Poughkeepsie High Celebrates Summer Graduates

POUGHKEEPSIE – Matthew Romano called Wednesday “a day that was a long time coming.”

At noon on a sweltering day in the twilight of August, Romano officially became a high school graduate.

Poughkeepsie High School held its summer commencement ceremony Wednesday, awarding diplomas to 15 students who completed their graduation requirements in summer classes and one who met the requirements to walk in June but opted to delay taking part in a ceremony in order to have family in attendance.

“It shows I could finish what I started,” Romano said. “It brings me to the next point in life. The next chapter.”

In addition to the summer graduates, 196 students met graduation requirements on time for the June ceremony. Poughkeepsie also graduated seven students in January.

The Poughkeepsie City School District has placed an emphasis on encouraging students as young as those attending the Early Learning Center to visualize and embrace high school graduation as a primary goal. The group wearing blue caps and gowns Wednesday embodied that approach, having given up their summer months to complete their unfinished educational business.

Andi Alarcon-Gomez needed summer school to complete a handful of half-credit classes.

For that, he reflected regret, but said, “I did it. I got it done.”

While he said he wanted to complete graduation for his mom, Karen, who was in attendance and, in Spanish, called the day a happy moment. The families injected the abbreviated ceremony, with several creating loud roars as their graduate walked across the stage.

“I wanted to make her feel proud,” Alarcon-Gomez said, “but I feel proud within myself, too. I got through it, finished all these years of high school, so it’s a big accomplishment for me.”

In addressing the graduates, 2024 senior class Assistant Principal and Summer School Principal Joseph Mazzetti encouraged they embrace change and persevere as they move forward.

“What sets you apart is your remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity,” he said.

Noel Dancy had to do just that when his mother died two years ago. His aunt, Victoria Lodge, promised her she would take care of Dancy after she was gone. Her one wish, Lodge said, was that her children do what she did not – graduate high school.

That’s why, when he learned Lodge and that part of his family would not be able to attend graduation in June due to a pre-planned international trip, Dancy insisted he postpone wearing a cap and gown until August.

“I even said to him, he had other people to support him,” Lodge said. “I said, ‘If you want to graduate with your friends, graduate on time. It’s OK. I’ll ask somebody to Zoom and let me watch it from another country.’ He said ‘No.’”

“She’s one of my main supporters,” Dancy said. “I wanted her to be here for it.”

That meant “everything” Lodge said. “I’m super proud of him. … He has a lot of support and a lot of help, and he’ll continue to have that as he goes on in his life.”

Dancy has already started his next chapter, as his classes at Dutchess Community College began this week. Still, Wednesday was a time for an overdue celebration.

“It feels good,” he said. “I got one thing accomplished.”