The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Hopes and dreams for the Class of 2017
CANASTOTA, N.Y. » A positive mindset. Perseverance. Hope. And above all, cherishing those you love.
These were the sentiments the Class of 2017 took with them as they shifted their tassels to the left and strode out into the world as the 136th graduating class of Canastota High School on Satur- day.
“We are family,” said Valedictorian Dominique Cesario. “We are family because like the people sitting here in the chairs and bleachers, we’ve been together through each important moment.”
“The things that will impact us most will be the life lessons we’ve learned,” she said. “Even though we’d like to think of ourselves as adults, we’re still people who need guidance and advice, and we still can’t do it alone. We shouldn’t feel like we have to. This Raider family has embraced us and prepared us for what the real world encompasses.”
Quoting from the song “For Good” from the musical “Wicked,” Salutatorian Deanna Carlone said, “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something wemust learn and we are glad to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and if we help them in
return.”
The song is about the give and take between people and how “they will forever be a mark on our hearts,” she said. “It’s saying thank you to everyone we cross paths with. Aswe start these next chapters, I find it important to keep these meaningful people in our lives and mind. Do not ever stop thanking and appreciating those who have been such a huge part of who you are, but also knowthat it’s up to you to choose what youwant to do, how you want to approach it, and then you yourself have to perform at your highest capabilities.”
As the last graduating class who was born in the 20th century, high school principal Jay Altobello said he looked out at the Class of 2017 and saw entrepreneurs, scientists, doctors, soldiers, teachers and more.
“I think these things because I have faith you will work and hard pursue your dreams,” he said. “If we can learn to control our mind set, we can control our destiny.”
He encouraged the graduates to always look at the positive, to see the light beyond the dark andmake the most of a bad situation.
“You’re about to embark on the biggest change of your lives,” he said. “Today is a new day that’s been handed to you for shaping.
“I know that you have what it takes to be successful,” said school board president Martha Berry. “But remember that you can’t do it alone.”
“You are here today because you rose to the challenge every time,” said Superintendent June Clarke. “You cleared the bar. This moment occurs once in a lifetime. Cherish this moment.”
She counseled the graduates to be intentional in their choices, to be prepared for what the future brings, to live their lives with purpose, follow their passions and persevere.
“May your days find hap- piness,” she said. “May you love and be loved.”
“We came to high school as children, but we leave here as adults,” said senior class president John Sadowski. “No matter what we do or where we go, therewill be challenges. The future is truly in our hands.”
He said his fellow classmate’s achievements are the accomplishments of the whole world, and encouraged them to follow their destiny.
“Fear will destroy all that we can accomplish in life,” he said. “Push it away. Destiny is not a matter of chance. It’s a matter of choice.”
“Never forget the foundation that CHS has built for you, because your future will be resting upon it. This is just the beginning of a life filled with somany opportunities and adventures,” Cesario said. “It’s been a pleasure to adventure through elementary, junior and high school with my Raider family. Wemay not all like each other, but in the end, like any family, we all love each other.”
“We all have had many different paths, obstacles and achievements in our time here at CHS, and in the end this whole experience has made me who I am,” Carlone said.