The HFCS Graduation Week
by Bea Peterson
It rained for days last week, but it never dampened the spirits of the Hoosick Falls Central School Class of 2011. Formal events began on Wednesday, June 22, with the Baccalaureate Service at Immaculate Conception Church. On Thursday evening it was Awards Night at school and on Friday evening it was Graduation, which had to be held indoors. (Thank goodness for air conditioning!)
At each of the events there appeared to be a threefold theme. The first was that life is precious; be safe. At all three events there was someone who had experienced the personal loss of a young person as a result of an auto accident. The second theme was that it is important to be true to yourself. At graduation Major Tarjick encouraged the graduates to
challenge the status quo and said that loyalty and duty are important. He told them to develop a balance in life, to work hard and to do what makes them happy. The third theme was that one person can make a difference. It was stated beautifully in a poem read by Amelia Reynolds at Baccalaureate and reinforced by Class of 2004 HF graduate Matt Harrington. He told the graduates not to be afraid to be different from the group. “God appreciates you for who you are,” he said. Tom Smith told them it was their job to learn how to make great decisions. “Each of you has a unique song to sing, a unique dance to dance and a unique story to be told.”
On Thursday Class President Brennen O’Donnell thanked the Hoosick community for making the 90 plus scholarships and awards available to the graduating class. On Friday Major Tarjick told the graduates that he has lived in many places and that a community like that in Hoosick is a rare commodity.
All the ceremonies were well organized and meaningful, as they are every year. And very special to the graduates, their families and friends. After graduation there was a reception in the gym and fireworks outside.
Hoosick Falls Awards and Scholarships
Alternative Education Awards – Presented by Karen Tommasino to Jeremiah Carpenter, Monica Colegrove and Daniel Coonradt
✥ Auto Tech Award
Here at HFCS we have a group of students who we, as a faculty, rarely thank enough. They fix and change tires. They change oil and they troubleshoot a multitude of other auto related problems. This award is presented in appreciation for all of his hard work and dedication from a faculty member who would like to say “Thank you.” – Michael Denerley
✥
Tony Altobell Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Tony Malikowski and given to a student who exhibits the highest degree of academic achievement in both breadth and depth of scientific study and research. Its recipient will reflect in his/her performance the most significant attainment of those knowledges and skills, which Mr. Altobell instilled in his students during his lengthy tenure at Hoosick Falls. This recipient must be one who intends to pursue at the college level a major in at least one of the sciences – Christopher Marshall
✥
Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund – Presented by Ann Baker and given to a student for commitment to excellence and high personal standards – Michael Brewster
✥
Jon Beck Memorial Award – Given in memory of Jon Beck, Class of 1974, to the Senior who has shown outstanding interest in the field of agriculture and who is pursuing a career in agriculture – Andrew Tudor
✥
Bennington Elks Most Valuable Scholarship – Presented by John Helft on behalf of the Hoosick and Bennington, VT combined Elks to John Otruba and Amanda Vitro and Elks State Winner – Kendra Andrew
✥
Joseph E. Buckley III Memorial Award – Given to a Senior who demonstrates all around good citizenship in the performance of school related activities – John Otruba
✥
Joseph E. Buckley III Scholarship Fund Award – Given to a deserving student as an aid in the pursuit of a chosen vocation or profession – Ashley Costantino
✥
Frank and Helen Burger Scholarship – Awarded on a yearly basis to a child or grandchild of an active or retired National Association of Postmaster of the US. Selection is based on a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular activities and involvement in music, sports and community activities – Amanda Vitro
✥
Cambridge Area Branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association – Presented by Bea Peterson and given to a student entering college and majoring in either horticulture, agriculture, marine biology or ecology – Christopher Marshall
✥
