Sewanhaka High School’s Class of 2016 bid a heartfelt farewell to their alma mater during the school’s annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 25.
During the event, students were addressed by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Cheryl Champ, senior class president Christopher Melton and salutatorian Sidney Saint-Hilaire, who told fellow graduates that there was no way he could describe his time at Sewanhaka in literal sentences alone.
“There are too many memories, too many conflicting emotions and too many smiling faces before me right now that a plain speech would do them justice. I’m still trying to process the fact that we are going to be waking up tomorrow not to get to the corner of Tulip and Covert,” Saint-Hilaire said.
Valedictorian Merlyn John congratulated her fellow graduates, who she described as family.
“No matter what challenges you face, and you will face challenges, I hope you meet them head on with the strength, determination and perseverance you learned at Sewanhaka,” John said.
Principal Debra Lidowsky, who is retiring this year, wished the graduates success in the future. She also presented the Harold W. Wright Memorial Award to Maryyam Mian and the Anthony T. Dwyer Memorial Award to Elijah Tracey.
The ceremony, which was highlighted by musical performances delivered by the senior high chorus and band, continued with the conferral of diplomas and concluded with caps being thrown into the air.
—Submitted by the Sewanhaka Central High School District
