Webutuck seniors graduate into adulthood

WEBUTUCK — The school district took its chances that Mother Nature would hold back the rain on Saturday, June 25, and held the 57th annual commencement ceremony for Webutuck High School on its front lawn. It was a wise decision in the final analysis as it remained dry through to the end.The hour-long rite of passage for the class of 2011 was one students are sure to remember, filled with humor, sage advice, memories and poignant moments. One of the most touching instances during the service was when senior Adam Jasmin spoke. Jasmin’s father, Robert, who owned a tree service business, was killed on June 6 when he fell 40 feet from a tree while trimming branches.“This day marks a day of independence,” Jasmin said to his classmates. “For parents it marks a day of success. About three weeks ago I lost my dad. So parents, when you get a moment, tell your kids how proud of them you are. There’s not a day they won’t appreciate it.”He received a standing ovation for his words and was visibly moved by the outpouring of support and affection so freely offered to him from the students and the community.And there were other moments during the graduation the students responded to, including when teacher Sherry Fisher gave the commencement address.“You have such heart,” she told the group of seniors before picking them out individually for their friendliness, generosity, creativity, tenacity, manners, attitude, ability to make decisions and strong minds. “What are you going to do with all this heart? I urge you to opt for the road less traveled. The prize is always worth the fight.”In the end Fisher told the departing students she was “honored to be their teacher,” and when she wrapped up her speech it was to thunderous applause.Salutatorian Alyssa Biscoglio also spoke and offered advice to her classmates.“Our journey here at Webutuck has been by no means dull,” she said. “It’s hard to believe our journey is over. It may be time for us to go our separate ways, but I ask you to never forget where you came from.”There were two valedictorians for 2011, as one, Ashley Choe, entered the school district just this year after moving to the area from Long Island. Those at Webutuck, however, didn’t want to strip the title from Bridget Boyd, who was expected to be valedictorian as a result of her academic history. The final decision? Give the honor to both girls.Choe spoke first, with humor and grace, and ended with some good guidance for the future.“You should never feel scared to be yourself — be comfortable with who you are,” she said. “Don’t let the fear of people judging you keep you from being who you are.”Boyd took to the podium next, with words of encouragement.“Although we’ve looked forward to this day for quite some time, we might be nervous for what comes next,” she said. “I hope [we will all] embrace [the future].”High school Principal Ken Sauer had this to say for the class of 2011:“I like to think they learned how to be learners and how to be kind to each other, and that no matter what happens [they know] this is where people cared about them, and they can always come back here and to their family and friends.”