Chester James Carknard/ VFW Post 1938 Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship – Given to a Senior girl who has made an extraordinary contribution to her community and/or school – Amelia Reynolds
✥
Character Counts Award – Presented by Mike Fritz and awarded to a Senior boy and Senior girl, who, in everyday interaction with our school and community, demonstrate the six pillars of character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness and Citizenship – Kristin Bird and James Lynch
✥
Christian Action Award – Presented by Rev. Donna Elia – The Hoosick Area Church Association acknowledges deserving graduating seniors who have exhibited significant Christian attributes and service. This person must be of good Christian character, is actively involved in his church, and shows evidence of ethical concern, Christian witness and service to others – Michael Brewster and Brett Hanselman
✥
Victoria M. Cicero Memorial Award – Presented by Isabel McGuire and given in memory of devoted mathematics teacher, Victoria M. Cicero, presented to a student who will pursue a career in teaching or another field of human services, or to a student who demonstrates a caring attitude toward other students and works hard in his/her math studies – Ashley Granger
✥
Class of 2011 Most Improved Student Award – Elizabeth Carter
✥
H. Bradford Cole Music Prize
Presented by Robert Allen and – Given to the outstanding instrumental student – Adam Frazier
– Given to the outstanding all-around musician – Brett Hanselman
✥ George “Gid” Cuddihy Memorial Bowling Award – Given in memory of George “Gid” Cuddihy, who was an avid bowler in Hoosick Falls for approximately “70” years, to a Senior member of the bowling team whose performance, spirit, leadership, integrity, and good sportsmanship contributed the most to the success of the team during the past season – Chris Pelletier
✥
Timothy Cuddihy Memorial Award – Given to a Senior boy and Senior girl in memory of Timothy Cuddihy, Class of 2002 – David Ciuk and Alexis Hagadorn
✥
Curtis Lumber Award – Given to an outstanding Senior pursuing a career in building construction or architectural technology with emphasis on project development or architectural design – Hillary Burdick ✥
DAR Good Citizen Award – Presented to a Senior who demonstrates all-around good citizenship in the performance of school-related activities – Michael Brewster
✥
Derby Club Community Prize – Awarded to the student who has made a most significant contribution in school-student activities – Amanda Vitro
✥
Dignitas Ephemeris Award – Presented by Dave Coffey – This award recognizes achievement and excellence in journalism. As a positive influence upon peers, the winner of this award has, through a dedication to journalistic code and ethic, consistently showcased community mindedness, clarity of style, and strong moral purpose in his or her writing. The recipient of this award has distinguished himself in academic pursuit consistent with the knowledge, skills, and values that form the goals and objectives of the HFCS District – John Otruba
✥
Douglas J. Eighmey Memorial Award – Given to the Senior male and female athlete selected by the coaching staff and principal based on the criteria of extent of participation in varsity competition and demonstration of the qualities of leadership and sportsmanship – Michael Brewster and Samantha Skott
✥
John P. Elacqua-Richard P. Walsh Memorial Scholarship Fund – Given by the Plumber and Steamfitters Local No. 7 and the Mechanical Contractors Association – Amanda Vitro
✥
Charles And Margaret Frazier Scholarship Award – Given in honor and memory of former Board member, Charles Frazier, to a deserving male and female who have exhibited a high degree of cooperation with faculty and administration – Corey Bornt and Amanda Lewsey
✥
Margaret Frazier Scholar Athlete Award – Given by the HFCS Booster Club to the Senior boy and girl who represent high qualities of both scholarship and athletic ability – James Lynch and Samantha Skott
✥
Grand Lodge of State of NY Award – Given for academic excellence – Somer Cook
✥
Michael Hackett & Robert Scanlon Scholarship Award – This award is given by the families and friends of Michael and Bob to two graduating Seniors who have displayed courage and strength throughout their high school years. Through the good and the bad, these graduates have excelled in academics and have participated and excelled in athletics. They have displayed strength in character, in leadership and in friendship through their actions and relationships with adults, with their peers and with young children – John Michael Crucetti and Amelia Reynolds
