HFCS Graduates 96
by Bea Peterson
“You match up against your peers anywhere in the country,” HFCS High School Principal Stacy Vadney told the 2014 graduating class on Friday evening, June 27. The class had a 93% graduation rate, compared to a National average of 76%. Eighty percent of them are going on to college. Three quarters of them received Regents diplomas. According to the latest statistics, HFCS ranks in the top 20% of high schools in New York State and in America.
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This class, she said, received more than a half million dollars in scholarships. She lauded them for their individual and team State and Regional championships, their excellent drama presentations, their Superior musical ratings, with three perfect scores and the Band’s first Gold rating in decades. She commended many of them for achieving student athlete status. “The taxpayers, your teachers and your parents should be very proud of you,” she said.
The Class invited former Elementary School Principal Steve Johnson to be their keynote speaker. He thanked the Class for inviting him. He said he spent 20 wonderful years at HFCS. He told them what happened to you in second grade we kept it between us – now I can tell your parents. “I’m proud of you,” he said. He encouraged them to stay in touch with one another. It’s so easy to do today, he added. “Be a person others want to be around,” he told them. “People may forget what you said or forget what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
Graduation events began with Baccalaureate at Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday evening. The Class of 2014 stepped into the Church as graduating band members played “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Russell Sage College Campus Minister and Hudson Valley Community College Chaplain Cylon George addressed the Class, offering them encouragement for the future. And four young siblings told their graduating older brothers and sisters how much they meant to them.
On Thursday evening the Awards ceremony began with graduating seniors passing on the light of knowledge to siblings and younger friends. Sadly, two new memorial scholarships were added this year – one in memory of 22 year old Stephen Colvin, who died in a skiing accident this past winter, and one in memory of beloved teacher and mentor Isabel McGuire. Ann Baker, who presented the Coach Ken Baker Award and John Liporace who presented the JLS Award both announced that the award amounts would be doubled this year. The audience and his classmates came to their feet when Luis Weierbach accepted his appointment to West Point.
Weather conditions on Friday were perfect for an outdoor graduation. Graduates played in the Symphonic Band and sang together for the last time. Those entering Military Service stood while outgoing School Board Member Dave Sutton sang “God Bless America.” As always, one of the most moving moments of this special evening is when the graduates step down from their places and search for family
and friends to present them with roses in appreciation for their love and support. They also left pink roses in a basket in the chair where teacher and Honor Society mentor Isabel McGuire would have sat. In a special tribute NHS President Megan Mahar announced that the HFCS National Honor Society would forever more wear green cords in her memory, along with the traditional gold ones. She then presented the basket of roses to Ms. McGuire’s family.
Once the tassels were switched the, in many cases, lavishly decorated caps were tossed in the air, and the Class of 2014 were officially High School graduates.
Hoosick Falls Awards And Scholarships
American Red Cross Scholarship – For outstanding service to the American Red Cross blood drive. – Mollie Henry and Mattie Whitman
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Army Reserve Scholar Athlete – Carsen Williams and Luis Weierbach
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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 DiFusco
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Tony Altobell Memorial Scholarship – 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 – Megan Mahar
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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 – Levi Brewster
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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 – Brooke Davendonis
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Bennington Elks Most Valuable Scholarship – Presented by Terri Burdick on behalf of the Hoosick and Bennington, VT combined Elks to Paige Graney, Zoey Haar, Katelyn Harrison, Mollie Henry, Lexi Hoag, Samatha Lancour, Hannah Lilac, Emily Schultz, Claire Seifert, Mattie Whitman and Carsen Williams
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Brooke Bakaitis Memorial Award – Presented by Anne and Bill 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, planning a career in the sciences – Brooke Davendonis and Holly Hastings
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2014 Blue Shield Scholar – given to a student pursuing studies in health or human sciences and representing BlueShield of Northeastern New York’s core values: teamwork, integrity, passion, personal responsibility, excellence, and respect – Megan Mahar
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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 – Reilly Holbritter
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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 –
Luis Weierbach
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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 – Brandon Hodges
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Capital Zone Physical Education Award – presented by Tom Husser and given to the senior male and female student for their commitment to their education and health. Criteria for attaining this award require a high level of physical performance, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, and service to the school and community – Zoey Haar and Eric Kaufmann
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Victoria M. Cicero Memorial Award – 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 – Lexi Hoag
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Class of 2014 Most Improved Student Award – Michaela Burdick
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H. Bradford Cole Music Prize. Presented by Robert Allen – given to the outstanding instrumental student – Katelyn Harrison
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Presented by Ambigay Yudkoff and given to the outstanding all-around musician – Malcom Kane
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Stephen Colvin Memorial Scholarship, presented by Cayla Colvin to Hannah Lilac and David Hardesty
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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 – Alexander LaBarge
