Video: Schumer Addresses Northport's Class of 2011

Sen. Charles Schumer made a surprise appearance Saturday as the keynote speaker at the graduation of the Northport High School Class of 2011.

Well, at the first graduation, anyway.

Because of the threat of rain, the decision was made to move the ceremony indoors and, to allow for more guests, to split it in to two parts.

The ceremony for seniors with last names beginning with A through Lo began at 11 a.m. The rest graduated at the scheduled time of 1 p.m.

Schumer's message to the class — presumably to both halves — was simple:
Go for it. He recounted experiences from his own life when he had done so and others when he had not.

"Sometimes you'll make the wrong choice but if my experience is any indication you'll pick yourself up dust yourself off and move forward but if you make the right choice with a lot of hard work a little luck and some prayer your life will be enriched forever," he said.

He also read Rudyard Kipling's poem "If," written to his son 120 years ago.

Schumer said that he felt it had much relevance today.

Salutatorian Samuel Kim advised his fellow graduates to serve their communities as they pursue their life paths.

"And as we embark on new endeavors in the fall Let’s remember the most important lesson of all To extend our love and grace to those who need relief And hold steadfast to our high school belief That we each have talents to improve our communities And united we can overcome many adversities."

Valedictorian Dylan Stevens encouraged his classmates to embrace new experiences while keeping the lessons learned and fond memories of Northport with them.

"Growing up and going to school in Northport has provided many memories and lessons for future years. We will carry these experiences with us as we move forward, and learn from all of them.

But, we are finished here.

It is time for another journey.  And the world out there holds new experiences and opportunities. We owe it to ourselves and to each other, to seek these out with a continued strength of purpose, and with a sense of gratitude to all whose lives and teachings have touched us. "

Dylan's grandmother, Ann Stevens, expressed her delight at his valedictorian achievement but said this isn't the first time a family member had been named Northport High School valedictorian.

"We're all so proud of Dylan — especially me! talk about "small town family tradition," she said.  "My son Jon Rubin graduated from Northport High School 30 years ago, Class of '81 , also as valedictorian. He went on to Harvard , as did Dylan's mom, my daughter, Barrie Stevens. I'm a Cornellian as was my mom (Esther Stevens)  and now with Dylan off to Princeton in the fall, we have an affectionate little family Ivy League rivalry going on."