Congratulations Class of 2009

Graduates pose for a picture during the 58th annual commencement ceremony on June 26.

July 8, 2009—Family, friends, faculty and staff packed the Duanesburg High School gym on Friday, June 26, as 80 students representing the Class of 2009 walked across the stage to accept their diplomas.

The 58th annual commencement ceremony was filled with music, laughter, tears of joy and words of wisdom.

Senior Class President Lauren McGarry provided the welcoming remarks while John David Iseman, Jenna Kulikoff, Keri McDaniel, James Murphy, Justin Perog, Erica Remling, Theodore Savoy, Elizabeth Smith, Kendra Smith and Katherine Yawarski, who are long-standing members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Throughout the evening, the Select Choir, under the direction of music teacher Mira Ordon, performed “Pomp and Circumstance,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “My Life,” and “Parting Blessing.”

Speaking to his classmates during the valedictory, Richard Kennedy said they were fortunate to be part of such a small school district.

“Regardless of whether we realized it or not, this unique sense of community we share at Duanesburg has instilled in us the ability to work together and accomplish our goals.”

“As we venture into a world of limitless opportunities, don’t forget that feeling of community. Be willing to lend a hand to somebody in need, and make friends with those around you because you never know what they might help you accomplish.”

The title of valedictorian is just one of several honors that Kennedy has received throughout his years at Duanesburg High School. He also earned the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal, Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, National Merit Letter of Commendation and the Western Athletic Conference First Team All-Star Award for his participation in varsity golf and baseball.

He is a longstanding member of the 95 and above club, Leo Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and Masterminds.

This fall, Kennedy plans to major in applied math and/or engineering at the University at Buffalo Honors College, where he will receive a full scholarship.

In her salutatory, Colleen Holroyd discussed the freedom she and her peers will encounter after graduation and encouraged them to set their own goals and never give up.

“Since we lose structure when we graduate, we must learn to create our own guidelines. This is a recipe for success in any field.”

Holroyd earned the honor of salutatorian for her academic achievement, but she was also involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. She served as co-editor of the school’s literary magazine, starred in school plays, participated in the highest level of NYSSMA and earned the top score in Duanesburg’s Masterminds competition. She was also a member of the district’s 95 and above club.

She plans to continue her studies in French and music this fall at the University of Rochester.

In closing, Principal Beth DeLuke presented students with more than $13,000 in scholarship awards, while Superintendent Christine Crowley and outgoing Board of Education President Raymond Hawes presented students with their diplomas.

Congratulations graduates and best wishes for the future!