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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 – Mattie Whitman
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Derby Club Community Prize – Awarded to the student who has made a most significant contribution in school-student activities – Carsen Williams
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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 – Zoey Haar
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Earth Club Recognition – given to members of Earth Club for their outstanding service – Hannah Fricke, Paige Graney, Mollie Henry, Hannah Lilac, Elise North-Kirkman, Dana O’Malley, Ryan Perkins and Claire Seifert
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Douglas J. Eighmey Memorial Award – Presented by Tom Husser 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 – Carsen Williams and Thomas Peabody
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Elmira College Key Award – given to a member of the Junior class last year in recognition of high scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and participation in extracurricular activities – Paige Graney
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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 – McKayla Hogan and Tyler Rondeau
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Margaret Frazier Scholar Athlete Award – Presented by Tom Husser and given by the HFCS Athletic Varsity Club to the Senior boy and girl who represent high qualities of both scholarship and athletic ability – Katelyn Harrison and Justin Lynch
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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 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 – Robert Marcoux, Thomas Peabody and Mattie Whitman
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Award in Memory of James Harrington – Given to a Senior boy who shows a passion for the game of football – Thomas Peabody
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James Harrington Memorial Scholarship – presented by Lester Goodermote Jr. 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 – Tyler Rondeau
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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 – Olivia Schneider
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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 – Levi Brewster
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Howard H. Haynes Kiwanis Scholarship – Presented by Wendy Larsen. 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 – Jing Yang
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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 – Ashley St. Onge
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Hoosick Armory, Youth Center & Community Coalition Community Service Award – What HAYC3 does, both in the Youth Center and Armory, and out in the community is what defines us. Working together with other sectors of the community like the schools, churches, businesses, service and volunteer organizations, law enforcement, local government agencies and others, we strive to provide programs and community-oriented initiatives while working to raise awareness of the importance of engaging with each other, as a community, to make the Hoosick area a place where people of all ages and walks of life feel a sene of belonging. – Zoey Haar
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HFCS Academic And Community Service Award – given to a student 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 – Lexi Hoag
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Hoosick Falls Teachers’ Association Awards – Presented by Ellie Danforth and given to a senior for his/her academic performance and/or artistic achievement – Hannah Fricke
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Two awards given to seniors who demonstrate outstanding courtesy and respect to both their teachers and their fellow students – Mollie Henry and Hannah Lilac
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An award given to a senior who have displayed meaningful scholarship and service to school and community – Katelyn Harrison
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An award given to a senior who exhibits free thinking and an independent spirit – Derek Bird
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Hoosick Federal Credit Union Award – Presented by James Martinez to the individual who approaches his 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 himself, his family and HFCS. This person exhibits a passion for hard work and a willingness to go above and beyond to help improve himself and those around him – Daniel Dalpe
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Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented to the outstanding student in auto mechanics – Edward Granger
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Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented to the outstanding student in business – Ashley St. Onge
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Hoosick Grange Prize – Presented by Robert Allen to the student who has shown excellence in music – Mattie Whitman
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W.L. Hutt Memorial Prize – Given to the student with the highest Regents exam average – Katelyn Harrison
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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 – Ashley St. Onge
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Jenkins PTA Award – given by the PTA to assist outstanding students in preparing for the teaching profession – Elise North-Kirkman
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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 – Drew Phillips
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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 – Mattie Whitman
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Kiwanis Good Citizen Award – Presented by Wendy Larson to two students that has been a good citizen at school and in the community – Tyler Brewer and Brandon Elwell
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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 – Levi Brewster and Mattie Whitman
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Daniel T. Koziol Memorial Scholarship – 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 – Mollie Henry
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Isabel McGuire Memorial Scholarship – presented by Leo McGuire, is awarded to students who have demonstrated great perseverance and determination in their studies of math while challenging themselves academically. These students exemplify Miss McGuire’s love of family, friends, community and learning and always end the day with a smile. Ashley St. Onge and Mollie Henry
