Five Rye Lake High School graduates praised for their growth and achievement

Moving commencement demonstrated grads’ ‘resilience, heart and courage’

 In a moving ceremony that marked the end of a chapter with new challenges to come, five members of the Rye Lake Campus High School graduating class were hailed by educators and embraced by family, all equally proud of their accomplishments.

“Today marks not just the end of high school but the beginning of your next adventure,” Principal Eric Ford told graduates Connor Boyle, Olivia Corona, Arlinda Hoxhaj, Avery Thompson and Khianni Thomas.

The school’s gymnasium was bedecked with shiny balloons and decor in the school colors of blue and white. Tables were arranged to allow families to gather intimately while partaking in this community celebration. Several Southern Westchester BOCES and Center for Special Services administrators attended.

School Counselor Cristina Tompkins said it had been a pleasure watching these students grow. The day was about celebrating the journeys that brought each one of them to this moment. It was not always easy, she said, “but you kept going. You showed resilience, heart and courage.”

 You are ready, she added, to step into the future with purpose and hope. With that she mentioned the post-secondary education plans in each graduates’ future. 

The five graduates shared in the presentation of the Bob Newman Award, a scholarship bestowed in memory of a former Southern Westchester BOCES student.  

By turns, teachers reflected on the graduates. Teacher Charles Mule praised Connor for earning his EMT certification, having completed the Emergency Medical Services program on the Career Services campus in Valhalla.

“Being an EMT isn’t easy,” he said. “It requires hours of training and a passion for helping people in their most vulnerable moments.”

Olivia presented an address she prepared about her SWBOCES experience. She came here broken and lost, she said. She lacked trust, and adjusting was not easy. The acceptance of staff changed that. She wasn’t a problem to them, and she wasn’t ignored. They gave her time and support and allowed her to reconnect with her strengths.

“BOCES didn't just help me get through school. It helped me believe in myself again. It showed me that healing is possible and that with the right support, people can change and grow. Now, when I look back, I don't just see pain. I see achievement within myself.”

The emotion in the room was palpable by the time she finished but gave way to celebration as the diplomas were awarded. Principal Ford closed the ceremony by remarking on the caliber of these graduates.

“We’re not just graduating students,” he said. “We’re graduating leaders.”