The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
GRADS LOOK TOWARD A BRIGHT FUTURE
ONEIDA, N.Y. » For the 133rd time, the Oneida City School District bid farewell to its best and brightest.
Family, educators, friends, and the community joined together underneath the Saturday sunshine to celebrate the Class of 2017 as some 130 seniors earned their high school diplomas.
Of the 130 graduates, 34 graduated with the gold cord signifying induction into the National Honor Society, five walked with a white and purple tassel cord signifying their induction into the National Technical Honor Society, six received their diploma donning the multi-col- ored cord of the National Art Honor Society, three graduates have committed to the United States Marine Corps, two graduates will join the United States Air Force, and one graduate will join the ranks of the United States Navy.
“We are forever indebted for your encouragement, support, advice, and mentorship over these past four years,” Class of 2017 Valedictorian Dylan Ratnarajah said to the gathered crowd, before reflecting on the Class of 2017’s achievements. “As a class, we’ve striven to put our city and school on the map. We had 15 sports teams qualify for sectionals this year. For the first time ever in our school’s history, we won sectionals for baseball. We put on the best musical in Cen-
tral New York. Our Science Olympiad, FBLA, and Technology Clubs all brought home numerous medals. We put on a fantastic art show display of our peers’ work -some of the best in our area. We had a highly decorated wind ensemble, jazz band, chamber choir and concert choir. And, most importantly, we honored the late Ron Fargo, who touched all of our lives in some way.”
And as the 130 Oneida seniors contemplate the next steps in their lives, they do so armed with the advice of two of their peers: Ratnarajah and Salutatorian Kevin Spooner.
“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune,” Ratnarajah said. “But, if you truly want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”
To Ratnarajah, altruism is one of themost important attributes a person can have in life.
“Build giving around your passions in life. It’s not about how much you give, but instead how much love you put into giving,” he said.
For Spooner, failure is not something the Class of 2017 should fear; rather, it is a useful tool in becoming a better person.
“We all will fail,” Spooner warned. “It is just a part of growing up, progress- ing through life and taking risks.”
Citing a quote by Chris Hardwick, Spooner said, “No human ever became interesting by not failing. The more you fail and recover and improve, the better you are as a person. Ever meet someone who’s always had everything work out for them with zero struggle? They usually have the depth of a puddle. Or, they don’t exist.”
Oneida High School Principal Brian Gallagher addressed his seniors one final time on Saturday, leaving them with heartfelt advice he acquired throughout his career in education, as a student and an educator.
“You will always cherish the people who have helped you in Oneida. I know you all realize that and the journey that you have just completed was more than just grades. It was about building relationships throughout your education. I have witnessed this class achieve great things andit is a credit to you and all the guides that have been by your side pushing you to greatness,” he said. “Graduates, my wish for all of you is that your remember those who have helped you and cherish it, but also, be the light that inspires others to do great things.”
In keeping with tradition, the OHS seniors selected a staff member to speak during their commencement ceremony. This year, Business teacher Laura Reff, an educator of 27, imparted her wisdom on the Class of 2017.
“Life is not about the balance in your checkbook, it’s about the balance in your life,” Reff said. “It’s great to plan your future, just don’t live there.
“You can Google for an answer. You can Google for amate. You can Google for a career. But you can’t Google to find what’s in your heart, the passion that lifts you upwards. Life will happen to you, whether you try to guide it or not, so youmight as well try to influence the outcome.”
With tassels now on the left side of 130 graduation caps, the Class of 2017 now looks to the future and the next adventure with final pieces of advice from its Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
“Always remember that you never know the value of amoment until it becomes a memory. Look back at these four years. Love them, hate them, learn from them, but don’t let them be the best four years of your life,” Ratnarajah said.
“Your own personal aspirations and dreams for the future can only be determined by you now. You are stepping away from dependence and moving towards a life of independence,” Spooner said. “So, your future is in your hands now Class of 2017. Go out into the world, take risks, accept defeat, and continue to get back up and strive for the greatness you have inside. I believe in each and every one of you, and I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.”