GRADUATION DAY
Over 500 graduate from Saratoga Springs High School
Saratoga Springs High School graduated 502 seniors Friday morning at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
The school’s 145th Commencement included speeches from four students, the high school principal, an English teacher and the superintendent.
Grayson DeMarco, president of the Class of 2018, welcomed the graduates and their families, urging the graduating class to, “surround yourself with people that care about your day.”
In total, students will attend 151 different colleges throughout the United States and Canada. Thirty-five graduates will go directly into the workforce, and 10 students will join the military.
Salutatorian Brianna Dungate followed DeMarco, telling her peers she hopes her classmates become storytellers.
“I hope that we have stories worth sharing, experiences that inspire those around us and lessons learned that we may pass on to the people we love,” said Dungate.
DeMarco, Anna Kelly, Matthew Larkin, Jessica Kohn and Jessie House presented the class gifts, which included new filtered water fountains and money donations to future students to attend prom and the Snack Back Program.
Valedictorian Claire Aibel ended her speech by saying, “Class of 2018, I hope you always have a clear vision of what truly matters, and remember: reality by itself means noth-
“Surround yourself with people that care about your day.” — Grayson DeMarco, president of the Class of 2018
ing but perspective is everything. Thank you, and best of luck.”
Lynette Whaley, who served as interim principal this year, awarded prizes to selected students on stage. Before that, like she did to begin each day at the school, she offered a quote to students to end her speech. This time from Steve Jobs: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Matthew Jones provided the faculty address. Jones, who has taught at Saratoga Springs High School for 11 years, told his students, “It’s about people, and it’s about relationships.”
Matthew Myers, president of Student Council, offered the farewell address.
Michael Patton, superintendent of schools, awarded Yaddo Medals, explaining it’s the high school’s most prestigious award, having been handed out every year since 1912. It’s based off citizenship, scholarship and character. This year, Tess Turner and Matthew Larkin won the medals.