Twins are Great Neck South's valedictorian, salutatorian

Throughout their four years at William A. Shine Great Neck South High School, twin brothers Brian and Josh Rosenfeld, 17, spent countless hours working together.

Whether they were leading their DECA marketing team to first place at a conference in Salt Lake City or acting as co-editors of the school newspaper, the brothers always relied on each other for help and support.

“If I ever needed anything, I would go ask him for help,” Josh Rosenfeld said about his brother.

Now, at the end of their high school careers, Brian and Josh graduated together as valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2012 and will be headed off to Princeton and Yale, respectively.

“It’s amazing how Josh and Brian got this far,” said Mindy Rosenfeld, the mother of the twins.

The Rosenfeld twins were among the 340 students that graduated Thursday during the commencement ceremony held at the Tilles Center on the LIU Post campus.

This year, the theme for graduation was “Forever Young.” Students were invited to write speeches that expressed what youth meant to them on the day of their graduation. Four students were selected to speak at the ceremony.

“Things are always changing, that is the beauty of youth,” graduate Matthew Chian said in his speech to the class.

The Great Neck South High School High School Band provided the music for the ceremony, but individual students also got to shine through several musical performances. A group of students performed “Lean On Me”.

“That’s what really cool about the graduation this year — it’s all about the kids,” said assistant principal John Duggan.

Family and friends of the graduates cheered as each student was announced and walked to the center of the stage to receive their diploma. There were whistles, screams, kazoos and even a blow horn.

After the diplomas were handed out, valedictorian Brian Rosenfeld took the stage to bid the graduating Class of 2012 farewell. His first words were directed to his brother — a playful gesture.

“You may have been born one minute before me, but today, I get the last word,” Brian Rosenfeld said, smiling.