READY FOR NEXT CHAPTER
Rensselaer Senior High School celebrates class of 2022 graduates
RENSSELAER, N.Y. » Rensselaer High School celebrated the graduating class of 2022 at its commencement on Thursday evening. In total, 58 students were part of the school’s 124th annual commencement exercises, held inside the auditorium.
Both Superintendent Joseph Kardash and Principal Dominick Pitaniello expressed sentiments of pride and joy when talking about the graduates, noting that the class of 2022 had overcome a lot of obstacles to reach graduation day.
“They’ve been through a lot, and I’d like to think that because of everything they’ve been through, these kids are the best prepared for the adversities of life,” Kardash commented. He also noted that it was “very nice to be able to get back to normal” with a traditional graduation ceremony held inside the school, instead of the outdoor drive-through ceremonies held the previous two years because of the pandemic.
“I think the graduates are tremendous,” agreed Pitaniello. “They’ve overcome and come out on the good end of things. I think their perseverance is going to help them out a lot.”
With cheering families and friends packed into the auditorium, the graduates sat on the stage for the ceremony. In keeping with a long-standing school tradition, the first recognition to go out was to the students’ parents. After that, the graduates listened to words of wisdom and advice from the evening’s speakers, from classmates to school faculty.
“Stay involved with organizations and your friends,” advised Pitaniello. “You’ve dealt with isolation and come back strong.”
Kardash described the school year as “a year of unprecedented challenges and lost opportunities,” but instructed the graduates to make lemonade out of the lemons they’d been handed.
“Let’s turn that and use that,” Kardash said. “What will we get
out of that?”
Talking about the futures ahead of the graduates, full of uncertainties and adversity, Kardash told them, “you’re ready. Go make those moments, and then come back to the people who supported you and tell them your stories. Tell them about your success. Nothing warms an educator’s or a parent’s heart than to hear about their students’ successes.”
Jamieson Caywood, who delivered the senior address, spoke of facing the future bravely.
“The world is so much bigger than this small town, and it’s time to get out there and explore it,” he said to his classmates. “Go out and don’t be afraid. We have a lot to learn, but that’s okay because that’s what being 18 is all about. This is just the beginning, only the first chapter, so never stop learning.”
Guest speaker Will DeRuve, who has a storied career as a photographer, advertiser, and travel magazine writer, and also has been part of Rensselaer High School’s faculty since 2001, told the graduates to look forward to opportunities after high school.
“There’s no roadmap and anything is possible,” he advised. “Take chances and try new things. You get to write your own story, and there’s no script. What do you want to be said about you 50 years from now?”
DeRuve also encouraged the graduates to not be afraid of failure.
“Challenges and failures are what make you grow and learn,” he said. “Enjoy what’s ahead.”
After the presentation of awards and recognitions, the graduates received their diplomas. As each crossed the stage, there was a brief pause partway through to remember and honor Alexis Dominowski, who passed away last year. Her sisters crossed the stage and accepted her diploma while classmate Sierra Riley gave a heartfelt speech in her memory.
After all the diplomas were given out, Aung Thu addressed his classmates with a farewell speech.
“Focus on yourselves,” he said to the graduates. “As you leave this small pond, don’t be discouraged by the bigger fish. Each and every one of you has the capability for success.”
Pitaniello echoed that idea in his closing remarks.
“Ahead lies many opportunities,” he said to the graduates. “I hope you take advantage of them. Congratulations, class of 2022, and best of luck.”