Holley’s Class of 2023 urged to leave a legacy through long-term service
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Class of 2023 tosses their caps outside the school near the flag pole after commencement this morning.
There are 60 members in the class. Graduation was held inside the school in the auditorium before going outside for the cap tossing.
Lily Sprague leads her classmates and the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sprague is also the class president and gave a greeting on behalf of the class.
She said her classmates had two of their high school years disrupted by the pandemic. She praised the students for bringing a range of skills and talents to the class, and using them to help keep the Class of 2023 united.
She shared a quote from musician Marshall Mathers, also known as Eminem: “God gave you them shoes to fit you, so put them on and wear them. Be yourself man, be proud of who you are. Even if it sounds corny, don’t let no one tell you, you ain’t beautiful.”
High School Principal Matt Feldman welcomes the families and friends of the graduates to commencement. Feldman just finished his first year as principal in Holley.
Feldman commended teachers and staff “who challenge students to be the best version of themselves.”
Lydia Sprague sings the Star Spangled Banner. She is also the class vice president and announced the class gift. She said the remaining funds from the class will be used to purchase Holley Hawk folding chairs and also to provide Cathy Passarell “with a day of pampering and relaxation” in appreciation for all she has done for the students.
(Left) Ava Quincey gives the salutatory address, and said she is thankful for the smaller, close-knit community of Holley.
“There is no group of people I’d rather have on my side to face this journey,” she said about her school years at Holley.
She encouraged her classmates to document their life’s adventures and milestones. She said many memories were triggered by looking back on photos from elementary, middle and high school.
“I’m asking you all as you graduate today to not hide from the camera,” Quincey said. “We have our lives ahead of us and we have albums to fill.”
(Right) Elise Quincey, the class valedictorian, addresses her classmates. She and Ava are one set of three twins in Holley’s top 10 of graduates. Lydia and Lily Sprague, and Sarah and Shannon Kelly are the others.
Elise Quincey thanked the Holley community for its support of the students. She said her classmates are all unique. She urged people not to see the world in just black and white, and recognize there are many differences among people.
Andrew Thomas goes to accept his diploma during Holley’s commencement today. The ceremony started at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.
Cameron Bates stands to be recognized for winning a scholarship in memory of Richard V. Martin and Maynard W. Martin. The scholarship goes to a senior who has made the greatest contribution t athletics during four years at Holley Senior High School.
Harriet Emery is congratulated by Board of Education member Andrea Newman.
Matthew Barlow is recognized for winning a scholarship from retired principal Susan Cory. It goes to a senior “who values education but more importantly, values people and treats everyone well.”
Zachary Busch, the school’s high school band director, was asked by seniors to give the commencement address. Busch is a 2011 Medina graduate. He is nearing his 30th birthday.
He has helped bring back the school’s jazz band and a combined marching band with Kendall. He is also the school’s golf coach.
Busch asked students to reflect on a legacy. He said the Holley schools show a legacy of accomplishment with trophy cases full of awards, banners for standout athletes and the Wall of Fame. Those awards were earned through years of effort.
“No good legacy is created quickly,” Busch said. “You have your whole life ahead of you. You will shape your legacy. There is time in your life to do many things.”
Busch said his time at Holley has showed him the people of Holley are strongly supportive of the school, and they come out for athletic games, concerts, musicals and other events.
Holley has also shown, again and again, to be very generous, especially to students in need, Busch said.
“Holley will rally for those who are sick,” he said. “They will give with no expectation of being repaid.”
Those attributes are part of the legacy from the community instilled in the graduates, Busch said.
