Over 200 Graduates Recognized at Beacon H.S.

FISHKILL – Kishaun Bell is flooded with memories when asked what he will most remember about his four year experience at Beacon High School. He’s hard pressed to simply select one.
“The prom was really memorable, but also I wont forget the teachers, such as Mr. Riley, who was always there to help me and could really relate to the students, as well as Ms. Pomarico, who was laid back and a lot of fun,” reflected Bell. “I’ll also remember football as well as all of my teammates; the bond we had will last a lifetime, and I will never forget them.”

Bell, a standout wide receiver for the Bulldogs, will be taking his gridiron skills to the University of Albany on a partial scholarship in the fall. He was joined by 220 of his classmates Saturday morning at Dutchess Stadium, where he received his diploma amongst a picture perfect morning backdrop.

“We could not have asked for more beautiful weather,” Dr. Joannes Sleverding, Principal, welcomed in the crowd, moving on to speak about success, and how it defined this particular Class of 2016. “Successful people maintain a positive focus, centering upon success rather than failures.”

The successes of this year’s Class were clearly delineated by Dr. Sleverding. They included; more students applying for and receiving scholarships than any other year, movie nights supporting veterans, blood drives, food pantry donations, and one particular student, Rayvon Grey,who shattered the long-standing New York State Public High School Long Jump Record, set years back by the famous Olympian Bob Beamon.

Grey, unable to attend Saturday’s graduation due to his participation in the Junior Nationals, held in California, the day prior, was there in spirit, as Sleverding pointed to his strength of character and determination to clearly set, arduously work toward, and unforgettably fulfill his record-breaking goal at all costs.

That same strength of character could be found in this year’s Operation Recognition segment of the program. A defining part of Beacon’s commencement for the last several years, it presents a fully credited diploma to qualifying veterans. This year’s gesture was extra special, as the grandson of the recipient, Donald Francis DeChent of the United States Navy, was a part of the BHS Class of 2016. Michael DeChent-Robertin, who was set to receive his high school diploma later on in the Commencement, proudly accepted another diploma, posthumously honoring his grandfather.

The concept of success alluded to by Sleverding was echoed throughout the words of this year’s Valedictorian, Rachel Ng.

“Opportunities must be seized; it’s human nature to be afraid of change, but we should sometimes seek out things that might not work,” affirmed Ng. “We need to embrace change, stress even, because ‘what if’ is not an option, only doing is.”

Another student speaker, Abby Antalek, Class President, put a unique twist on the day’s milestine event, equating it to a funeral, a happy one.

“Today is our Irish funeral; we are all coming together, and not for a time to be sad, but one to appreciate all the good times to be had,” said Antalek. “Right here, right now, is a celebration; every moment you have in life is special; so appreciate each and every one of them cause the memories last forever.”

Memories….just like the BHS ones Bell, along with his 220 classmates, will carry with them for many years to come.