June 4, 2020
have helped their children succeed.
We’re sure you’re bursting
with pride.
Be hopeful for their future.
They will make you proud!
Thank you, teachers and professors,
for helping not just to
mold your students’ young minds,
but also to inspire them to be the
best that they can be. As an educator,
it’s not merely about passing
on facts or assignments; it’s about
instilling enlightenment, passion
and dedication to your students.
You have helped them to change
the world for the better.
We congratulate you, graduates,
on your outstanding
achievements. Great challenges
lie ahead. Pursue them, be challenged
by them and live the life
you dreamed.
Go, and do great things!
Sincerely,
Victoria Schneps
Joshua Schneps
Co-Publishers, Schneps Media
OP-EDS
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PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER: Victoria Schneps-Yunis
CEO & CO-PUBLISHER: Joshua Schneps
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Ralph D’Onofrio
EDITOR EMERITUS: Kenton Kirby
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Kevin Williams
This newspaper is not responsible for typographical errors in ads beyond the cost of the space occupied
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Graduates wear a black hat to stand for congratulations on graduation.
Co-Publishers Vicky Schneps and Josh Schneps
/schnepsmedia.com