Beacon Welcomes Class of 2026

By Jennifer L. Warren

FISHKILL – Susan Fischer beams with unbridled pride as she relays being able to vividly picture so many of their kindergarten faces.
The beloved music teacher, who will be moving on just as the Beacon High School Class of 2026 is, Fischer, entering retirement, is wrapping up a glorious 19 year City of Beacon School District career, as well as 24 year tenure in education. She was one of hundreds of attendees at Wednesday’s Commencement, held at Heritage Financial Park.

“These seniors graduating tonight: I taught many of them in Kindergarten, first and second grade,” reflected a nostalgic, emotional Fischer as she could be seen giving congratulatory hugs to several graduates. “I’m so very happy for all of them, and this graduation is extra special because I’ll be retiring; it’s just so great to be a part of this community.”

An impressive turnout of that prized Beacon community could be seen lined up and eager to enter the infield to celebrate the achievements of their graduate outside of the Renegades home stadium site. About 175 graduates awaited this milestone as they filled the bleachers on a beautiful summer evening. Following the Operation Recognition (awarding high school diplomas for their sacrifices for our freedom) to two military veteran men: Mr. Andres Figueroa (United States Army) and Mr. Donald Pectle (United States Navy), Beacon High School Principal, Dr. Corey Dwyer, provided the Welcome and Opening Remarks.

“When I think about what the world will look like in fi years, 10 years, and then I think of all of you and your hard work,” reflected Dr. Dwyer, as he addressed the Class of 2026. “I then think about how we are in good hands.”

Also included among the adult speakers was City of Beacon Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew Landahl. Alluding to his Chicago roots as well as the recent Father’s Day, Dr. Landahl spoke of the granite foundation of hard work, respect and other valued qualities he mined from his father who tirelessly tallied long hours doing manual labor. Setting the bar high for his own children’s academic journeys, Dr. Landahl’s father was a guiding force behind his own prioritization of academics. As time went on, Landahl was to discover his own father’s grades were mediocre at best; however, the lessons and model of excellence he instilled remained unfettered.

“Everyone has their own path, and it’s important to help others who need it in this life,” advised Dr. Landahl from that reputed upbringing. “Quoting my dad, who used to always say this to his children and now I to you: “You made it.”

Student speakers also took to the podium, delivering potent remarks, encapsulating the unique qualities carried by the Class of 2026 as well as the remarkable achievements attained in the classroom, on the athletic fields and courts, in the band and chorus realms as well as in a variety of other forums. Senior Class President, Annabelle Notarthomas cited her mother’s prized guidance of always reminding her she could reinvent herself. Notarthomas then continued to give some advice of her own to her Class members.

“Live life fully,” urged Notarthomas. “Allow yourself to be alive and to love.”

The Salutatorian Address was delivered by Samiha Golden who is headed to Yale University in the fall.

Referencing the unforgettable, recent Knicks Championship run, Golden specifically cited Mayor Mamdani’s speech during the parade that spoke of their 0.4 chance of coming back in game four when faced with a 29 point deficit.

“I thought a lot about that 0.4 percent, and how so much of it can be applied to our class,” said Golden. “We dealt with a Pandemic and managed to achieve the highest GPA a Beacon High School Senior Class has ever seen while getting into many competitive colleges and accomplishing so much.” Reflecting further, Golden added, “We as a class are what Mamdani was talking about; keep beating the odds, and be that 0.4%.

Following Golden’s remarks, Oscar McKible, the Class Valedictorian spoke. Entering Boston University in the fall, McKible was introduced by

Dr. Dwyer as, “one of the hardest working students I’ve ever met.”

“We have all contributed to the ecosystem of the Class of 2026,” said McKible. “When I look around at all of you, I see all of your potential, and growing up with you, I am certain you have the ability to achieve anything you want to; we have the rest of our lives ahead of us, and it’s up to us to achieve in it and choose what makes us happy.”