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August 23
2010
29 Students
Graduate from Sch'dy High School Monday Morning
More than 100 guests attend Summer School Class of 2010 Ceremony
 The
Schenectady High School Class of 2010 expanded by 29 students
Monday morning. More than 100 family members, friends and
teachers filled the Black Box Theatre at Schenectady High School
for the Summer School Class of 2010 Commencement Ceremony.
The ceremony,
similar to that of June graduation, began with a processional to
"Pomp and Circumstance." Every student, dressed in cap and
gown, proudly walked through the doors of the Black Box Theatre
and across the room before their family and friends to a special
section where they sat together. Many smiled back at
their supporters who were waving and snapping photos.
 Superintendent
John Yagielski, school board president Cathy Lewis, board
members Gary Farkas and Lisa Russo, summer school principal
Matthew Mortier, many district administrators including
assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction Matthew
Weinheimer and Schenectady High School house principals,
guidance counselors and teachers were on hand to congratulate
the graduates on this special day.
 "It's
my first graduation as school board president," said Lewis, when
she addressed the class. "This is cause for celebration.
You've worked hard for this and spent most of your summer in the
classroom working on the requirements to graduate."
In order to
fulfill any unmet graduation requirements, the students
attended summer school beginning July 6 through last week when
they took Regents exams on August 16 and 17.
"You should be
proud," Lewis told the group. "Your diploma opens doors
that would have remained close before." Lewis encouraged
the students to be lifelong learners.
 The
board president also told the students that the board of
education would like to know about their experiences about what
was good, not so good, helpful and not so helpful. "We
welcome you to tell us how we did," said Lewis.
"When someone
asks you where you went to school, we want you to be proud to
say Schenectady High School," said Lewis.
Gregory Fields,
associate superintendent of Schenectady High School told the
students they should feel proud.
 Fields
read an excerpt of the commencement address delivered by
President Barack Obama to the Kalamazoo Central High School
Class of
2010 in June.
"Your success
in life won't be determined just by what's given to you," Obama
said in his address. "Or what happens to you, but by what you do
with all of that -- by how hard you try, how far you push
yourself, how high you're willing to reach. Because true
excellence comes only through perseverance."
"You are our
success story," Fields told the students. "Always strive
to be leaders in all that you do."
Anthony Farina,
assistant principal of summer school reminded the students that
they do have support. "Look around," he said.
"Everyone in this room cares about you. You did the work
but we were there to support you."
After the
students were presented with diplomas, they along with their
families and friends, attended a reception in the school lobby.
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