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Stanley Marcus Humanitarian PTA Award – This award is given to honor a student that has displayed consistent leadership, volunteerism and character – Jing Yang
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NYS Academic Excellence Award – Given to the four students with the overall highest Regents average – Katelyn Harrison, Justin Lynch, Zoey Haar and Lydia Casavant
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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 – Claire Seifert
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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 – Dana O’Malley
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RPI Medal – Presented last year to the young man/woman in the Junior Class who is ranked in the top 10% of the class and has excelled in advanced math and science courses, and exhibits significant involvement in extracurricular activities – Katelyn Harrison
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Edith Craig Reynolds Scholarship – Given in memory of Edith Craig Reynolds – Katelyn Harrison, Mollie Henry and
Samantha Lancour
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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 are pursuing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum – Jing Yang and Justin Lynch
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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 – Levi Brewster
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Sage Colleges Award – Given to two students that have proven the characteristics of academic excellence and community service. – Mollie Henry and Emily Schultz
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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 – Justin Lynch and Zoey Haar
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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 – Mattie Whitman
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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 – Lydia Casavant
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The Society Of Mayflower Descendants In The State Of New York Educational Award – Presented by Ellie Danforth to two Seniors with a proficiency in the study of the history of the United States and understanding of the Constitution – Daniel Dalpe and Lydia Casavant
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Jeffrey M. Stratton Memorial Scholarship – A scholarship in memory of Jeffrey M. Stratton presented by Greggory Pirie and 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 – Levi Brewster
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Student Council Award – Hanna Fricke, Mollie Henry, Reilly Holbritter, Samantha Lancour, Hannah Lilac, Justin Lynch, Elise North-Kirkman, Dana O’Malley, Emily Schultz, Claire Seifert, Mattie Whitman and Jing Yang
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Student Council Scholarship – Given for service and dedication to the Student Council – Mollie Henry, Emily Schultz, Mattie Whitman and Jing Yang
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William D. Thomas Memorial Senior Honor Prize – Highest four-year average – Valedictorian Katelyn Harrison. Second highest four-year average – Salutatorian Zoey Haar
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Given On Behalf Of Thorpe’s Pharmacy – To a student showing excellence in character and citizenship – Hannah Fricke
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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 – Drew Phillips
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Town Of Hoosick Lions Club Harold Shapiro Memorial Award – Given to the outstanding female athlete of the graduating class – Carsen Williams
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Town Of Hoosick Republican Committee Prize – Presented by Joyce Brewer 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 – Tyler Rondeau
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Lancelee James Trimm Gift Fund – Presented by Melodee James with Wayne and 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 – Malcom Kane, Mattie Whitman and Paige Graney
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Triple C Award – Given in recognition of your tremendous Commitment to bettering 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 challenges ahead – Malcom Kane and Olivia Schneider
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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 – Zoey Haar
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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 – Megan Mahar
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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 – Mattie Whitman
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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 – Samantha Lancour
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Ethel Cipperly Sherin Memorial Award – given to a member of the Senior Class for excellence in Social Studies – Megan Mahar
– given to a member of the Senior class for excellence in Foreign Language study – Mattie Whitman
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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 – Lexie Hoag and Greggory Pirie
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Volunteer Service Award – and given to Seniors who have volunteered for any Rescue Squad or Fire Department – Brett Bacon, Hollyann Devereese, Allen Drescher, Edward Granger, Charles Hodge, Bradon Hodges, Cody Hunt, Eric Kaufmann, Shawn Livingston, Joshua Nixon and Logan Pecor
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Wells College Leadership Award – For recognition of outstanding contributions as a student and as a leader – Emily Schultz
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West Point Acceptance Recognition – Presented by Lt. Col. Trainor to Luis Weierbach, followed by the Academy Appoint ment from Congressman Chris Gibson, presented by Ann Muller
Top Scholars
Given to the top 10 ranked students of the Class of 2013 – Katelyn Harrison, Zoey Haar, Lydia Casavant, Megan Mahar, Justin Lynch, Samantha Lancour, Jing Yang, Mollie Henry, Mattie Whitman and Carsen Williams
Honor Awards
Given to students that have maintained a 90 or above average for the first three marking periods – Tyler Brewer, Levi Brewster, Lydia Casavant, Brooke Davendonis, Hannah Fricke, Paige Graney, Zoey Haar, Katelyn Harrison, Holly Hastings, Mollie Henry, Mackenzie Hinchliffe, Lexi Hoag, McKayla Hogan, Reilly Holbritter, Alexander LaBarge, Samantha Lancour, Hannah Lilac, Justin Lynch, Megan Mahar, Elise North-Kirkman, Marisa Passino, Drew Phillips, Emily Schultz, Ashley St. Onge, Benjamin Steadman, Luis Weierbach, Mattie Whitman, Carsen Williams and Jing Yang
Hoosick Falls Valedictory
So here it is.The moment very few of you other than my mother have been waiting for, the valedictorian speech. Feel free to applaud me…. Thanks.
