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Poughkeepsie High School’s Class of 2008 is ready to make a difference, having completed a chapter in their lives with the school’s 136th commencement on June 28 at the school on Forbus Street.
“I challenge you to follow your goals and dreams,” Superintendent Laval S. Wilson said to about 200 seated graduates, awaiting their diplomas.
Wilson said he knows that the big picture isn’t always perfect, but stressed that it’s up to each individual to make their own future bright.
“How we handle our disappointments and problems will determine how we achieve our goals and dreams,” he said.
Wilson thanked the administration, families, faculty and staff, in particular commending Poughkeepsie High School Principal Margaret Pineiro for her leadership and service after completing her first year as principal.
Wilson pointed out that few people over the last several months would have thought the nation would see a female senator or African-American in competition for the Democratic presidential nomination, or a senior citizen emerging from the Republican side. He encouraged graduates to become a part of history in the making.
“Before you rock the vote, make sure that you register to vote,” Wilson said.
“It takes more than your vote to bring about change in society,” commencement keynote speaker Linda Melton Mann told the class. “We need young people to help the United States. It is our civic responsibility to achieve the American dream,” she said, noting that her son is currently an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Salutatorian Brian Veltre spoke to his fellow classmates, acknowledging that some graduates may be attending college in the coming school year, while others may be taking on a full-time job, and a select few will be entering the military, which is “a selfless endeavor,” he said.
Valedictorian Alex Harmuth followed, echoing Veltre’s words, reminding his classmates that college students will have to budget their time more and work even harder.
Life’s next chapter
Writing the next chapter in life has already begun for many of the graduates; but classmates and their families, friends and teachers took some time for reflection after the ceremony.
Kaseem Pankey, one of Saturday’s graduates, said he is thankful for his supporters and optimistic about the future.
“It feels good. I feel free,” he said with a smile.
Pankey credited his teachers, family and friends for all of his success. Pankey’s future plans include attending Five Towns College in Long Island this fall, where he will study business with a concentration in audio engineering. He has aspirations of becoming a music producer and lawyer.
Shiann Mayorga reflected on her goal of getting to high school, thanking her family, God and her friends. She reflected on a vision she had early on in life.
“When I attended Smith Elementary School, my friend and I would look over the fence and knew that one day that would be us,” she said, referring to being at the high school and graduating. “I’m going to miss the energy in this school,” she said. “I’ve already cried a million times.”
Mayorga’s school spirit is evident by her contributions while a Pioneer, A four-year member of Latinos Unidos, a school club, Mayorga served as a representative of Poughkeepsie in the New York State Assembly during her junior year of high school. In addition, Mayorga was awarded a $24,000 scholarship from the Poughkeepsie Community Foundation for her leadership and service while at the high school. The money will be divided into her four years at Marist College, where she will study biology this fall.
Following the ceremony, graduates like Derrell Grant said being done with high school was virtually priceless.
“I feel like money,” he said with a smile. Grant said he plans to attend Morris College, this fall, where he will pursue video production.
