Thank you, citizens of Rondout Valley

Dear Editor,

We recently traveled to New York to attend my grandson’s graduation; we weren’t expecting much pomp and circumstance because of the coronavirus.

However, after viewing a truly impressive virtual tribute, we headed to Ulster County Community College to join the parade caravan. As the graduates arrived, the excitement grew. From the time we departed the college, it became apparent that this was going to be much different than what we had expected.

The response from the entire community was amazing! It seemed like every citizen in the community turned out to extend their congratulations and good wishes. With only 147 graduates, there is no way that every one of them was related to or knew the graduates. They were there to ensure that even though the Class of 2020 had been deprived of their prom, class trip, “normal” graduation, and enjoyment of living dayto-day as a senior in their school, they would never forget this day.

As the parade progressed through the towns and hamlets, I was continuously impressed with the turnout, the signs, balloons, musical instruments, noisemakers, and enthusiasm. One fellow was even playing the bagpipes. Every emergency, fire, police, and ambulance siren that existed was wailing; it was exciting. Motorists who may have been inconvenienced by the caravan were waving and beeping their horns.

It was nice to see that despite all of the hate and divisiveness in the world today, there are a lot of truly wonderful people. Thank you, the citizens of Rondout Valley, for making the 2020 graduation of Rondout Valley High School truly awesome. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the efforts of principal Jessica Torok. Her leadership, and that of her staff and faculty, in truly uncharted waters was phenomenal.

Tony Abbruzzi Liberty, N.C.