✥
Award in Memory of James Harrington – Given to a Senior boy who shows a passion for the game of football – Christopher Marshall
✥
James Harrington Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Marcus Reynolds and given in memory of James Harrington by friends, family, and the Dan Koziol and James Harrington Memorial Fund to the graduating senior who lives life to the fullest while improving the lives of those around them and/or enjoys outdoor sports and gaming – Ryan Hand
✥
Mason And Betty Harrison Business Award – Given in memory of Mason and Betty Harrison to a business student who is endeavoring to pursue business as a career – Christopher Marshall
✥
Jack Hayden Memorial Award – Presented to the Senior football player who, in the opinion of the Athletic Selection Committee, has demonstrated on and off the field those qualities of leadership, spirit, ability, and citizenship that Jack Hayden so aptly displayed while he represented Hoosick Falls – Michael Brewster
✥
Heritage Family Credit Union – Given in recognition of outstanding leadership and academic achievement – Taliesin Beriau
✥
Hazel M. Hill Award – Presented by the Ondawa-Cambridge Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution in memory of Hazel M. Hill, lifelong resident of West Hoosick active in finance and banking, to a deserving Senior pursuing an education in business – Deanna Dubois
✥
Howard H. Haynes Kiwanis Scholarship – Presented by Dale Lee. Through the generosity of Howard and Mary Haynes a trust fund was established to create a scholarship to assist a graduating senior at HFCS with the expense of their secondary education. The recipient is chosen by academic achievement, extra curricular and/or community involvement and individual citizenship – Kendra Andrew
✥
Hoosick Area Youth Center & Community Coalition Award Leadership and Service Award – Amelia Reynolds ✥
Hoosick Area Youth Center & Community Coalition Award for Service to Youth Summit – Kendra Andrew
✥
Hoosick Falls Teachers’ Association Awards – Presented by Judy Woodard to two seniors who have demonstrated a positive work ethic – Brittany Danforth and Garrett Foster
✥
Three awards given to seniors for their academic performance and/or artistic achievement – Sean Dingman, John Lancour and Brennen O’Donnell
✥
Three awards given to seniors who demonstrate outstanding courtesy and respect to both their teachers and their fellow students – Joshua Harrison, Amber Luke and Mary Luke
✥
Two awards given to a senior boy and girl who have displayed scholarship and meaningful service to school and community – John Michael Crucetti and Steven Tommasino
✥
Hoosick Federal Credit Union Award – Presented by James Martinez to the individual who approaches her every endeavor with a positive energy and infectious enthusiasm that makes the HFCS community proud. This student’s willingness to help others brings honor to herself, her family and HFCS. This person exhibits a passion for hard work and a willingness to go above and beyond to help improve herself and those around her – Kendra Andrew
✥
Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented to the outstanding student in auto mechanics – Evan Thurber
✥
Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented to the outstanding student in business – Amelia Reynolds
✥
Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented by Robert Allen to the student who has shown excellence in music – Taliesin Beriau
✥
W.L. Hutt Memorial Prize – Given to the student with the highest Regents exam average – Samantha Skott
✥
JLS Foundation – Presented by John Liporace. The JLS Foundation, which honors the memory of the late John Liporace, Sr., was created to empower high school students at HFCS to realize their fullest potential. Students were judged on a written essay, academic achievements, personal work history, community involvement and extra-curricular activities. The scholarship winner will receive a monetary gift and a matching donation will be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Michael Brewster
✥
Jenkins PTA Award – Presented by Sara Steller and given by the PTA to assist outstanding students in preparing for the teaching profession – John Lancour
✥
President John F. Kennedy Achievement Award – From the Joseph E. Buckley III Trust Fund presented to the member of the Senior Class who has demonstrated outstanding intellectual or physical courage – Lindsay Wagner
✥
