CHS Class of 2016 celebrates commencement
It was a hot, sunny day in Cazenovia last Saturday, June 25, as the Cazenovia High School Class of 2016 celebrated its commencement outdoors on the Cazenovia High School/Middle School bus loop lawn. Hundreds of family and friends of the graduating seniors, along with teachers and district staff, watched as the 109 candidates for graduation, dressed in blue robes, each holding a colorful Gerbera Daisy flower, received their awards, scholarships, general accolades and, of course, their high school diplomas.
“Congratulations to the Class of 2016 … You have achieved spectacularly and you are poised to accomplish great things,” said Superintendent Matt Reilly.
CHS Principal Eric Knuth, congratulated and lauded the graduates for their hard work and achievements, including their receipt of more than $1.5 million in scholarship opportunities and the completion of more than 9,500 hours of community service.
“You are products of a supportive community. Certainly this is a time for celebration, but also a time for gratitude,” Knuth said. “You are capable of anything you are willing to put in the work to accomplish.”
The High School Brass Ensemble played the “Pomp and Circumstance” processional and senior Emily Kielbasinski sang the National Anthem. Class valedictorian Ryan Haley offered the class greeting, after which he and class salutatorian Matthew Reeve received medals for their respective achievements of being the academic leaders of their class.
Class Speaker Paige Nardella reminisced on the Class of 2016’s journey during the past 12 years and the memories they have shared. “The simple things, I guarantee, are what you will miss most at Cazenovia,” she said. “We have prepared to conquer the next phase of our lives … I mean, with people like us, how could we lose?”
After the presentation of 77 awards and scholarships, the Cazenovia High School Chamber Choir performed the song, “I’ll Be There for You.”
CHS Vice Principal Susan T. Vickers gave the commencement address during which she offered the graduates five lessons to take with them as they strive to succeed in their lives:
1. Make your bed every morning and start the day off right.
2. Never be afraid to ask for help.
3. Nothing matters more than the will to succeed.
4. Understand that life is filled with challenges and you will fail often, but don’t be afraid of the challenges and setbacks.
5. If you want to change the world be a leader — one person can change the world.
Vickers urged the graduates to remember the lessons they have learned during their years in Cazenovia. “What starts here does indeed change the world,” Vickers said as she choked back tears. After 15 years in the district, Vickers will be leaving Cazenovia June 30 to take the position of superintendent at Hunter-Tannersville School District in Tannersville, N.Y.
