Schenevus Celebrates Class of 2017
Bright sun and cool breezes filled the gymnasium as Schenevus Central School celebrated its 79th annual commencement on Saturday, June 24.
The Class of 2017 entered the gym to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by the Concert Band. When the graduates were seated, students Kyle Darling ahd Chelsea Hunter led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the band accompanied the singing of the National Anthem.
Following a welcome from Superintendent Thomas Jennings, valedictorian Meghan Gallagher and salutatorian Tabatha Stedge delivered their remarks.
After drawing laughter from the crowd as she held up a small stuffed animal, which played music into her microphone, Tabatha Stedge reminded her fellow graduates that although their Schenevus Central School experience was coming to a close, their education would continue throughout their lives.
“Progress requires knowledge,” Stedge said. “Without a good work ethic, success isn’t possible.”
Stedge challenged the audience to take time each day to learn something new.
Valedictorian Meghan Gallagher opened her remarks by congratulating her classmates and exclaiming, "We finally made it.”
Gallagher spoke of life as a journey and an adventure — one that will continue as the graduates move into adulthood.
Gallagher, a three-season athlete, thanked families and community members for their unfailing support of the school.
“I can’t remember a single home game where the sidelines weren’t full of community members,” Gallagher said.
And Gallagher honored the teachers, staff members and administrators who have guided the Class of 2017 through its years at Schenevus.
Gallagher closed with words of encouragement for her fellow classmates.
“You are all capable of conquering your mountains, whatever they may be,” she said.
Superintendent Thomas Jennings then spoke about his search for wisdom and inspiration while preparing for the commencement program.
After touching on the words of Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and others, Jennings reflected on the things he has learned from his time with the Class of 2017.
Jennings spoke about the importance of family, hard work and passion, and finally, “the fallacy of independence.
“Each of you will become independent with no trouble at all,” Jennings said, reminding the graduates that the successes each has enjoyed have been the result of people working together.
Jennings and Principal Matthew Wendel then presented awards to the graduates, and Board of Education member Thomas Jory presented graduates with their diplomas.
Following the ceremony, graduates filed out into the bright, sunny day, and stood in a receiving line, where family, friends and staff shook hands, gave hugs and snapped photos. Tears mingled with smiles as the graduates bid goodbye to Schenevus Central School for the last time.