The members of Croton-Harmon High School’s Class of 2015 cheered enthusiastically for one another as they officially graduated on the evening of June 24.
Student leaders and administrators offered inspiring words to the graduates, each touching upon the theme of embracing oneself fully, before the students collected their diplomas from Board of Education President Giuseppina Miller.
Class President William Livingston discussed his personal struggle with fitting in, including the eventual acceptance of himself as a high school sophomore. “I spent 14 years of my life running from the person I wanted to be,” he said. “We have all come so far on our own paths.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edward Fuhrman echoed Livingston’s sentiments and encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves. “Seek extraordinary accomplishments knowing other support you,” he said. “Be courageous, Class of 2015.”
Salutatorian Emily Grossman told her peers, “Now is the time to be the person you always wanted to be. No one is stopping you.”
Principal Alan Capasso reminded students, “The only constant in this world is change,” and encouraged them to regularly consider their lives, priorities and mistakes. “Unless you take the time to periodically reflect, you won’t know what you are capable of,” he said. “Accept, or better yet, embrace change. Take risks.”
The ceremony included an impressive musical performance of “Con Te Partiro” by seniors Emile DiCroce, Chiara Mancinelli, Shaun-Marie Murray and Jack Redsecker that elicited a standing ovation. DiCroce also sang the national anthem at the opening of the ceremony.
Valedictorian Caroline Barnes paused to take a selfie with the entire class before her address. “Let’s hold onto the importance of such an event,” she said. Barnes also offered advice to the school’s younger students: “Keep yourselves in the present and find ways to enjoy every moment you have.”
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