by Bea Peterson
Perfect weather highlighted the three days of HFCS graduation activities, followed by a perfect weather weekend for parties. Considerable rain earlier, however, soddened the athletic field where graduation guests ordinarily park. Many of them had the unique opportunity of parking at Tops Family Market and arriving at graduation ceremonies in a school bus. Those who needed assistance were then driven by golf cart to their seats.
On Wednesday evening the Baccalaureate Service was held at the First United Presbyterian Church where, for once, a cool breeze made the event all the more pleasurable. On Thursday evening the air conditioned auditorium made for pleasant temperatures for Senior Awards Night where Gail Delurey’s slide show of the graduates from their early years to the present entertained everyone during the Candle Lighting Ceremony when Seniors passed the light of knowledge on to younger siblings and friends. Over 70 awards were presented.
Imaginative mortorboard decorations, from elaborate to simple, seemed to be a theme this year at graduation on Friday. The ceremony was held outside where seating and bleachers were nearly filled. Again, the weather was ideal.
At all three events speakers praised the graduates and inspired them to be happy and achieve much. At Baccalaureate Rev. Beth Illingworth, spiritual advisor and Chaplain at RPI and Sage colleges had them text into their cell phones “you are loved” as an assured reminder they are never alone. At the Awards ceremony their hard work resulted in accolades and over a half million dollars in scholarships. At graduation guest speaker Kathi Carknard spoke directly to the students about the rewards of helping others and encouraging them to pay it forward. Jr./Sr. High School Principal Stacy Vadney told them they are well prepared to face the world. “Take what you have learned here and use it to make you happy,” she told the Class of 2013.
Hoosick Falls Awards and Scholarships
American Red Cross Scholarship – For outstanding service to the American Red Cross blood drive. – Rachel Green
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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.” – Justin Matatt
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Tony Altobell Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Kim Hayden 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 the knowledge 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 – Jason Woods
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Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund – Presented by Ann Baker and given to a student for commitment to excellence and high personal standards – Frankie Pearson
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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 – Cody Gaines
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Bennington Elks Most Valuable Scholarship – Presented by Terri Burdick on behalf of the Hoosick and Bennington, VT combined Elks to Grady Beck, Cody Gaines, Molly Frazier and Bailey Michaels
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Brooke Bakaitis Memorial Award – Presented by Anne Bakaitis – Brooke was a young woman who faced and overcame hardship, but every day exhibited an unbridled enthusiasm for life, a deep and respectful appreciation for nature and love of animals, a strong commitment to continuous academic and physical improvement, and an unconditional devotion to friends and family. This scholarship is given to a young person planning a career in the sciences and who exhibits those characteristics so valued and appreciated in Brooke – Aja Wolfrum
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Joseph E. Buckley III Memorial Award – Given to a Senior who demonstrates all around good citizenship in the performance of school related activities – Joshua Brogue
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Joseph E. Buckley III Scholarship Fund Award – Given to a deserving student as an aid in the pursuit of a chosen vocation or profession –
Logan Brogue
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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 – Catherine Charbonneau
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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 – Katherine Danforth
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Character Counts Award – Presented by Ellie Danforth 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 – Anna Restino and Matthew Brewster
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Christian Action Award – Presented by Fr. Tom Zelker – 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/her church, and shows evidence of ethical concern, Christian witness and service to others – Samantha Brewer
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Victoria M. Cicero Memorial Award – Presented by Denise Hoag 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 – Joseph Barber
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Class of 2013 Most Improved Student Award – Emily Flynn
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H. Bradford Cole Music Prize
Presented by Robert Allen and
– given to the outstanding instrumental student – Logan Brogue – given to the outstanding all-around musician – Julia Baker
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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 – Joshua Conn
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Timothy Cuddihy Memorial Award – Given to a Senior boy and Senior girl in memory of Timothy Cuddihy, Class of 2002 – Nicholas Frazier and Anna Restino
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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 – William Ellis
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DAR Good Citizen Award – Presented to a Senior who demonstrates all-around good citizenship in the performance of school-related activities – Frankie Pearson
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Derby Club Community Prize – Awarded to the student who has made a most significant contribution in school-student activities – Rachel Green