My fellow Class of 2014 graduates. Over the last four years here at Hoosick Falls, we have learned a lot. Ms. McGuire taught us all sorts of math-y things like how to find derivatives and integrations of trigonometric functions and that the limit does not exist. Ms. Bilow, also know as Mrs. Huba, taught us that Atticus Finch is the single greatest hero from any piece of literature. And Mr. VanArsdale taught us that you can truly blow anything up so long a you set your mind to it.
And all of this knowledge will not doubt be valuable as we go forward in life. But I think that the most important thing that we have learned over the last four years is not just how, as a community, to hold one another up in times of tragedy and sadness, but also to build each other up in times of happiness and excitement.
Over the next few minutes, and yes I’ll keep it short, I’d like to talk about what we’ve learned, the people we have to thank, and the people we have to remember.
I asked some of my fellow classmates what THEY learned in high school and I got some interesting responses, many of which I cannot repeat in a family ceremony so I’ll just highlight a few. Levi Brewster claims that the single most important thing he ever learned in high school was to never ask Mrs. Dallemagne to show you her Irish accentÉ And I may have to agree with that one. Megan Mahar claims the most important thing she learned in high school was how to professionally yodel, or that you can in fact do a project or paper the night before it’s due and still get a better grade than anyone else. And Kellan Skott, who I am aware is an underclassman, but also one of the only ones to get back to me with a family friendly response, has so far learned how to text in discreet ways so as to not get caught. Personally, I would say the most important thing I learned is a little more serious. My years in high school have taught me one of the most valuable abilities, how to recover from sad times, and quite honestly, from some happy times as well.
Let me give you just a couple of examples of what I’m talking about. Following the deaths of a beloved friend and a well respected teacher this year, we stood strong, together. Who can forget the huge turnouts for both Steve’s and Ms. McGuire’s funerals? We must have exceeded the fire code on the number of people you can hold in one place because you couldn’t even breathe in there. The massive outpourings of love and support are what I am sure carried the families and the community through these tragic times. But who also remembers the countless football, and girls’ soccer games that were lightyears away from home, but people from both the school and community showed up to support our teams anyway? Or when Masterminds went to national in Washington DC, and my mom was our only fan besides our coach, Mr. Malikowski. Ah good times. So you can say Hoosick Fall definitely earned its rightful name as Title Town, USA. You can applaud now. Woo go us.
Personally, I will never forget the time I ate three lunches without throwing up or even feeling that nauseous. Oh, the memories.
Next, I’d like to take a moment on behalf of myself and my fellow graduates to thank a few of the people that have brought us here today, namely the teachers who have no qualms about taking bribes. Just kidding, Mrs. Vadney!
