District News

Congratulations to the Class of 2011

 

June, 2011

 

The 72 members of the Class of 2011 joined the ranks of the 132 preceding classes as graduates of Canajoharie High School during the school's 133rd Commencement held Friday, June 24 in the Arkell Performing Arts Center.

Wearing the traditional Canajoharie Black & Gold, the graduates filed into the Arkell Performing Arts Center to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the Jazz Ensemble.

Following the Star Spangled Banner, Senior Class President Julie Euler reflected on her experiences at Canajoharie High School. She talked about how graduation is a declaration of their commitment and effort, and a time to look fondly upon memories made over the past years.

“It is not only our turn to graduate but also our turn to assume full responsibility for the direction our lives will take. From this day forward, our lives are our own,” she said.

Superintendent Richard Rose then welcomed students, parents, and grandparents to the memorable evening. He recognized the success of the girl’s basketball and track teams and presented an award to Jessica Herringshaw for having perfect attendance since kindergarten.

He also shared a story about 19th century tightrope walker, The Great Blondin, who in 1860 dared a man to get into a wheelbarrow as he pushed it over a tightrope.

“I hope you can swallow your fear and jump in the wheelbarrow,” Mr. Rose said.

After his speech, Salutatorian Kelsey Aldi took the podium to deliver the salutatory address. She shared some personal stories about her time in Canajoharie and said all of her classmates are probably feeling some type of emotion, be it excitement or possibly sadness.

“Today is a big day and we all have different emotions regarding it, but something every graduate should feel is pride. Everyone should be proud of where you are today, sitting on stage, and to have accomplished such a big step in life,” she said. “Not everyone makes it to where we are, so be proud of your success. Lastly, we are all thankful for being here and for having the people in our lives to help us get here.

Valedictorian Genevieve Trahan followed with her speech. She said graduation marks the end of having decisions made for them, and the beginning of new lives, with many new responsibilities, choices, and decisions to be made.

“In the manner of a building contractor, Canajoharie School has dug and laid firm foundations for all of us, and has given to each person the materials and tools with which to build his or her own house,” she said. “What we do with those materials and what sort of houses we build is now our responsibility.”

Board President John DeValve presented diplomas and congratulated each student to a background of cheers from the student's supporters.

At the end of the ceremony, the Class of 2011 moved their tassels from right to left signifying graduation, which elicited loud cheers from the audience. The stage then erupted in a shower of noise-makers and silly string as the new graduates burst into celebration before leaving the stage.

Class of 2011 List

Kelsey Suzanne Kim Aldi, Christopher Adam Antis, William Barker. Jr., Tara E. Baxter, Peter Allen Briele, Nathan McKeever Brody, Emma Connie Brown, Brittany N. Buccolo, Katherine Mary Cole, Shelby Ann Colegrove, Robert M. Cool, Kristopher Del Ra, Katharina E. Diem, Hailey Amber Dillenbeck, Lindsey Marie Dolin, Tyler G. Donovan, Michael A. Escobar, Julie Nicole Euler, Nicole Gail Fowler, Zachary Frederick Franchi, Kurt Fridenberger, Kelly Evelyn Gallagher, Victoria Annarose Glasser, Joshua Aaron Green, Michael Hammond, Jessica Lynn Herringshaw, Pierce Geoffrey Hohenstein, Jessica M. Hojohn, Brandon Joseph Johnson, Grant Lawrence Jones, Creighton Frederick Joscelyn IV, Lance Keller, Sacha Ann Kuntzsch, Jessica Ann Lape, Emilie Ann Liddle, Karina Naomi McClelland, Joseph Alan McGrath, Melody Cheyenne Mead, Ashley Lynn Mitchell, Caitlyn Elizabeth Mosher, Justin R. Nightingale, Veronica Noel O'Brien, Jessica Marie Osgood, CJ Renzi, Richard William Riley, Joselyn Rodriguez, Darren Allan Ruszkowski, Jenna Maureen Ruszkowski, Christie A. Sanders, James Nathian Schnettler, Peter Richard Schwab, Shauna Marie Sebastian, Matthew Richard Shannon, Constance Shefczuk, MaryBeth Caitlyn Shults, Nathan C. Sitterly, Matthew John Snyder, Cora Lynn Soodsma, Chelsea Lyn Stanley, Jordan Zachary Suits, Mackenzie Campbell-Sullivan, Scott Paul Summers, Timothy Paul Summers, Genevieve Rose Trahan, Kimberly Anne Ulman, Kyle John Van Valkenburgh, Andrew A. Vroman, Kelsey Marie Waffle, Nicole Lyn Warner, Elizabeth M. Wheeler, Cassie Lynn White, Zachary Paul Wilder, Michael Wilson, and Mei Yamagishi.