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Saturday,ÊJ ulyÊ2,Ê2016
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www.SunCommunityNews.com
In PHOTOS | Inside
Congrats, 2016 school graduates!
Peru, Beekmantown and Seton Catholic celebrate
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In OPINIONS | pg. 6
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In ARTS | pg. 9
County needs Our nation’s forward thinking independence Frontier Town back in spotlight
Plattsburgh readies for the big day
Out with the old, in with the new Plattsburgh High School graduates look forward to new routines, goals By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — Last week’s commencement ceremony marked the end of a day-to-day routine for the Plattsburgh High School class of 2016. For the first time, the students spent their Saturday morning at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House preparing for a new experience: high school graduation. The young men and women all dressed in black gowns. Some took the time to be different and decorate their caps with glitter, pictures and text, including Peter Pan’s slogan,
“Never grow up.” Deep breaths and quivering hands marked the beginning of commencement. PHS officials, wearing traditional orange flowers, led the way as a faculty member help guide the graduates to their seats. Students, faculty and loved ones remained standing as graduates Angelica Sanchez and Claire Deshaies sang the National Anthem. Once the crowd took their seats, the commencement ceremony started and officially ended the graduates day-to-day routines as high school students. Schedules have remained relatively the same over the past several years for the 120 graduates. >> See PLATTSBURGH GRADUATION | pg. 15
TearsÊa long theÊ Saranac
Lawliss announces candidacy for NYS Supreme Court
Class of 2016 filled with different emotions during commencement
SARANAC — For the 100 Saranac Central School seniors who graduated last weekend, the ceremony elicted a broad range of emotions. For some, the two-file stride to their seats at the SUNY Plattsburgh Fieldhouse Teah became overwhelming as they fought back Dowling tears. Writer Some calmed down as they reached the red and white decorated stage. Superintendent Jonathan Parks greeted the crowd and the class of 2016 and wished each student the best of luck. “Your journey will go on after today,” he said. “I sincerely hope we served you well and have provided all you need to strive in the future.” Salutatorian Lydia Miner gave her fellow classmates what seemed like a never ending stream of advice for her fellow grads, from learning how to fix a toilet to being crazy by going skydiving. Over half of the graduates plan on taking the same path as Miner, who plans on attending SUNY Plattsburgh, while others intend on entering the armed forces or the workforce. >>See SARANAC GRADUATION | pg. 14
Valedictorian Lee Cyphers posed with Plattsburgh Central School Superintendent James Short and Board of Education President Leisa Boise. She earned a Advanced Regents Diploma with honors and is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans on attending The Julliard School.
Clinton County Family Court Judge Timothy Lawliss to seek seat being vacated by John Lahtinen By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
Valedictorian Sarah Wright (left) and Salutatorian Lydia Miner (right) entered in the Saranac commencement ceremony arm-in-arm Friday, June 24. Miner, who’s a member of the SACHEM Chapter of the National Honor Society, will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh. Wright plans on attending SUNY Plattsburgh for human development and family relations. Photos by Teah Dowling
PLATTSBURGH — Clinton County Family Court Judge Timothy Lawliss is running for New York State Supreme Court Justice, Fourth Judicial District. Lawliss announced his candidacy Friday at the Clinton County Government Center. “I want to continue doing what’s right,” Lawliss said at a press conference, surrounded by supporters. “I want to be part of this process.” Justice John Lahtinen of Plattsburgh has reached the mandatory retirement age and will retire at the end of this year. The candidate received the Republican endorsement of the 11 counties that constitute the sprawling the district. The candidate has not yet been interviewed by the Independent Judicial Election Qualifications Committee, a widelyused metric in state supreme court cases. The candidate’s wife, Kathy, said he will be interviewed >> See Timothy Lawliss | pg. 13