The Poughkeepsie Journal, a significant local paper, ran a series of articles on Sunday about high school graduations across the county. The article about Dover High School by Greg Marano was beautifully written. For archival purposes, I quote the entire article below, but urge you to read it on the Poughkeepsie Journal website itself. The Poughkeepsie Journal website also has a copy of my speech.
DOVER — Standing in a darkened hallway of Dover High School as the Class of 2008 assembled for the final processional, Nick Esposito had one word to describe the experience.
“Finally!” the graduate said with a big smile.
“It felt like it’s been a while, but at the same time, it really went fast,” Esposito said. “I can’t believe it’s been four years.”
Esposito was one of 117 seniors to graduate on the school’s soccer field Saturday morning. He said he’s looking forward to starting school at the State University of New York at Purchase in the fall — but others weren’t so anxious to leave high school behind.
“I just don’t want to go out in the real world yet,” fellow graduate Nicole Sioleski said. “I don’t want to leave school … I like it.”
Student speeches shared themes of looking back to yesterday, looking forward to tomorrow, and thanking those who helped them get to today.
In her speech, salutatorian Maia Nguyen reflected on what she called “an era of greatness” coming to an end.
“It has been a long 13 years full of memories, and someday we will remember that one time when we all graduated here under this big white tent,” Nguyen said.
Valedictorian Richard Mondello urged his classmates to leave high school on good terms by forgetting grudges and taking on the responsibility of leadership.
“We must recognize that the relative prosperity of our generation’s childhood is gone,” Mondello said. “Now it’s our turn to guide the United States of America, to restore it as the world’s leader; financially, technologically and, above all, ethically.
“We’re more than ready, each and every one of us, to make our dreams come true.”
Emotion spills over
With varying degrees of success, students tried to hold back tears, but the day was just as emotional for parents as it was for students.
“I cried three times this morning,” Cassie Finley said before the ceremony. Her son, Garret Hart, and daughter, Amanda Finley, graduated. “I’m just happy for them.”
Class President Kelsey Ellingsen used her remarks to recognize the parents and teachers who encouraged the graduates along the way and helped them form their own identities.
“We are all eternally indebted to you,” Ellingsen said. “Thank you.”
Reach Greg Marano at gmarano@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4809.
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