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Dignitas Ephemeris Award – Presented by David Coffey – This award recognizes achievement and excellence in journalism. As a positive influence upon peers, the winner of this award has showcased community mindedness and strong moral purpose through a responsible dedication to journalist code and ethic. The recipient of this award has distinguished himself or herself in academic pursuit consistent with the knowledge, skills, and values that form the goals and objectives of the HFCS District – Nicole St. Onge
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Douglas J. Eighmey Memorial Award – Presented by Lisa Ferrannini and 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 – Bradley Burns and Frankie Pearson
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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 – Randy Tutunjian and Grace Delurey
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Margaret Frazier Scholar Athlete Award – Presented by Lisa Ferrannini and given by the HFCS Athletic Varsity Club to the Senior boy and girl who represent high qualities of both scholarship and athletic ability – Evan Phillips and Frankie Pearson
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Tim Gifford Memorial Award – given to a student pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture or mechanics – Cody Gaines
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Michael Hackett & Robert Scanlon Scholarship Award – Presented by Maureen Carknard and 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 – Tyler Randall and Keri Wilkins
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Award in Memory of James Harrington – Given to a Senior boy who shows a passion for the game of football – Grady Beck
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James Harrington Memorial Scholarship – Presented by Annie Mullen 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 – Christopher LaCroix
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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 – Joshua Conn
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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 – Bradley Burns
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Howard H. Haynes Kiwanis Scholarship – Presented by Sherman Baker. 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 – Julia Baker and Katherine Danforth
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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 – Jordyn Gates
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Hoosick Area Youth Center & Community Coalition Community Service Award – HAYC3 seeks to be a positive force in the Hoosick Area Community by providing and supporting activities, opportunities and programs that foster engaged minds, healthy bodies, strong families and caring relationships. By operating a well-managed, supervised facility for recreation, art, music, mentoring, education, enrichment and social and intergenerational activities, HAYC3 creates a safe environment where all community members can choose to reach their full potential. – Taylor Baker and Nicole St. Onge
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HFCS Academic And Community Service Award – given to two students that have completed 20 hours of community service above and beyond school sponsored community service events, have demonstrated good character and have an 85 or above GPA – Anna Restino and Mary Peters
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Hoosick Falls Teachers’ Association Awards – Presented by Judy Woodard to three seniors who have demonstrated a positive work ethic and/or courage in overcoming various hardships – Umair Ahmad, Joshua Conn, and Catherine Charbonneau
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Two awards given to seniors for their academic performance and/or artistic achievement – Katherine Danforth and Julia Baker
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Three awards given to seniors who demonstrate outstanding courtesy and respect to both their teachers and their fellow students – Rachel Green, Alice Hayden and Mary Peters
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Two awards given to a senior boy and girl who have displayed meaningful scholarship and service to school and community – Jason Woods and Katelyn Stowell
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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 – Katherine Danforth
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Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented to the outstanding student in auto mechanics – Taylor Bacon
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Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented to the outstanding students in business – Jordyn Gates and Joshua Conn
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Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented by Robert Allen to the student who has shown excellence in music – Samantha Brewer
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W.L. Hutt Memorial Prize – Given to the student with the highest Regents exam average – Jason Woods
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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 – Frankie Pearson
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Jenkins PTA Award – Presented by Susan Senecal and given by the PTA to assist outstanding students in preparing for the teaching profession – Rachel Green
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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 – Emily Flynn
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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the Troy Area United Ministry – Presented by Olivia Walton – 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 – Frankie Pearson and Samantha Brewer
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Kiwanis Good Citizen Award – Presented by Sherman Baker to one student that has been a good citizen at school and in the community – William Pine
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Kiwanis Community Service Award – Presented by Sherman Baker to one student that has been active in community service – Haley Votra
