Congratulations to the six Class of 2024 seniors who graduated today, Aug. 22, during a ceremony honoring and celebrating their accomplishments to earn their high school diplomas.
Receiving their diplomas were:
Casey Donleavay
Toni Maurizzio
Kyle Petty
Jaylyn Rhodes
Emily Skinner
Essence Vega
Perseverance, tenacity and resilience were important themes stressed by commencement speakers, including by guest speaker Steven Neuhaus, Orange County executive.
“We all have challenges and obstacles to overcome,” he said, citing author J. K. Rowling and entrepreneur Walt Disney as examples. “They had to deal with things not going their way and not initially being successful. But they persevered; they didn’t give up. They kept after what was important to them and what mattered to them in order to move on in their life. The same is with you. You didn’t give up. So now, do what you need to do to live your life and remember your happiness is important.”
Summer School Principal Theresa Uhelsky told graduates she understood that summer school is often seen as challenging.
“Yet you have approached it with perseverance and optimism,” she stressed. “You’ve faced early mornings and demanding coursework but did so with a remarkable sense of purpose. Today’s ceremony is not just a celebration of the end of a summer session but a tribute to your tenacity and spirit. It is a testament that you can achieve great things when you set your mind to something. You have demonstrated that you can rise to the occasion and thrive even in adversity.”
Superintendent Brian Monahan emphasized that today was hugely important to the summer graduates and their families.
“Your August high school graduation is a huge deal because you showed you were willing to persevere and do what needed to be done in order to earn your high school diploma,” he said. “This is a necessary life skill, because not everything in your life is going to play out as you initially hoped for. Sometimes, it might take a bit longer to achieve what you wanted to achieve. But that’s okay. You did it and you all are to be commended for it.”
Board of Education President Joseph Flaherty thanked families for supporting their children during this summer school experience.
To the students, he added: “Thank you for persevering, for not giving up on yourself. It’s what you do when you get knocked down that matters. You got up, and showed you can do this.”
Principal Kenneth Hauck also praised graduates for their summer work.
“You picked yourself up and moved forward,” he said. “Maybe things didn’t go right initially, but you used that lesson to move forward.”
Afterward, he presented Toni Maurizzio with a scholarship award from the Association of Minisink Valley Administrators (AMVA).
County Executive Neuhaus also reminded graduates of the importance of a high school diploma.
“This degree you’re receiving today, you will not get through any door (for a job) without it,” he added. “It’s that important. It’s also important that you’re happy. If you’re not happy with any job that you may find, I will help you get a job. I do this a lot, helping people find work in the public or private sector. Take me up on this if you need to."
After the ceremony concluded, graduates, their guests and district officials celebrated at a reception in their honor.
See more photos on the district’s Facebook page.