SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT www.scdemocratonline.com
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019
FALLSBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL
5G
Comets take flight to their next chapters STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOSEPH ABRAHAM
P
ositive emotions were high as the 80 seniors who graced the stage at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School’s commencement on Sunday afternoon. At the center of the ceremony were two young women –– Jahaira Cordero and Hayley Weiner –– who were covaledictorians. While their youth was evident, at the end of their respective speeches, it was clear to those who didn’t know before, that their souls are well beyond their years. Weiner, who will be attending SUNY Oswego in the fall, talked about the past and how without it, we wouldn’t be who or what we are today. She talked about how things have changed in the short time they’ve been on this Earth. Weiner used the example of technological change, like the invention of the IPhone, as well as TV and how they can now watch shows anywhere, anytime. She also discussed changes in music, and how artists like Taylor Swift, Cardi B, Rihanna, One Direction and more provided the soundtrack of their teenage years. Weiner then talked about how the political climate and environment has also changed. “I think it’s important to note that in the last 18 years we’ve had three radically different presidents, two of which did not win the popular vote,” she said. “Our nation has had its first black president and a president who is a former reality TV star. The physical world we live in has
also radically changed. Despite the few who do not believe it, there is a major crisis that has been and currently is impacting our planet. This crisis is climate change. It is important for us to realize that in these past 18 years, we have crossed the line and reached a carbon threshold, which is irreversible. The burden of this changing environment has fallen onto our shoulders. “Everything that has happened in these past 18 years has led us up to this very moment…. our commencement,” Weiner continued. “A commencement is defined as being the beginning or start of something. And that is exactly what we’re here celebrating today, the beginning of our adult lives. No matter how scary, exciting or unknown our futures are, we will all have one thing in common, our past. In a few minutes we will all become Fallsburg alumni thanks to our families, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors, hard work and all of our shared experiences. We started this year as confident seniors, waiting for someday to come, and now suddenly, here we are, marching straight into our someday…” Next up was Cordero, who will be attending Cornell University. She talked about how quickly senior year went, what they learned at Fallsburg, how they were united because of similar experiences and are now graduating with many amazing memories. And like Weiner, Cordero stressed the urgency they must have in the world today.
Co-Valedictorians Hayley Weiner (left) and Jahaira Cordero enter the auditorium.
“Class of 2019 we are the future,” Cordero said. “However, if we do not take action right now, there will be no future.” Cordero referenced climate change, intolerance, violence, hate directed at certain groups of people and substance abuse as major problems affecting society. “We need to stop focusing on the likes and follows, and instead focus on what’s actually happening in the real world,” Cordero said. “We need to escape the virtual world we were raised in and fix the physical world. And don’t think just because you’re one person, you won’t make a
difference. Because you will. Do not be afraid to take action and stand for what you believe is right.” She concluded by saying that their high school graduation was not the end, but part of the long journey to success, urging them to find happiness in that journey. Other highlights from the Class of 2019’s special day included two brothers being reunited. Graduate and future Marine, Jared Moore, was surprised by his brother U.S. Army Ser-
geant Zackery Jones, who made the long journey home to join him on stage while he got his diploma. Also, Fallsburg Jr/Sr High School Assistant Principal Frank Godlewski called out the seniors’ names while they received their diplomas for one final time. Class of 2019 President Samantha Perna led her peers in a special tribute to Godlewski. Before turning their tassels, Perna directed her fellow graduates to hold up signs with different letters wishing Godlewski a
happy retirement. Before the diplomas were given out, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ivan Katz shared the following with the Class of 2019: “If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your parents taught you.” He then left them with a quote from an unnamed source. “Behind you … all your memories, before you … all your dreams, around you ...all who love you, within you … all you need.” PLEASE SEE FALLSBURG, 6G
Co-Valedictorian Hayley Weiner, left, had a special guest diploma presenter … her father Fallsburg CSD Board of Education member Mike Weiner. Hayley will be attending SUNY Oswego in the fall.
Ashalynn Marte, left, is known for her positive energy and school spirit. The cheer captain beamed with pride while receiving her diploma from Fallsburg Board of Education President Debra Barbiani and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ivan Katz.
73553
Class of 2019 Advisor Kristen Meyer announced Jessica Martinez Cadena and Omar Gai as the Howard T. Scholefield Citizenship Award recipients.