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Knights of Pythias Achievement Award – Given to deserving Seniors who have made the greatest progress in extra-curricular activities and/or community endeavors – Nicole St. Onge and Christopher LaCroix
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Daniel T. Koziol Memorial Scholarship – Given by Annie Mullen 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 – Mary Peters
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Lawrence Tech Award – Given to a student for excellence in science and mathematics – Jason Woods
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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/her game while a member of the team, a good work ethic, a great attitude, and a fine example of the bowling team – Bryan Callahan
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Kimberly Ann Malo Award – Presented by David 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 – Molly Fleming
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Stanley Marcus Humanitarian PTA Award – Presented by Susan Senecal – This award is given to honor students that have displayed consistent leadership, volunteerism and character – Nicole St. Onge
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NYS Academic Excellence Award – Given to the four students with the overall highest Regents average – Jason Woods, Katherine Danforth, Molly Fleming and Mary Peters
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Joyce Peckham Memorial Award – Awarded to the student with the highest average in Social Studies and lives in the Town of Pittstown – Catherine Charbonneau
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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 been accepted to a two or four year environmental study college – Matthew Brewster
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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 – Jason Woods
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Edith Craig Reynolds Scholarship – Given in memory of Edith Craig Reynolds – Kassidy Hitt
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RIT Computing Medal – Presented to members 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 arepursuing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum – Kassidy Hitt and Brad Burns
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RIT Innovation and Creativity Award Program – Given in recognition of outstanding achievement in innovation and creativity – Julia Baker and Evan Phillips
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Wayne Roberts Memorial Music Award – Presented by Robert Allen 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 – Rachel Green
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Sage Colleges Award – Given to two students that have proven the characteristics of academic excellence and community service. – Mary Peters and Samantha Brewer
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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 – Mary Peters and Samantha Brewer
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School Systems Federal Credit Union – Awarded to a Senior that has shown involvement above and beyond his or her peers in their community. He/she has shown a willingness to help others, and shown an effort to better improve his or her community – Catherine Charbonneau
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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 – Matthew Brewster
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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 – Evan Phillips and Katherine Danforth
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Society Of Woman Engineers – Given last year to a female student in the Junior class for achievement in Mathematics and Science – Kassidy Hitt
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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 – Jason Woods
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Student Council Scholarship – Given for service and dedication to the Student Council – Rachel Green
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William D. Thomas Memorial Senior Honor Prize – Highest four-year average – Valedictorian Jason Woods. Second highest four-year average – Salutatorian Molly Fleming
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Given On Behalf Of Thorpe’s Pharmacy – To a student showing excellence in character and citizenship – Molly Fleming
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Trail Master Award – Presented by Ben Gaines and given in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions through the accumulation of over 100 hours of trail maintenance by a graduating Senior. Your contribution of time and energy helped provide snowmobilers access to over 10,000 miles of New York State trails – Elizabeth Leva
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The Maverick Award – Presented by Ben Gaines and given in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and conributions, incuding being the youngest certified groomer operator in New York State at age 15., accomulating over 1,000 hours of trail maintenance and being a Frist Safe Trail Education Program Advisor. Your contributions of time and energy helped provide snowmobilers access to over 10,000 miles of New York State trails – Cody Gaines
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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 – Evan Phillips
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Town Of Hoosick Lions Club Harold Shapiro Memorial Award – Given to the outstanding female athlete of the graduating class – Frankie Pearson
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Town Of Hoosick Republican Committee Prize – Presented by Jeff Wysocki 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 – Zachary Green
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Lancelee James Trimm Gift Fund – Presented by Steve Trimm 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 students that demonstrate creative promise with the hope to assist those pursuing careers in the arts and those who utilize art in their journey of self discovery – Samantha Brewer, Katherine Danforth and Vanessa O’Brien