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the Troy Area United Ministry – Presented by Rev. Donna Elia – This award was established in 1997 to promote the memory of the life and work of Dr. King, and preserve the legacy of the nonviolent civil rights movement expressed through his example and teaching – Kendra Andrew
✥
Kiwanis Good Citizen Award – Presented by Ruth Ormsbee to the student that has been a good citizen at school and in the community – Stephanie James and Kyle Redden
✥
Daniel T. Koziol Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Marcus Reynolds and given in memory of Dan Koziol by friends, family and the Dan Koziol and James Harrington Memorial Fund to the graduating senior who lives life to the fullest while improving the lives of those around them and/or enjoys outdoor sports and gaming – Amelia Reynolds
✥
Knights of Pythias Achievement Award – Given to a deserving Senior who has made the greatest progress in extra-curricular activities and/or community endeavors – James Lynch and Amelia Reynolds
✥
Wayne Magisano Memorial Bowling Award – Given in memory of Wayne Magisano, who was a beloved coach and friend of the Bowling Team, to a Senior member who showed great improvement in his game while a member of the team, a good work ethic, a great attitude, and a fine example of the bowling team – James Lynch
✥
Kimberly Ann Malo Award – Presented by Dave Coffey – This award is given in memory of Kim Malo, HFCS Class of 1975 by her family to the Senior student whose love of reading is evident in all facets of his/her education – Thomas Greco-Zank
✥
Stanley Marcus Humanitarian PTA Award – Presented by Sara Steller – This award is given to honor students that have displayed consistent leadership, volunteerism and character – David Ciuk and Samantha Skott
✥
NYS Academic Excellence Award – Given to the four students with the overall highest Regents average – Samantha Skott, James Lynch, Amanda Vitro and Jason Fleming
✥
NYS Comptroller’s Achievement Award – Deanna Dubois
✥
NYS Retiree Council 10 Award – Given to one student in Rensselaer County that is pursuing a degree in education – James Lynch
✥
NYS Triple “C” Award – In recognition of your tremendous commitment to better yourself, your school and your community; your strength of character, which has helped you to achieve your goals and will guide you in making the right decisions in the future; and your remarkable courage, which will aid you in meeting all of the changes ahead – Amber Luke and Mary Luke
✥
Award In Memory Of James And Kathleen O’Neil – Given in memory of James and Kathleen O’Neil by their family to Seniors pursuing careers in the sciences – Amelia Reynolds and Brooke Sargood
✥
Joyce Peckham Memorial Award – Awarded to the student with the highest average in Social Studies and lives in the Town of Pittstown – Samantha Skott
✥
The Pioneer Fish And Game Club Award – Presented to a Senior boy or girl who shows concern for the wise use of our natural resources and has beenaccepted to a two or four year environmental study college – Nathan Piche
✥
Rensselaer County Job Service Employee Committee Award – Amanda Vitro
✥
Rensselaer County Legislature Recognition of the 2011 Scholar Athlete – Michael Brewster and Samantha Skott
✥
RPI Medal – Presented last year to the young man/woman in the Junior Class who has excelled in advanced math and science courses, and exhibits significant involvement in extracurricular activities – Samantha Skott ✥
Edith Craig Reynolds Scholarships – Given in memory of Edith Craig Reynolds – David Ciuk and Samantha Skott
✥
Award In Memory Of Randy Roberson – Presented in memory of Randy Roberson, a 1991 graduate of HFCS, to a senior pursuing an interest in artistic expression. It was established to recognize and encourage other young artists. Randy left behind many examples of his work from furniture to paintings and tattoos. He was a fine young man and was undoubtedly one of the best artists to come from Hoosick Falls. It is our hope that through this award Randy’s artistic legacy and memory will live on – Nicholas Montfort
✥
Wayne Roberts Memorial Music Award – Presented by Ambigay Yudkoff and given in memory of Wayne Roberts, Class of 1946, by his family to the outstanding graduating instrumental music student who has also demonstrated interest in and ability with the piano – Michael Brewster
✥
RIT Computing Medal – Presented to one male and one female member of last year’s Junior Class that ranked in the top 10%, are involved as leaders and demonstrate an interest and ability in computing and are pursuing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum – James Lynch and Amanda Vitro
✥
