ELDRED, NY — A warm, beautiful day was the perfect setting to send off Eldred’s 2016 graduating class last Saturday. As the graduates began to pour out of the front entrance of the building, parents, teachers and community members proudly cheered the 52 students for their accomplishments. The ceremony lasted around 90 minutes and included many diverse speakers.

Introducing the audience to the graduation, Dylan Storms, the class salutatorian, gave a short speech congratulating the seniors on their success. After Superintendent of Schools Robert Dufour spoke, Principal Scott Krebs introduced science teacher Thomas Vorstadt (who earlier in the year won Eldred’s Outstanding Educator of 2016 award) to induct this year’s Eldred Hall of Fame Nomination, Charley Donnelly. Donnelly has been an educator, coach and a strong leader and mentor to the students and his fellow colleagues throughout his years at Eldred.

Following the induction, Jessica Cherry, who graduated Eldred in 2005, came back to this year’s graduation to speak to the graduates and families. Cherry, who went on to study political science, talked about how it is OK to make mistakes and that everyone must realize that they never have it “figured out.” Then valedictorian Jackson McGrail gave his student address. Although McGrail’s speech was very humorous, it was also humble and heartwarming at times. He spoke about what he—and the graduating class—has learned throughout the last four years of high school, referenced many events that the class has participated in together, and gave the graduates mixed feelings after leaving them with the thought that this may be the last time they will ever see each other again. Afterwards, he thanked many of the people who inspired him—teachers, friends, family—and explained how each and every one of them had helped him along his journey.

Ending the speeches, Principal Scott Krebs announced the scholarship awards, which ranged from $75 to $108,000. Along with these scholarships, the office of New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabenic, the office of New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and New York State Sen. John Bonacic also gave the graduating seniors Certificates of Merit. Other awards were also given out to seniors Sebastian Barbarite, Charles Clouse, Alexander D’Angelo, Julia Keherley, Griffin Major, Melissa McMonagle, Maximilian Negulici, David Powers and Christopher Weber from band director Brian Nivison for their success this year in receiving a gold medal in New York State School Music Association.

Once all of the awards were handed out, history and English teacher Joshua Glantz called up the members of the senior class to receive their diplomas, which were handed out by Board of Education President Douglas Reiser. Finally, once finished, the graduates were instructed to move their tassels, and were officially declared graduates. After the barrage of hats finally touched the ground, the newly declared alumni left the stage to take pictures with family and friends, talk to teachers and socialize. Congratulations to the class of 2016 and their families.

[Griffin Major was one of the graduating Eldred seniors at the Saturday ceremony.]