On the evening of June 26, East Syracuse Minoa graduated nearly 250 students in the class of 2015 at the OCC SRC Arena.
Valedictorian of the class of 2015 was Juliette Miller, who gave inspiration to her fellow graduating classmates for the future.
“Don’t tell yourself that you’re not smart enough or strong enough. If you push yourself, you will cross that finish line,” said Miller. “So here we are, about to finish a long race that started when our parents waved good-bye to us as we climbed onto the school bus as kindergartners. You will have many more races to run, so just remember: keep running toward the finish line, no matter what.”
Salutatorian Ryannon Starkey gave a speech to her fellow classmates, using song lyrics from singer-songwriter Beyonce as inspiration, saying, “After four years at East Syracuse Minoa High School, I am proud to say that as a class, we have accomplished so much.”
ESM Superintendent Donna DeSiato gave some advice to the class of 2015 as they go onto forming their careers past high school.
“Class of 2015, you are the idea generation. You are filled with wonderful ideas that will improve the way we do things. Ideas that will help us to understand, value and appreciate the talents of others, ideas that will strengthen our community, ideas that will challenge us, inspire us and change the world in making it a better place to live,” said DeSiato. “As you plan for your future continue to cultivate your ideas. Continue to learn, listen and lead and to make a difference by contributing to and shaping the world you desire to live in. You are a beacon of light shining brightly into the future.”
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