RIT Innovation and Creativity Award Program – Given in recognition of outstanding achievement in innovation and creativity – Shelby Jones and Christopher Marshall
✥
St. Michael’s College Book Award – Given last year to two members of the Junior class for demonstrating excellence in academics and leadership in community service – Kristin Bird and John Otruba
✥
School Systems Federal Credit Union – Awarded to a Senior that has shown involvement above and beyond his or her peers in their community. They have shown a willingness to help others, and show an effort to better improve his or her community – Amelia Reynolds
✥
Social Studies Key Award – Presented by Ellie Danforth and given by the Social Studies Department to the senior boy or girl who most clearly demonstrates integrity, good citizenship and intellectual curiosity – Michael Brewster
✥
The Society Of Mayflower Descendants In The State Of New York Educational Award – Presented to two Seniors with a proficiency in the study of the history of the United States and understanding of the Constitution – Michael Denerley and Jason Fleming
✥
Society Of Woman Engineers – Given last year to two female students in the Junior class for achievement in Mathematics and Science – Hillary Burdick and Amelia Reynolds
✥
Jeffrey M. Stratton Memorial Scholarship – A scholarship in memory of Jeffrey M. Stratton awarded to a Senior boy or girl who has been accepted and will be attending a four-year college, who has demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining an honor roll average (grades 9 through 12), and participated in both varsity athletics and performing arts – Daniel Cramer
✥
Student Council Award – Given for service and dedication to the Student Council – Kristin Bird and John Kaufmann
✥
William D. Thomas Memorial Senior Honor Prize – Highest four-year average – Valedictorian Samantha Skott
Second highest four-year average – Salutatorian James Lynch
✥
Given On Behalf Of Thorpe’s Pharmacy – To a student showing excellence in character and citizenship – John Kaufmann
✥
Paul Timmerman Scholarship Award – Given by the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad in his memory. This award is given to the graduating Senior who has demonstrated a genuine concern for his/her community by providing Emergency Medical Services as a member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad – Brett Hanselman
✥
Town of Hoosick Democratic Committee Prize – Given by the Town of Hoosick Democratic Committee to a student residing in the Town who has shown scholarship and interest in government – John Otruba
✥
Town Of Hoosick Lions Club Harold Shapiro Memorial Award – Given to the outstanding female athlete of the graduating class – Samantha Skott
✥
Town Of Hoosick Republican Committee Prize – Presented by Keith Cipperly and given by the Town of Hoosick Republican Committee to a student residing in the town who has shown scholarship, interest in government and his community – Jason Fleming
✥
Lancelee James Trimm Gift Fund – Presented by Melodee James and given in memory of Lancelee. He was a musician, actor, theater technician, poet, writer, and graphic artist. In short, Lancelee loved all art in all its forms. The award is given to a student that demonstrates creative promise with the hope to assist those pursuing careers in the arts and those who utilize art in their journey of self discovery – Nick Montfort
✥
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Awards – Michael Brewster and Samantha Skott
✥
United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award – Brett Hanselman
✥
United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award – James Lynch
✥
University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Science Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class that had high achievement and rigor in science classes and a high PSAT Math and/or SAT Math scores – Samantha Skott
✥
University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class that has demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing social issues, leadership, and a dedication to community action. The student should also have strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences – John Kaufmann
✥
University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class that has shown strong academic achievement, leadership skills, and shows dedication to varied activities – Michael Brewster
✥
University of Rochester Xerox Award – Presented last year to a member of the Junior Class who has demonstrated a strong interest in innovation and/or information technology and is proven to be a high achiever in this area – Nicholas Montfort