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Uncle Sam Chorus Award – given to students who have exhibited a strong interest in music, whether it be vocal or instrumental, and who intend to continue the study of music subsequent to graduation from HFCS – Katherine Danforth and Adrianna Kalenian
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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 – Jason Woods
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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 – Katherine Danforth
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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 – Kassidy Hitt
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Ethel Cipperly Sherin Memorial Award – presented by Norma Cipperly and
– given to a member of the Senior Class for excellence in Social Studies – Katherine Danforth
– given to a member of the Senior class for excellence in Foreign Laguage study – Samantha Brewer
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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 – Lance Rice and Molly Frazier
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Volunteer Service Award – Presented by Norma Cipperly and given to Seniors who have volunteered for any Rescue Squad or Fire Department – Justin Matatt and Taylor Bacon
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Robert Waite Memorial Award – Presented by Ben Gaines and given to a senior that lives in Washington County that has demonstrated in a natural and unselfish way, caring – John-Curtis Whitman
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Wells College Leadership Award – For recognition of outstanding contributions as a student and as a leader – Molly Fleming
Top Scholars
Given to the top 10 ranked students of the Class of 2013 – Jason Woods, Molly Fleming, Katherine Danforth, Julia Baker, Mary Peters, Samantha Brewer, Evan Phillips, Kassidy Hitt, Bradley Burns and Umair Ahmad
Honor Awards
Given to students that have maintained a 90 or above average for the first three marking periods – Julia Baker, Samantha Brewer, Matthew Brewster, Joshua Brogue, Logan Brogue, Bradley Burns, Katherine Danforth, Grace Delurey, Lindsay Dingman, Makayla Ellis, William Ellis, Molly Fleming, Jordyn Gates, Kassidy Hitt, Destiny Keyes, Bailey Michaels, Fredrick Nelson, Frankie Pearson Amber Perry, Mary Peters, Evan Phillips, Alex Rayner, Lance Rice, Kaitlyn Snyder, Nicole St. Onge, Haley Votra and Jason Woods
Hoosick Falls Valedictory
by Jason Woods
“Let me just start by saying thank you to all of the people in the audience, especially my mom, dad and brother, along with all my other family members. If it weren’t for you, none of us would have made it this far. The family and friends present each played an integral part in getting us here today. You gave us supplies and materials, means to do our school work. You gave us support when we were struggling or having a hard time. You gave us strength to not only continue on but to continue on and do well. You cared for us and nurtured us. You protected us from harm and knew when to start letting us go and experience some of the world on our own, even if it meant letting us be put in harm’s way. But above all, you gave us love, a priceless gift that allowed us to succeed in ways that we never even imagined we could.
Now, it is crazy for me to think that I was once in kindergarten, but I’m sure to many of you in the audience it seems like just yesterday that we were stepping onto the bus for the first day of school. While I don’t remember much of my younger years, I do remember writing letters to Santa, playing snowball fight in gym, going to Mr. Connolly’s music class and building traps to catch leprechauns on St. Patty’s Day (funny how no one ever caught one).
Sometimes I think back to those elementary school years and wonder what it would be like to relive those moments, where the biggest care in my world was which crayon to use to color a picture with. But then I realize how much I love where I am now and who I’m here with. Many of us standing up here today have known each other since kindergarten. The bonds that we have created over the years will never be broken. We have gone through so much together and have really become a sort of extended family through it all. Each one of us has grown more than we could ever realize, and I loved every minute spent with these guys.
In fact, when I first started my senior year, I never wanted to leave. I would tell my friends how I could just stay here in school at Hoosick Falls forever. I know some others felt the same way. There is just something great about Hoosick Falls. Maybe it’s the teachers, who would never hesitate to help anyone and who would stay after every day to keep us on track, all with a smile and supporting nature. Or maybe it’s our awesome sports programs, for winning two State championships in one year is truly exceptional. I think for me, though, it is the sense of community. There is something special about being able to walk down the halls and know almost everyone you see and to be able to start a conversation with them about anything. It is greatly comforting to know that just a few lockers down from you is your best friend and the classroom across the hallway is taught in by one of your favorite teachers. It is this sense of closeness that has allowed me to be successful in high school and love all the time I spent in it.
Sure there may have been times when I was completely overwhelmed, as every teacher seemingly decided to either to assign large amounts of impossible homework that left me procrastinating and complaining about it over and over whilst staring at a blank computer screen all for the same night. There are things that I have done that I regret (falling asleep on the pep band bus to the Dome *Ahem*), and things that I did not do that I wish I did, but if I had the chance to go back and change these things, I wouldn’t. For those of you in the audience who are still in high school just know that it truly is an amazing journey. It may be tough to see it now, but, looking back on it, I wouldn’t trade any of my moments that I spent with my classmates for anything. I would not change a single second of my years here at Hoosick Falls.
