POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie City School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Farrell had just two words for the graduates seated before her on the athletic field at Poughkeepsie High School Friday night – do good!
Farrell told the Class of 2018 that today they would be receiving plenty of advice. It may include, “go to college; buy a car; go to work; move to California; stay here in Poughkeepsie.
“My advice is simple,” Farrell said. “Do good! Everyday remember those, all of those, who have supported you. Everyday remember the kindness you were shown. And everyday reach out to another and extend that good.”
She even offered examples of how to do those good deeds, including reading to a younger student, spending time with grandparents or helping family around the house.
“Be sure to say thank you and please. Be kind, be thoughtful, do good everyday. You are Poughkeepsie and Poughkeepsie does it right,” Farrell stated.
Poughkeepsie High School Acting Principal Ronald Jackson also offered advice and words of encouragement to the graduates.
“When your named is called today, you will continue to write your story as skilled, talented young people that you are.” Jackson called Friday’s celebration, “the beginning of a bright future for your tomorrow and all days ahead.” He reminded students that they will represent their families, school, and community very well, because they are Poughkeepsie High School graduates.
Dr. Felicia Watson, President of the Board of Education, recalled how some 30 years ago she sat where the graduates are today.
Watson assured the 133 Poughkeepsie High School graduates that the Poughkeepsie City School District is one of the “finest school districts in the whole wide world.” She furthered thanked the Class of 2018 for persevering and sticking to their studies.
“The sky is not the limit. You can go beyond that,” Watson said. She then had the graduates affirm with her, “success is a gift I give to myself, when I fulfill the dream in my heart.” She then concluded with a thunderous chant, “Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer.”
This year’s Salutatorian was Christa Baker and the Valedictorian was Rommi Vetter. Baker and Rommi were joined by 92 seniors who were honored for maintaining an 80 or above GPA for four years.
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