On Saturday, June 24, 2017, Billy Joel gave a heartfelt speech at the 2017 graduation ceremony for Hicksville High School, the school he attended 50 years ago. – Newsday

Billy Joel and School Principal Ray Williams at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Billy Joel in the principal’s office wearing a Hicksville cap at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Billy Joel stops for a photo at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Student cap at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

School Principal, Ray Williams, addresses the graduating class at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Superintendent Dr. Carl Bonuso speaks at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

A student at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Hicksville High School Chamber Singers perform “The Longest Time” at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Students at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Billy Joel, honored guest speaker at Hicksville High School’s Commencement in Long Island, NY, on June 24, 2017.

Official photos by Jeff Schock