Sullivan West graduation: an historic first

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY—In a ceremony that will be remembered for its historical significance, the Class of 2004 became the first class to graduate from Sullivan West’s new high school and the first graduating class of the totally merged district. Last year Sullivan West seniors graduated from the Jeffersonville and Delaware Valley campuses.

This year’s graduation was marked by poignant moments including the farewell remarks of outgoing superintendent Michael Johndrow and a tearful remembrance of Anastacia Martins who was to have graduated this June but was killed in a car accident this past winter.

Six student speakers, including Sarah Kate Wagner, Lesley Bright, John Theadore, Fern Langham, Bryan Sandler and Ashley Relyea, shared memories of life in the newly merged district, reflections on their past years in the component districts of Narrowsburg, Delaware Valley and Jeff-Youngsville, and their visions for the future.

Following a stirring a cappella rendition of the national anthem by Cassandra Valentin, Johndrow referred to the graduation as, “A day I have anticipated for five years.”

Student speaker Wagner spoke fondly of this special part of the county. “I love this place,” she said.” She urged her classmates to “appreciate nature, create new memories, treasure parents and friends and to take care of the children.”

Bright defined success as measured by one’s effect on others, taking pride in oneself and the capacity to embrace life. “Live your life everyday and take life one day at a time,” she counseled.

Theadore noted that his class was the 33rd to have teacher Ron Bauer for history. On a more serious note, he compared the coming emergence into the larger world to eagles that begin their existence as dependent eaglets but eventually learn to soar on their own.

Langham said, “Life here has been a series of challenges and adventures.” She characterized the merger as “a chance for us to form new friendships and take advantage of our diversity.”

Sandler noted that he had doubled or tripled the number of friends he had made and lauded the efforts of the Bulldogs’ athletic teams.

Finally, Relyea summed up life as a race of sprinters, distance runners and non-runners. “Sprinters race to get finished quickly. Distance runners are goal-oriented and methodical and non-runners walk through life living for the moment. To be successful in the race of life, embody the best qualities of each,” she advised.

High school principal Margaret Tenbus marked the class achievements. “The Class of 2004 will represent Sullivan West with distinction. Earning more than a million dollars in scholarships, piling up 130 advanced placement credits and creating a legacy in athletics were achievements she honored.

Two powerful moments involved the honoring the memory of Anastacia Martins. Amanda talked about how her sister dreamed of a career in the medical field. She presented scholarships to John Gorzynski and Ashley Relyea, who are pursuing careers related to medicine. Anastacia’s diploma was then presented to her mother, Latricia, who accepted it along with daughters, Amanda and Anatalia, as the class stood and applauded.

Following the presentation of diplomas by Tenbus, Johndrow and board president William Erdman, the class officers presented a gift of a “Welcome to Sullivan West” engraving that will adorn the entrance to the school.