It’s funny, as I said before, that at the beginning of this school year I never wanted to leave but now I feel as if I am ready. As my fellow seniors and I marched through the fall and winter into spring, something seemed to change. I began to feel that things were winding down and coming to a close, and I think others up here felt the same way. Nothing physical had changed; the teachers were still great, and most of my classes were still challenging, but I just knew it wasn’t going to last forever. I had a lot of fun and cherished the time spent with my friends, however I began to realize that I was ready to move on.
And now, as I stand up here today, I think I can safely say that we are all ready to move on. While this moment is bittersweet, it is a natural part of life that we all must go through. Though we may not be completely prepared for what life has planned for us, we are still diving right in into the next chapter of our lives. Many of us are heading off to college, and many others are going into the military or directly into the workforce. I cannot wait for what comes next. There is a whole new world out there just waiting for us to discover, and it is time that we took that leap of faith into the unknown. So here’s to us, Class of 2013, as we begin our new journey. While we may not be fully prepared, we were given an incredible gift: the gift of knowledge and learning, and an invaluable education here at Hoosick Falls. It is finally our turn to forge our own paths and become the men and women that we wish to be. Learn, persevere and thrive in this new world. I wish nothing but the best for all of you. Thank you again to everyone and congratulations Class of 2013; we did it!
Hoosick Falls Salutatory
by Molly Fleming
Welcome. I know that you are really excited to be here. In the words of the great Willy Wonka, “So much time, so little to say.” First, I’d like to introduce myself. Hello. My name is Molly Fleming. I’m 18 years old, I’m unemployed, and I live with my parents.
I’ve always thought about graduation as inevitable, something that would come whether I want it to or not. I remember seeing my oldest brother graduate five years ago. I was only in eighth grade, and when I saw him up on that stage I thought, “Someday that will be me; I’ll be standing on the brink of my future.” But that day seemed so far away that I didn’t really give it much more thought, after all I had five more years of my education left to go. Then my other brother graduated two years ago. When I saw him walk across the stage to get his diploma my own graduation seemed a little closer than it had three years before but somehow really not close at all. And then last year I watched as many of my friends graduated. As they threw their hats into the air in celebration I thought, “I have a whole year left. That’s practically a lifetime.” But as it turns out a year isn’t nearly as long as I thought. This whole celebration seems like a paradox to me. Part of me doesn’t want high school to end. I don’t want to leave my friends, my favorite teachers and the certainty of where I will come back to after summer is over. But another part of me is incredibly excited – to start a new life, an independent life, a life full of possibilities. The uncertainty of the future is what makes it exciting.
What I can honestly say I learned the most about in high school isn’t the quadratic formula, the symbolism in Ernest Hemingway’s stories, or the conspiracy theories behind many presidents. I have learned about myself. I have learned who I am, or at least I know now more about myself than I did when I walked into my first day of high school four years ago. We have all changed from the insecure, daunted freshman most of us were. We have all made mistakes and we have become better, stronger people because of our missteps.
We are individuals; we all have a different vision for our futures. In the fall most of us will head off to college, whether just one hour or five hours away this is a huge step. We all will be away from our families and the friends that some of us have known since kindergarten, for the first time. We shouldn’t approach this inevitability with fear but instead with excitement, anticipation and a healthy amount of nervousness. We will meet new people who will undoubtedly inspire us. We will learn more about ourselves than we ever thought possible. Change is healthy, but bear in mind that we should never change our ideals or morals for anybody. We are who we are because of the principles which we hold and by which we have lived our lives. However, we should expand our minds and always be open to new ideas. That is the only way we can grow as people; that is the only way we can become better people. After all, shouldn’t that be our goal to make ourselves better, more educated and kinder people. I know that’s my goal. If I achieve nothing else in life I want to know that I tried to better myself, that I put everything I could into learning what I could, into being a compassionate person and into being an open minded person. Thank you, thank you very much indeed. That’s it, I’m done, and now I must be going.
Hoosick Falls Class of 2013 -Where Are They Going?
