Six Rye Lake High School students turned their tassels and took their bows before cheering teachers and loved ones at an emotional commencement ceremony on June 16.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
Madeleine Capuano, Samantha Fernandes, Sa’Maya Hodges-Sanchez, Jamiyah Oliver, Keshaun Phillips and Joshua Wolodin all received certificates as well as additional honors bestowed upon them by their teachers.
“I knew it would be a journey, but I had no idea how much these students would teach me,” Interim Principal Ms. Grant-Johnson said. She credited the graduating class members with advocating for themselves throughout the school year.
“They didn’t just attend school this year,” she said. “They helped shape it.”
Besides attending classes at Rye Lake, the graduates also completed Career and Technical Education programs at SWBOCES’ Career Services campus in Valhalla. In doing so, Ms. Grant-Johnson said, they positioned themselves for even greater success in the future.
She encouraged them to “protect that balanced energy, stay insightful, and keep advocating for yourselves. We are so incredibly proud of you.”
School Counselor Cristina Tompkins said that some of the graduates had clear plans after graduation while others are still discovering what comes next.
“Both pathways are perfectly OK,” she said. “Success doesn’t happen on a set timeline, and it’s important to remember that growth takes time.”
“There may be obstacles and setbacks,” she added, “but the perseverance that brought you here today will carry you through whatever comes next.”
Madeleine, Sa’Maya, Jamiyah and Keshaun were all recipients of Bob Newman Award medals, named in memory of a former SWBOCES student. Keshaun also won an award from the Office of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
The awards from their teachers drew the loudest applause.
Madeleine - Most Spirited
Samantha - Most Artistic
Sa’Maya - Master Chef
Jamiyah - Future Leader
Josh - Greatest Comeback
Keshaun - Most Gracious
The ceremony concluded with Sa’Maya stepping to the podium to say thank you to her teachers.
“You helped me a lot,” she said. “I really appreciate everything you did for me.”
She drew a final round of applause when she added, “Thanks everyone, because I’m going to college!”