✥
Van Rensselaer Masonic Temple Award – Presented by Bruce Hansen and given to a Senior boy and Senior girl showing the greatest academic improvement over four years – Paul Garrison and Shelby Jones
✥
Volunteer Service Award – Presented to Seniors who have volunteered for any Rescue Squad or Fire Department – Garrett Breese, Ryan Hand, Brett Hanselman and Todd Weber
✥
Robert Waite Memorial Award – Given to a senior that lives in Washington County that has demonstrated in a natural and unselfish way, caring for others, sharing of himself, dedication to cause and conviction in one’s beliefs. – William Luke
✥
Wrestling Leadership Award – Given to a Senior wrestler that has exceptional leadership skills – Stephen Colvin
✥
Top Scholars
Given to the top 10 ranked students of the Class of 2011 – Samantha Skott, James Lynch, David Ciuk, Jason Fleming, Ashley Costantino, Amanda Vitro, Christopher Marshall, John Otruba, Taliesin Beriau and John Lancour
Honors Awards
Given to students that have maintained a 90 or above average for the first three marking periods – Kendra Andrew, Taliesin Beriau, Kira Bisson, Michael Brewster, David Ciuk, Somer Cook, Ashley Costantino, Daniel Cramer, John Michael Crucetti, Brittany Danforth, Deanna Dubois, Jason Fleming, Garrett Foster, Paul Garrison, Joshua Harrison, Shelby Jones, Katie Kovage, John Lancour, Amanda Lewsey, James Lynch, Christopher Marshall, Brennen O’Donnell, John Otruba, Amelia Reynolds, Samantha Skott, Alyssa Springer and Amanda Vitro.
Hoosick Falls Class of 2011 – Where Are They Going?
Kendra Andrew – SUNY Brockport
Brooke Bakaitis – Employment
Brittney Benkoski – Hudson Valley Community College
Taliesin Beriau – Bentley University
Kristin Bird – University of Connecticut
Kira Bisson – New Hampshire Institute of Art
Corey Bornt – Hudson Valley Community College
Garrett Breese – Hudson Valley Community College
Michael Brewster – St. Lawrence University
Hillary Burdick – Hudson Valley Community College
Austin Carr – U.S. Air Force
Elizabeth Carter – Hudson Valley Community College
David Ciuk – Syracuse University
Walter Clark – HVCC/U.S. Army National Guard
Stephen Colvin – Utica College
Somer Cook – Cazenovia College
Ashley Costantino – SUNY Oswego
Daniel Cramer – Paul Smith’s College
John Cronin – Hudson Valley Community College
John Michael Crucetti – Le Moyne College
Brittany Danforth – Community College of Vermont
Michael Denerley – Hudson Valley Community College
Marc DiFusco – U.S. Marines
Sean Dingman – Hudson Valley Community College
Deanna Dubois – Siena College
Dustin Ely – Undecided
Jason Fleming – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Garrett Foster – Utica College
Adam Frazier – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Jennifer Gardner – Hudson Valley Community College
Kara Gardner – Hudson Valley Community College
Paul Garrison – Paul Smith’s College
Max Goldstein – Hudson Valley Community College
Ashley Granger – Hudson Valley Community College
Thomas Greco-Zank – U.S. Marines
Alexis Hagadorn – Hudson Valley Community College
Ryan Hand – Le Moyne College
Brett Hanselman – La Grange College
Kristopher Hansen – Community College
Kianna Harris – Cazenovia College
Joshua Harrison – Clarkson University
Ashley Hicks – Community College of Vermont
Danielle Insco – Undecided
Stephanie James – Schenectady County Community College
Lacy Janis – Hudson Valley Community College
Shelby Jones – Southern Vermont College
John Kaufmann – University of Hartford
Katie Kovage – SUNY Cortland
Johnathan LaBonte – Employment
John Lancour – SUNY Oswego
Amanda Lewsey – Utica College
Amber Luke – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Mary Luke – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
William Luke – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
James Lynch – Siena College
Lawrence Mango – Schenectady County Community College
Clarissa Mango – Southern Vermont College
Jessica Maroney – Hudson Valley Community College
Christopher Marshall – SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry
Connor Martin – U.S. Marines
Daniel Meyer – U.S. Marines
Nicholas Montfort – Scottsdale Community College
Karley Morin – Utica College
Vincent Nesbitt – Employment
Sara Nichols – Employment
Carrie Niles – Employment
Brennen O’Donnell – SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry
John Otruba – SUNY Geneseo
Chris Pelletier – SUNY Delhi
Nathan Piche – Paul Smith’s College
Emily Popson – Hudson Valley Community College
