Poughkeepsie High School Graduates Almost 200

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – It was truly a full circle moment for New York State Senator Rob Rolison.

50 years ago, he was sitting in the exact site the graduates he was now addressing were occupying: The Poughkeepsie High School Football Field. “An honorary Pioneer” Friday night, the former City of Poughkeepsie Mayor, was beaming with unwavering pride, as he imbibed the moment and the excitement that enveloped the Class of 2026.

“The cool thing is you get to say you are from Poughkeepsie,” Rolison, who expressed the sheer honor of returning to his alma mater, told graduates. “That’s a really big deal.”

The magnitude of that treasured residence- one City of Poughkeepsie School Superintendent, Gregory Mott referred to as “The spirit of Poughkeepsie” which graduates should take with them wherever they go- was also expanded upon by Poughkeepsie High School Principal, Dr. Phee Simpson. She further spoke about the deeper meaning behind the diplomas graduates were on the verge of receiving.

“Education is not just about grades, but freedom and access,” emphasized Simpson. “Your diploma today is not the end of your learning but beginning; continue learning, asking questions, going after your dreams, never stop believing, be curious, bold, compassionate and build a life worth living.”

Approximately 186 students listened in to the wisdom delivered by these speakers as well as several others who occupied the front stage. Flanking those adult dignitaries was an assembly of students who earned some of the highest grade point averages in their class. Each of those top scholar’s names, along with their respective four year academic averages, was announced to which they then stood up to be recognized. Among them was Aubrey Wood, the Salutatorian, whose words centered upon the power inherent in discovering one’s voice, particularly for females, in today’s society.

“Finding your voice is one of the most important things a woman can do; around the world women’s voices are limited,” said Wood who spoke of her own journey as a female and the misconceptions that surrounded her as well as obstacles she overcame in the process of discovering her own authenticity and strength. “Progress comes from people who have difficult conversations and challenge things; Class of 2026: Stand up and question things.”

Another student speaker providing words was this year’s Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Israa Hadine. Witnessing her brother also achieve the distinct honor of Valedictorian and deliver a similar speech 11 years ago, Hadine started off by saying she had no idea at the time of its magnitude. Friday, taking her position behind the podium, in front of her Class and hundreds of guests, she felt the depth and impact of that incredible moment.

“Having a different storyline is what makes us human-jobs, loss, identity, whatever it is-we rarely know what someone is carrying,” said a visibly emotionally touched Hadine. “Every person has faced struggles, and everyone deserves compassion; every journey has value, and your story and journeys matter.”

One of those home grown people whose journey has truly made an impact and was introduced as someone who “represents what it is to be a pioneer,” was another alumni speaker, Rashad Ricketts, who provided the Keynote Address. A true community advocate, Ricketts serves on the Board of Directors for the Catherine Street Legacy & Family Support Program in addition to his decorated career in the financial field.

“I stand here as someone who stumbled, got back up and kept going,” said Ricketts, who referred to himself as a testament that proved statistics on Black men and success wrong. “When you push back fear and doubt, you discover a version of yourself you never knew was waiting; success is about discernment, separating what is meant for you and to distract you, knowing when to speak, be quiet and walk away.”

Ricketts then concluded his remarks with a self-crafted poem: “The Personification of a Degree,” his gift to the Class of 2026.

“A degree is a pulse, a reminder that you survived the storm, a reminder of your fear, and it speaks calmly when you enter a room,” relayed Ricketts. “When you hold it, it holds you back and tells you that you are proof of the dream.” Ricketts concluded, “Never stop believing Class of 2026.”