Six seniors are ready to close the book on high school as they graduate from Questar III’s Sackett Educational Center. The graduates were honored with a ceremony June 11th where they heard from Social Studies teacher Joel Bova, Principal Kimberly Rockenstyre, junior Callie Shackshober and several members of their own class.
Family and friends filled the gymnasium at Green Meadow Elementary School as the graduates processed in and took their seats on the stage.
Rockenstyre asked the graduates to reflect on the past year and all they experienced and learned. She reminded students that the motivation and focus they developed in high school will serve them in their continued success after high school. She challenged the seniors to “have no filters”, a reference to popular photo sharing apps in which users add filters to change the look of their photos, but instead to be themselves, and not hide behind “filters” that can hide potential.
“All of you have endless potential and should remember that opportunities await you, and while there will be some challenges that require reflection and perseverance to push forward, keeping a positive mindset, practicing coping skills, and being yourself, having no filters in front of you to hide behind, will support life-long success,” Rockenstyre said.
For Averill Park senior Brandon Banker, persistence has been a key to his success in high school.
“I’ve been told in the past that I would not graduate. But one of the greatest pleasures in my life is doing what people tell me I can’t do. Sorry Ma,” Banker said with a grin.
Lansingburgh senior Brianna Cancilla used an original poem in her remarks, one which echoed the theme of persistence and personal drive to achieve success.
“One step forward
Two steps back.
I know you can win this fight.
From this day forward it’s up to you
To deal with things that come out of the blue.
One step forward
Two steps back.
To follow your dreams,
Make sure to stay on track.”
Congratulations to the class of 2015!