Quinn Rasmus – SUNY Oswego
Brandon Redden – Employment
Kyle Redden – Local Union #370 Carpentry
Amelia Reynolds – Keuka College
Erick Roberson-Mulready – Undecided
Brooke Sargood – Keene State College
Alyssa Schneider – Hudson Valley Community College
Brigitte Sevigney – SUNY Cobleskill
Samantha Skott – Skidmore College
Alyssa Springer – Employment
Jordan Telford – Hudson Valley Community College
Evan Thurber – Employment
Timothy Tobin – Employment
Steven Tommasino – Hudson Valley Community College
Corbin Tracy – Hudson Valley Community College
Andrew Tudor – Employment
Amanda Vitro – Utica College
Lindsay Wagner – Hudson Valley Community College
Todd Weber – Employment
Kevin Whitney – U.S. Marines
Marcia Zeller – Oregon Massage School
Hoosick Falls Valedictory
by Samantha Skott
Before I wrote this speech, I was assured it would be easy, it would practically write itself. Our raft guide on our senior trip advised me to simply throw a bunch of cliches in, and it would be great. But as I was trying to write a speech that would summarize the senior class, and not bore all of you to tears, I realized he was wrong, because our class was too unique for cliches. The experiences we’ve had together over the last thirteen years of our lives couldn’t be summed up in the over-used words of others; they had to come from the members of our class itself.
Many people like to define graduation as what Websters Dictionary tells us it is, but I feel this is an experience unique to each school, and each individual. And since this is our graduation, it seemed appropriate to use just a few Hoosick Falls High School definitions of graduation:
According to Amanda Lewsey, “Graduation is the close to thirteen years with some amazing people you may never see again. And is the beginning of a life full of debt.”
In the words of Brooke Sargood, “Graduation is one of the greatest accomplishments we will all face altogether, one last time.”
If you ask Katie Kovage, “Graduation is the end of a road, a point where we wish that we didn’t take some of the best times we had for granted, a time where goodbyes will be the hardest part, a time that reminds us that friendships truly never end, but most importantly it’s a road to another four years of our lives that we are starting together on that very day.”
Adam Frazier believes, “Graduation is the point where kids who have been complaining about school for thirteen years start to miss it. It’s also the best time to ask for money.”
Though Amelia Reynolds be lives it is, “a new start, when we are all headed for success.”
In the deep sentiments of John Otruba, “Graduation is our proverbial step out of the door; our choices now are the ones that determine our relative degree of happiness.”
But no one seemed to top the words of Nathan Piché. “High school was good. There are things about it I’ll never forget. Like the football games on a Friday night, going to the dances, sharing a dance with a pretty girl, not doing a few homework assignments here and there, bike races on the weekends, and having a good laugh around a campfire with some s’mores. So tomorrow we can reminisce and close that chapter and be ready to open the next one with open hearts.”
Another cliche that just doesn’t seem to fit the class of 2011 is, “as one door closes another door opens,” but that’s just because we’re intelligent enough to get ourselves locked out of senior area.
Throughout our journey from pre-school to this moment, we’ve all shared some wonderful times together, and we started leaving our legacy from the first time we set foot in the school. Even in kindergarten, we had to be different, being the first class to experience full day kindergarten. And at that graduation, as we saw the banner that read Class of 2011, this moment seemed too far away to even imagine. Over the years, we’ve not only seen changes in our school, but amongst ourselves, as we’ve grown together as a class. Together we have matured from the finger-painting, nap-time enjoying, belly-bumper crashing kids we were in elementary school, to the educated, enthusiastic, and responsible young adults we are today. We’ve faced the regime changes of new principals every other year, experienced the joy of winning big games, and the heartbreak of losing bigger ones. We’ve united against the competition of the junior class at powder puff, listened to countless renditions of the quadratic equation song, cheered more obnoxiously than any other fans at football and basketball games, and somewhere along the way, have made friendships that will last a lifetime.
