Members of the Silver Creek Class of 2024 are pictured.
SILVER CREEK — Silver Creek Central School District celebrated its 72nd annual commencement by encouraging the 75 graduating seniors to pursue their passions and remain resilient.
Last week, the Class of 2024 proceeded to the stage to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” and the program began with the National Anthem sung by senior chorus members and a traditional Seneca opening performed by senior Timothy Williams.
Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston welcomed graduates and their families to the culmination of 13 years since their first day of kindergarten.
“Congratulations to every single one of you. There is not one single path that brought you all here tonight, but instead, an entire map of different roads, common intersections, maybe some wrong turns and reminders to slow down or buckle up. Regardless of the route, you all got here tonight, and you all deserve to be recognized for the incredible individuals you are.”
Valedictorian Emily Bowers thanked Band Director Mr. Bridon for his advice to her as an incoming junior when she felt unsure of her future.
“He offered me a piece of valuable advice. He told me, ‘You don’t need to worry so much about the future, so much will change between now and then. Just focus on the next step. That is all that is in your control now,’” she explained. “…What I’ve learned since that conversation is that it’s okay not to know exactly where your future is headed, to have every detail planned to a T. Those unexpected turns and detours are what eventually helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my future.”
She will be attending Gannon University as part of their accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy program and continue to run cross country at the collegiate level. She encouraged her classmates to pursue their passions after graduation, no matter where that path takes them.
“We all have so much to bring into this world, but we cannot reach our fullest potential if we let the expectations of others silence our own ambitions for our future. I would encourage each and every one of you to strive for excellence in what you are truly passionate about,” she said. “… As Robert Sherman once wrote ‘there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.’ Every new day offers a chance to encounter something unknown, something new. I cannot wait to see what all our “tomorrows” hold, as I know you will all accomplish amazing things.”
Salutatorian Jorge Hasbun spoke of progress, a lesson he needed to learn after spraining his hamstring during his first track meet of the season.
“I challenge every one of my peers on this stage moving on to the next chapter or anyone in the crowd who is moving forward through their life, to believe in this idea of progress. The bar should not be working hard. That should be the standard. If I have learned anything about the Class of 2024 it is that we are resilient, we are diverse, we bounce back, we handle what is set before us and we do that to the best of our ability. I’m proud of the journey that everyone on this stage has taken to reach this point right now. Our futures know no bounds and while we may
not know where we will end up, I stand here with confidence knowing that we will keep going” he said.
Class of 1981 alumnus, Jeff Pagano, addressed the Class of 2024. Pagano attended Princeton University after graduation to pursue his passion for basketball, but he found his way to Wall Street and learned many lessons along the way.
“Whether or not I realized it as I was leaving Silver Creek, I chose to take a risk at every fork in my road. I chose passion when I went to Princeton; I chose practicality over fear when I moved to New York; and I chose a well-rounded life when building my family, though I never would have imagined settling in New Jersey!” he said. “… Find your gifts, pursue your goals and dreams, reach your potential, bring your full self to everything you do, and enjoy the ride. Be decisive, choose your path and set your course. Along the way, be sure to choose your education and growth rather than an outcome.”
The ceremony ended with diplomas and handshakes from the board of education and Principal Kyle Yelich led the traditional turning of the tassels. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!