Umair Ahmad – SUNY Albany
Marissa Amodeo – Employment
Courtney Andrew – Austin School Of Spa Technology
Elizabeth Babson – Siena
Taylor Bacon – Hudson Valley Community College
Bethany Bakaitis – Hudson Valley Community College
Julia Baker – College Of The Holy Cross
Taylor Baker – Southern Vermont College
Alyssa Ballard – Employment
Joseph Barber – Hudson Valley Community College
Grady Beck – SUNY Cobleskill
Samantha Brewer – Canisius College
Matthew Brewer – St. Lawrence University
Joshua Brogue – Utica College
Logan Brogue – SUNY Purchase
Alison Brownell – SUNY Cobleskill
Brandon Brownell – Hudson Valley Community College
Ariel Burdick – Hudson Valley Community College
Bradley Burns – Hobart & William Smith College
Zachary Burns – Hudson Valley Community College
Sebastian Burt – SUNY Cobleskill
Bryan Callahan – SUNY Cortland
Tyler Carr – Paul Smith’s College
Catherine Charbonneau – Hudson Valley Community College
Joshua Conn – College Of Saint Rose
Katherine Danforth – SUNY Potsdam
Lauren Davendonis – Mercy College
Yahaira De La Mora Gomez – St. Thomas University
Grace Delurey – University Of New England
Lindsay Dingman – Hudson Valley Community College
William Ellis – Employment
Makayla Ellis – Employment
Amber Ely – Thompson Employment
Emily Everard – Hudson Valley Community College
Molly Fleming – SUNY Albany
Emily Flynn – Community College of Vermont
Robert Fournier – Hudson Valley Community College
Molly Frazier – Gordon College
Nicholas Frazier – Hudson Valley Community College
Cody Gaines – Morrisville State College
Danielle Gardner – Southern Maine Community College
Jordyn Gates – University of New Haven
Brigitte Goldstein – Hudson Valley Community College
Rachel Green – Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts
Zachary Green – United States Marine Corps
DeAngela Greenberger – Ohlone College
Madison Greenwood – United States Marine Reserves/HVCC
Charles Griffis – Employment
Jillian Grogan – Employment
Madison Guglielmoni – Hartwick College
Sage Guile – Castleton State College
Alice Hayden – College Of Saint Rose
Kassidy Hitt – Cornell University
Kylie Hoyt – Hudson Valley Community College
Keith Hughes, Jr. – Hudson Valley Community College
Molly Hyde – Hudson Valley Community College
Adrianna Kalenian – American Musical & Dramatic Academy
Destiny Keys – Community College of Vermont
Samantha Kipp – Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts
Christopher LaCroix – SUNY Potsdam
Elizabeth Leva – Morrisville State College
Devin Marcucci – Burlington College
Alexandria Martin – Hudson Valley Community College
Justin Matatt – Employment
Bailey Michaels – Hudson Valley Community College
Brandy Morine – Hudson Valley Community College
Fredrick Nelson – Trade School
Vanessa O’Brien – Hallmark Institute Of Photography
Frankie Pearson – Russell Sage College
Amber Perry – Middle Tennessee State University
Mary Peters – Quinnipiac University
Evan Phillips – Goucher College
William Pine – Utica College
Tyler Randall – SUNY Cortland
Alex Rayner – Community College Of Vermont
Anna Restino – Quinnipiac University
Joshua Reveal – Johnson & Wales University
Lance Rice – Troy Welding Apprenticeship
Courtney Sanders – John Paolo Beauty School
Chelsea Sarsfield – Hudson Valley Community College
Bryan Sherman – SUNY Delhi
Courtney Sherman – Employment
Eli Skorupski – Alfred State
Jonah Slagen – Hudson Valley Community College
Kaitlyn Snyder – Hudson Valley Community College
Matthew Sprague – United States Army
Christopher Springer – Employment
Nicole St. Onge – SUNY New Paltz
Melissa Stifter – Employment
Katelyn Stowell – Quinnipiac University
Zachary Suite – SUNY Adirondack Community College
Randy Tutunjian – Utica College
Haley Votra – Hartwick College
Stephanie Waldron – Employment
John-Curtis Whitman SUNY Adirondack Community College
Keri Wilkins – Skidmore College
Aja Wolfrum – Hudson Valley Community College
Jason Woods – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Anthony Zaffino – Employment
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