None of us are leaving high school the same person we were when we entered it, each and every one of us has discovered something new about ourselves in our last four years here. For some of us, we’ve improved our grades and work ethics immensely, some have become more outspoken, others have discovered talents we’ve never known we had, while still others have perfected the talents we strove to make flawless. Whichever the case may be for you, continue to push yourself towards the goals you hope to achieve, and most importantly, continue to discover new things each and every day.
Though I’d like to leave you all with some words of wisdom that will leave you pondering the choices you are going to make for the rest of your life, I’m not even 18 yet, I don’t think I’m qualified to be attempting profound wisdom. Instead, I’d just like to thank the entire class of 2011 for the memorable times we’ve shared, and whether it is for better or for worse, none of us would be the people we are today without the influence of our classmates. Despite the fact that all of us will take different paths next year, we’ve all come from the same place. Wherever life may take you, be sure to continue finding those people, like the friends you’ve made here, that complement you, that will further mold you into who you have yet to become. And so, seniors, there’s one cliche that even I can’t refute: while this may be the end of one chapter in our lives, it is the beginning of a new one. A chapter that I hope all of you fill with dreams and great accomplishments.
Hoosick Falls Salutatory
by James Lynch
So today is the last day we ever need to be here. Now I know some of us are happier about that than others, and I’m still a little torn myself. I hear almost every day, and I have always heard, that people are glad to be leaving Hoosick Falls for
good or that they can’t wait to get out. It comes from students of all ages, they want to get out and to never come back here. To be totally honest I have thought the very same thing before… it’s about time. The more you think about it though, Hoosick Falls isn’t that bad. It can’t be, we grew up here and we seem to have turned out okay. I actually enjoyed it and I’m pretty sure the rest of us did too, at least a little bit. Hoosick Falls was a pretty good place to be. I mean just looking around at all the people here today you can see it. There are a lot of people here today because they love us and want to support us on our big day. I think it’s pretty impressive. It is such a small community, it’s impossible not to form a connection to Hoosick Falls. You know just about everyone and people just seem to be friendly here. It’s not hard to make friends you will never forget.
I’ll always remember my first day here. I joined the class a little late after going to St. Mary’s up through eighth grade so it wasn’t too long ago. It was my first day of high school and I was terrified. I missed my little small school already. I walked in slowly hoping I would never get there. I thought I heard my name behind me but I wasn’t sure. Then I turned around and who did I see?… Well, I saw Michael Brewster of course. He smiled, waved, and ran to catch up. Like me he was a little nervous on his first day so we walked in together. Really I had no reason to be nervous. I had friends here, and I made a lot more pretty soon. Friends that I will always remember.
Adam Frazier, the Hardcore Jorts, and Bike Week 2011, these are just a few of my own memories and friends that I don’t think I can forget and I know everyone here has a few of their own if they think about it… So to be honest I loved it here. I love each and every one of you, and I’m going to miss you. High school was good. We all grew a little, had some fun, and made some lifelong friends. But let’s not leave Hoosick Falls as a bad place. It was a great place. I’m proud to have grown up here and to have done it with all of you. So thank you Hoosick Falls and thank you class of 2011. But now it’s time for us to move on and do big things. Even after we leave, I know Hoosick Falls will always be in the back of our minds. We don’t have to come back but we can’t forget it. We can always remember the good times here and we can always work to make it a better place for the future. I won’t forget Hoosick Falls and I hope you all won’t too. Hoosick Falls got us ready for the world. I hope someone got the world ready for us.
