Close to 200 Beacon Students Receive Diplomas

By Jennifer L. Warren

FISHKILL – Beacon High School graduate Nicole Agudelo absorbed countless lessons during her four year tenure; however, not all of the most crucial ones were mined in the classroom.

Faced with the daunting challenge of a Pandemic her freshman year, Agudelo, like many of her approximately 176 classmates, had to navigate the imperative social map skills solo, implementing creative, patient methods. The task would prove for many to be rewarding beyond measure.

“I faced several obstacles during high school, especially being in a toxic relationship for four years and just having trouble with relationships in general, but I really learned how to pick my friends and who was healthy for me through therapy and cutting people out of my life which allowed me to focus on my schoolwork,” explained Agudelo, just prior to making her way onto the infield of Heritage Financial Park Thursday night. “A lot of kids really struggle with mental health issues today; it’s not easy, but the very best part of today is making my mom proud.”

Other graduates eagerly awaiting the start of the ceremony, Ayla Cruz and Nicole Colimon, echoed similar words of perseverance.

“Covid and learning to deal with hybrid learning and wearing masks was super hard and made our class wary about trusting the world, not knowing what would happen day to day,” said Cruz.

“However, at the same time, it also made us more independent and stronger because we had to learn a lot of things on our own,” added Colimon.

Agudelo, Cruz, and Colimon, along with their 2024 class, adorned in school-colored- blue and yellow caps and gowns, on a steamy night whose temperatures hovered around the 90 degree mark, received their prized high school diplomas inside the popular, local baseball stadium. It’s a graduating class that not only achieved inside the classroom, but on the athletic fields and stages, amongst the community and a host of other settings and venues.

Its talented members, who 78 recipients tallied 48 different award and scholarships at Senior Award night, has plans to attend 56 different colleges and universities, enter the military, start full-time in the workforce, or follow other paths to pursue their goals and dreams. It’s also a group that possessed an unforgettable character with priceless other attributes.

“The biggest memory I have of this Class of 2024 is the kindness you have shown us as well as to each other,” said Principal, Corey Dwyer. “I especially saw it at the Senior Campout in the way you all treated one another; I hope that you hang on to that memory forever.”

That preciousness of memories was a theme further elaborated upon by Valedictorian, Isabella Migliore, who began her remarks referencing how few-if any-ever recall the type of speech she was on the brink of making. With that in mind, she aspired to craft her remarks in a relatable way and perhaps even have them carry that elusive memorable distinction.
“Cherishing memories is about grace and prioritizing what truly matters to us; embrace the moments you have right now until they become a memory, as it’s o.k. to wait,” suggested Migliore. “You have the power to choose growth and positivity and can let go of those memories you don’t want to remember.”

In addition to the Beacon High School graduates receiving diplomas, eight war veterans were also bestowed the honor as part of the District’s ongoing involvement with Operation Recognition, “a small but sincere gesture of our society’s gratitude for sacrifice these individuals made in the name of freedom.” The night also included: musical entertainment by the High School’s Chorus, a video ensemble- laden with an eclectic mix of highlights from the year-as well as a moving rendition of the melody, “I’ll Always Remember You,” performed by four senior chorus members. Reverberating with lyrics such as; “So thankful for the moments,” “Yesterday’s gone; I’ll always remember you,” and “It’s so hard to say goodbye; I’ll hold you in my heart forever,” the tune captured the attention of those in attendance. As the beautiful outfield sunset backdrop, combined with cooling temperatures and welcomed breeze as graduates received their diplomas and made the rounds, shaking hands and exchanging embraces with a long line of faculty and staff members took place, those themes of memories, stopping, appreciating and simply being Migliore referenced to in her remarks, emerged.

“Trust that it’s o.k. to slow down and appreciate life,” said Migliore. Remember what Ferris Bueller once said: ‘Life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’”