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Fredonia graduates toss their caps in the air after the Class of 2924 commencement ceremony at SUNY Fredonia on Sunday.
“I’m really thankful for what we have here at Fredonia,” Paschke said. He thanked the audience for “what all of you pour into our students to make them world-class.”
Paschke knows better than anyone, as he is not only a longtime administrator at Fredonia, but he was also in their shoes more than 30 years ago.
A Fredonia High School graduate himself in 1987, Sunday was the 33rd time Paschke attended Fredonia’s graduation. Paschke called graduation day one of his favorite days of the year, which he called “an honor and a privilege” to be a part of.
Paschke also recognized two losses to the District in the past year: Middle School Principal Paula Troutman, who died in January, and Jessica Sinclair, a student who recently died from an aggressive form of cancer. Paschke referred to Sinclair as “vibrant” and noted her classmates called her “the definition of friendly.”
Fredonia graduates Davion White, left, and Owen Rush, right.
Almost an hour before Paschke reiterated the point with his brief detour from the scripted ceremony, Pachke directed the graduates to stand and give an ovation to the families and friends in attendance. Ava Hartung, Fredonia Valedictorian, then took her turn at the podium and echoed Paschke’s sentiment.
Hartung said, “Even though today we are celebrating our graduation, I would be remiss if we did not take a moment to remember all of the people who have gotten us here. To the teachers, administrators, coaches, mentors, parents, siblings and friends, we will never be able to say thank you enough for supporting us through it all.”
Hartung later said during her Valedictorian’s Address that the members of one’s support system “each made one tiny ripple in your life so you could earn that cap on your head and your tassel attached.”
On arguably the biggest day of their academic careers, Hartung urged her classmates to stop and smell the roses. She said, “Pause and take in these last moments. Live in it, feel grateful for it, and be proud of it, because the future will always be a day away, so be grateful for the present, especially for today.”
Owyn Darrell-Sterbak, Fredonia Salutatorian, treated the audience to a musical performance during the ceremony. Darrell-Sterbak is an accomplished cellist who interned at the SUNY Fredonia School of Music. Darrell-Sterbak said that music has taught her to be humble, to be diligent and disciplined, as well as “the reality of delayed gratification.”
Fredonia graduates Ben LaGrow, left, and Tyler Kuzdale, right.
Darrell-Sterbak later spoke to the impact of learning outside of the classroom. From what she has taken from her parents and peers, Darrell-Sterbak called curiosity and connectedness “what learning is truly about.”
Also the co-Editor in Chief at The Spectator, the District’s award-winning student newspaper, Darrell-Sterbak emphasized the importance of language in connecting with the world around you. Darrell-Sterbak will study English and Linguistics at Williams College this fall, as well as continuing to play the cello.
Fredonia also celebrated its “world-class students” with several scholarships as part of the ceremony.
Mia Gorka was honored with the inaugural Lauren Arch Memorial Scholarship, created to honor Class of 2023 student Lauren Arch, who died suddenly last year due to an illness.
The Ricky Burgstrom Music and Bowling Scholarships were awarded to Hartung, Miriam LaBarr, Jack Pietro and Simon Price. The Roger L. Pacos Memorial Scholarship winners were LaBarr, Sophia Gullo and Jack Pietro.
Another world-class Fredonia graduate, 13 years prior to the Class of 2024, gave the commencement address: Katie Muldowney, an award winning broadcast journalist at ABC News. Muldowney is a 2011 graduate of Fredonia High School, and later a graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. She said that she appreciated “being such a small part of a monumental day.”
As an accomplished journalist, Muldowney stated, “The stories that really resonate always center around people.” While addressing the people in the spotlight on Sunday – the graduates – Muldowney shared the things she wished she knew when she was in their shoes. She noted how things do not go according to plan, do not be afraid to ask for help, and that kindness goes a long way.
“Your life story is a work in progress. It does not have to be perfect. In fact, it’s not going to be,” Muldowney said. “Don’t let the idea of perfection or fear of failure stop you from getting started.”
The final speaker to address the graduating class before taking the walk across the stage was Senior Class President Draejen Hicks. He said, “Our journey has been a tapestry woven with the threads of our collective aspirations and dreams. … What has united us is our unwavering hope for a brighter future. As we stand at the precipice of the next chapter in our lives, we are filled with hope once again – hope for the opportunities that lie ahead, the adventures that await us, and the impact we will have on the world. This hope will continue to guide us, inspire us, and drive us to achieve even greater things.”
Finally, the graduates took their long awaited trip across the stage to receive their diplomas.
Some had a special touch, like Jena and Sophia Gullo receiving their diplomas from their grandfather, former Board of Education President Joseph Gullo, or current Board of Education member Sheila Hahn presenting her son, Michael, with his diploma.
Others had a show of pure emotion, like Hartung shouting a cheer from her seat on stage as Darrell-Sterbak and LaBarr each received their diplomas, or Tyler Kuzdale holding his diploma over his head as he directed a thunderous cheer to the audience. After Kuzdale’s shout to the crowd, Paschke turned to watch him walk off the stage. He gave a smile and a thumbs up before the ceremony continued.
Lastly, Ava Rukavina, Student Council President, addressed her classmates after they all turned their tassels from one side of their caps to the other. She spoke about how much she has learned at Fredonia, especially from being involved in Unified Sports.
“If there is no tomorrow, make sure what you do today is something you want the world to remember you for,” Rukavina said. “… We should want to be remembered for the good we do in the world, and know that each of us has the power to make a positive impact. Kindness does not need to be seen. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Together, let’s make the future brighter, kinder, and a place that we can all be proud of. Congratulations, Class of 2024, and here’s to the incredible adventures that await us.”