I’d like to thank Mrs. Hoag for waking me up every morning in algebra by kicking the can or doing her siren. I’d like to thank the band teacher, drama director, and pep band organizer, Mr. Allen for showing me that one person can do it all, but will risk his/her sanity in doing so. I’d like to thank Mrs. Brewer for packing delicious snacks for the Pep Band at every game. I’d like to thank my brother, Josh Harrison, for giving me an example to live by and a bar to try and surpass. My father, Bill Harrison, for bringing in all of the stuff I forgot at home and needed for school that day. AndÉ yeah, I think that’s it. Yup, definitely not forgetting anyoneÉ so on to the next bitÉ I’m just kidding, mom. I’d also like to thank my mother, Gina Harrison, for teaching me basic math in the seventh grade and giving me life and raising me and all that. But most importantly I’d like to thank her for teaching me that if I don’t call within 10 minutes of when I should be home, she will assume I am dead in a ditch somewhere or kidnapped and WILL send the entire town out looking for me. But I know that’s just because she cares and that is what I am truly grateful for, her undying love and support. Lastly, thank you to all the teachers and staff at Hoosick Falls Central School who helps me and my fellow classmates get to this point. You’re totally right Mrs. Danforth, the tassel IS worth the hassle. And because I no doubtedly forgot someone, thank you to everyone I have ever seen or talked to. There, I think that about covers it.
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to remember our classmates and teachers who are not with us today.
This past year has been a tough one for the community. We all miss our dear friend, Steve Colvin who passed away this past winter in a skiing accident. He was a wonderful brother, son and friend even to people he barely knew. We also miss our teacher Ms. McGuire. Ms. McGuire taught us some tough math and would do anything to get her students to learn, from watching Mean Girls to learn how “the limit does not exist,” to listening to Aretha Franklin’s song “Chain of Fools” so we never forgot the chain in the chain rule of derivatives. She was a role model for character and leadership and no one left her class unchanged for the better.
So now we’re high school graduates. And soon we’ll be saying goodbye and going our separate ways. There will be hugs and tears. We’ll do our best to stay in touch. But we’ll be living our lives and doing our best.
To wrap things up, I’d like to address my classmates of the Class of 2014 and anyone who is still listening at this point.
Life is too short for most of the crap you will face trying to live it, and telling you that the world is your oyster (or however the cliche saying goes) isn’t fair to you. You are smarter than that. You know that life has its ups and downs and all-arounds. Just like in high school, you will have your good days and your bad days. You will feel ecstatic, melancholy, bored, miraculous, spectacular, heartbroken, tired, super-tired, exhausted, happy and simply content. Nothing can stop you from feeling the full range of emotions, both great and terrible. Just try not to get too caught up in any one emotion or you may find yourself caught up in a nice padded room.
As a final though going forward, I’d like to leave you with a quote from the goddess that is Oprah Winfrey.
She said, “Sometimes you find out what you are supposed to be doing by doing the things you are not supposed to do.” And I think those are words to live by, so be adventurous Class of 2014, make mistakes, and learn some things….Thank you all.
Hoosick Falls Salutatory
Hi There, how are you all doing tonight? Good, good. My name is Zoey Haar and I’ll be your Salutatorian for the evening, or as my brother Max affectionately calls me, “first loser.”
A little bit about me: I’ a virgo, my favorite color is green, and I enjoy long walks on the beach. No but seriously, I came to Hoosick Falls in sixth grade from a very small montesorri-like school. Before my first day in Ms. Malossi’s class I had never had a locker, been quizzed, or even had grades to compare to anybody else’s. Social life was also drastically different, and although I found Ms. Malossi’s class more than welcoming, I sometimes spent some recess alone on the swings. *Awwww*
One of these days Ms. Malossi saw me alone and decided to intervene. She found another young girl in her class and asked her to go say hi to me. The girl grudgingly complied and came over to sit with me. Katelyn Harrison remains one of my best friends to this day. It didn’t take long for Katelyn and I to grow close. One day as we were sitting on the swings we discussed a test we had taken not long ago. The test had been administered the first week, a new experience for me, and when it was handed back there two 100’s in the class. One belonged to Katelyn Harrison, of course, and by a great stroke of beginner’s luck the other was mine, which is some freaky foreshadowing about how competitive we would become if you ask me, but that’s not my point. So we’re sitting on the swings and Katelyn says to me off-handedly, “I told my mom about you and that test.”
I had never met Katelyn’s mom, nor did I know much about her so all I could really say was, “Oh yeah?”
