BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Investigative Reporter
Graduation, the event that every student throughout the history of education looks forward to for thirteen years from kindergarten through their senior year. When it comes to the spring term of their senior year, they start counting down the weeks until that eventful day. When it gets to May they start counting down the days.
In 2020, students were robbed of the pomp and circumstance of walking to get their diplomas in their graduation ceremony due to COVID. With things back to pre-pandemic normal for the past couple of years, the Class of ’24 was able to be the first class to have their graduation ceremony on the new football field.
The band began the ceremony with the usual playing of Pomp and Circumstance as the students and faculty marched to their seats on the football field.
After the national Anthem, Principal Lauren DaPonte acknowledged the seniors and asked them to stand and be recognized, who have volunteered to enter the military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
After explaining certain aspects of the program, she introduced the Salutatorian Kristen Stuart.
“Welcome Family, friends, teachers, faculties and most importantly the Class of 2024. I’m so honored to be standing with today speaking on behalf of our class to celebrate all our accomplishments over the past four years. Everyone here today has been an impact on someone sitting here in their cap and gown. Without you, they wouldn’t be able to accomplish what they’re about to.”
She extended her gratitude to some of the people who helped her during her time at North Rockland High School including teachers and her family and friends.
She went on to review the past four years and encouraged her classmates to be persistent in accomplishing their life goals.
When she finished Principal Lauren DaPonte introduced the Valedictorian Hannah Linhart.
“Good evening, fellow graduates administrator’s faculty and families. I’m truly honored to be standing here in front of you all, and I would like to extend My Portfolio. Congratulations to the class of 2024. I think it’s important to start off by thanking those who made it possible for us to achieve this remarkable accomplishment.”
“As we were each supported by countless individuals who have contributed to our successes, it hasn’t been easy. But we persevered through the end of and our guest Wi-Fi and dunking days to get to this point, I would like to ask each of the graduates to take a second right now and think about someone who made it possible for them to be here in this moment. It can be a family member or friend or teacher, just someone who helped and supported you along the way.”
“I’m fortunate enough to get the stand up here and give me thanks in front of hundreds of people, so thank you to my parents and to my sisters Emma and Jillian, to my friends Kristen Ashley. My achievements would not have been possible without Miss Davies motivation, Mrs. Barriers, optimism. So I would also like to express my appreciation for you and all the faculty in our building who worked so hard every day. Moving into the future is scary. I mean, the whole point of making sounds on things I’ve never have to stand in front of my phone. But anyway, it just goes to show that life works in mysterious ways and it’s important to embrace challenges. Perseverance isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s about the struggles, failures, and growth that occurs along the way. As we navigate our individual paths with our own successes and step paths, you will always have the faith to look forward and the lessons we learned during high school. Thank you and congratulations again.”
After the Class of 2024 co-presidents spoke, Principal DaPonte spoke of the challenges this class faced and then introduced the chorus in preforming the Abba song Slipping through my fingers and how it represents the challenges they faced.
DaPonte then thanked various staff and others for their work in this school year. She then presented the Class of 2024 to Dr. Kris Felicello stating that they had met all of the requirements for graduation. She then introduced Felicello. He said he was going to keep to the tradition of keeping his remarks short, and he did.
The ceremony ended with DaPonte having the students come up to get their diplomas.
Superintendent Felicello made an additional statement to the Class of 2024:
“It was an exciting day celebrating the class of 2024. Like class President Stanley Grom stated in his address to the class “this is the first class to graduate at our recently renovated new athletic facility.” I am so happy that thanks to the hard work of the North Rockland Buildings and Grounds team, and construction team, the class of 2024 were able to enjoy the beautiful facility in which renovations were recently completed. Despite the challenges faced because of the heat it was a day of smiles and joy. Students were reminded that even though they graduated they are always Red Raiders who can count on continued support from their teachers and school community as they pursue their hopes and dreams for the future. Principal DaPonte was able to successfully lead a ceremony that recognized students entering the military, highlighted students’ academic achievements, offered insights into what our students experienced during their time in NR, showcased our wonderful music program, and graduated over 600 students in less than an hour. The day was certainly a successful one in which we are proud of but that didn’t stop our team from beginning the process of brainstorming ways to make the experience even better next year!”
Kris Felicello, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
North Rockland Central School District