And Katelyn goes, “YeahÉ she says I should squash you like a bug.”
Thanks, Mrs. H. Now the point that I’m trying to make here is not that Katelyn is a terrifying person who you should all revere on the very good chance that she becomes an unstoppable dictator, even if that is the case. The point I’m trying to make is that this is not a story that could happy anywhere but Hoosick Falls.
Nowhere else would a teacher be so invested in the well-being of their students that they force one into a lasting friendship with another. Nowhere else would our friends be able to challenge us intellectually and in many other ways and have that competition and friendship be able to coexist.
Every year someone comes up and stands at this podium and talks about how special their class is and how it is not like the rest because it is especially academic or especially athletic or especially social. But what’s amazing about the Class of 2014 is that it is all of those things, and exceptionally so.
Academically, our class is stacked. We’re like that gym class where one of the captains is picking to win and the other captain is picking to have all their friends on their team, that kind of ridiculous accumulation of talent in one group.
Our Principal’s List, Honor Roll, and Merit Roll are always lengthy, and the people on them are hard workers; smart, independent-minded people who drive each other to do their best work without getting caught in the pettiness of competition.
Many of these high-ranking students are athletes too, and not just any athletes, top-notch athletes. Sitting before you today are state champions, league all, stars, Division I athletes, Division III athletes, and athletes who continuously give 110% to their sport.
And here’s the thing about these athletes and these honor roll kids, they’re all friends. There is no division between the jocks and the nerds, the band kids and the cool kids. I’m not saying we go to some fantasy High School Musical school where everyone loves each other and gets along fine and sometimes if we’re in the mood we break out into spontaneous song and danceÉ but there’s no rules for what you can and can’t be.
The Class of 2014 really is full of some truly wonderful, talented, diverse people. But we’re so much more that test scores to brag to the other schools about or plaques to hang on our walls. We are people who have lived through so much already in our young lives. We’ve lived in three decades and two centuries. We’re the last graduating class who remembers 9/11. We’ve survived a financial crisis, see the election of the first black president, been the beta group for children growing up with texting – sorry again about “LOL.”
We have experienced great successes – national rankings, Gold Medals, State Championships – and we have faced many hardships. We have lost people we loved, helped our friends while they suffered, and grieved ourselves.
We grew up in a world where lockdown drills were necessary because a school shooting is not an uncommon event. We watched helplessly as natural disasters killed thousands of people in far off places. We heard about the events of war every day before we understood what the numbers meant. The world we will walk out into has not proven to be a safe one, but we kept moving on with our lives, because we are strong.
Those of us who chose the path to college managed to be accepted, despite the fact that an average application now involves having good grades and test scores, multiple extra curricular activities, a sport, tons of community service hours and somehow on top of that, a job. For those who didn’t choose the college path those things were still expected! And yet to older generations we’re still seen as “lazy.” Weird, right?
But that’s the thing, Class of 2014. The world isn’t always going to come up to you and shake your hand and tell you what a great job you’ve been doing. If that was what it was like out there we wouldn’t all be so scared right now. But we have lived through so much, and had so many experiences that I have no doubt that we can handle it. We are prepared, whether we feel it or not, to go out into the world and not be swallowed up by it. I’m not saying it will be easy, but it’s going to be ok.
I want to thank you all for teaching me so much, for helping me grow into the kind of person who can stand in front of you today giving this speech and pretend she knows what she’s doing. Thank you to all the teachers who helped shape this class into the exceptional class that it is. Thank you to the administration for always trying to do what’s best for us, even when we didn’t see it that way. Thank you to the bus drivers, the janitors, and all the “behind the scenes” guys who we always took for granted. We know that it’s not your job to clean up after us, but we appreciate that you do it anyway. Thank you to my mom and dad for being the kind of awesome parents who deserve a graduation speech shout-out. And finally thank you to the smart, athletic, talented, well-rounded, and simply exceptional Class of 2014. There are so many people in this class who I am constantly amazed by, so it doesn’t seem right to name names. I know we’re all excited to get on with our lives and get out of here, but the high school memories we have now are the ones we’ll have forever, and I’m so grateful for everyone in mine. Thank you, Class of 2014, and congratulations.
Hoosick Falls Class of 2014 Where Are They Going?
Brett Bacon – Hudson Valley Community College
Paige Bailey – United States Navy
Derek Bird – Harding University
Claudia Bonnier – Employment
Tyler Brewer – Hudson Valley Community College
Levi Brewster – SUNY College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering
Briana Burden – Employment
Michaela Burdick – Recording Connections
Terrance Cain – Hudson Valley Community College
Lydia Casavant – Siena College
Zachary Case – Hudson Valley Community College
Anthony Chapones – Siena College
Troy Costantino – SUNY Cortland
Daniel Dalpe – SUNY Cortland
Taylor Danforth – Employment
Brooke Davendonis – SUNY Delhi
Hollyann Devereese – Army National Guard
Justin DiFusco – Employment
Morgan DiMaggio – Hudson Valley Community College
Allen Drescher – University of Northwestern Ohio
Brandon Elwell – Hudson Valley Community College
Bradley Foster – Hudson Valley Community College
Hannah Fricke – Hobart and William Smith College
Alyssa Giordano – Emmanuel College
Paige Graney – Nazareth College
Edward Granger – Hudson Valley Community College
Shelby Granger – Adirondack Community College
Zoey Haar – Minerva University
David Hardesty – Mount Ida College
Katelyn Harrison – Clarkson University
Holly Hastings – SUNY Delhi
Philip Hayden – Employment
Mollie Henry – Stony Brook University
Mackenzie Hinchliffe – Stony Brook University
Daniel Hoag – Hudson Valley Community College
Lexi Hoag – Hudson Valley Community College
Charles Hodge – United States Army
Brandon Hodges – Hudson Valley Community College
McKayla Hogan – College of Saint Rose
Reilly Holbritter – SUNY Albany
Emily Houghton – Keuka College
Cody Hunt – Employment
Malcom Kane – SUNY Potsdam
Eric Kaufmann – Hudson Valley Community College
Angel Kohls – Hudson Valley Community College
Alexander LaBarge – Alfred University
Samantha Lancour – St. Bonaventure University
Hannah Lilac – Mount Ida College
Shawn Livingston – Employment
Justin Lynch – SUNY College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering
Megan Mahar – Hobart and William Smith College
Kennedy Main – Hillsborough Community College
Robert Marcoux – Employment (United States Air Force 2015)
Michael Maroney – Hudson Valley Community College
Michael Matatt – Army National Guard (Endicott College Jan 2015)
Kyle McCune – Hudson Valley Community College
Christopher Mead – Hudson Valley Community College
Keenen Moriarty – Rochester Institute of Technology
Peter Muratorri Jr. – Hudson Valley Community College
Dillon Murphy – Hudson Valley Community College
Jala Murphy – Hudson Valley Community College
Joshua Nixon – Employment
Elise North-Kirkman – SUNY Oneonta
Cristian Andrés Muñoz Ochoa – Hudson Valley Community College
Dana O’Malley – St. Lawrence University
Marissa Passino – Siena College
Thomas Peabody – US Marine Reserves (Norwich U. Fall 2015)
Logan Pecor – Employment
Ryan Perkins – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Drew Phillips – Goucher College
Justin Pinsonneault – Employment
Greggory Pirie – Paul Smith’s College
Chey Amber Reynolds-Hunt – Employment
James Robinson Jr. – United States Air Force
Tyler Rondeau – Southern Vermont College
Olivia Schneider – Mount Ida College
Emily Schultz – SUNY Albany
Claire Seifert – Hartwick College
Daniel Sheldon – Hudson Valley Community College
Emily Slaton – Employment
Ashley St. Onge – Marist College
Benjamin Steadman – Undecided
Selena Torres – United States Navy
Gabriel Vince – Hudson Valley Community College
Krystine Wason – East Stroudsburg University
Luis Weierbach – West Point
Theodore Westervelt – Hudson Valley Community College
Mattie Whitman – Siena College
LaStacia Wilder – Castleton State College
Carson Williams – University of New Hampshire
Nichole Wysocki – Employment
Jing Yang – Albany College of Pharmacy
Hunter Yavaniski – Lincoln Technical Institute
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