Kendall graduates praised for character

Photos courtesy of Kendall Central School

KENDALL – Ryan Clay accepts his high school diploma from Principal Carol D’Agostino. Clay was given a standing ovation from his classmates.

Ryan and his family were in a serious car accident in July 2014. He returned to school in March 2015.

He was one of 62 graduates celebrated during commencement on Friday. The district announced that 90 percent of the graduates received a Regents diploma with 46 percent receiving a “with honors” distinction.

The boys wore blue caps and gowns.

The girls were dressed in white caps and gowns.

The district also announced that, 32 percent of the graduates were on honor roll all through their high school years, and 67 percent received a scholastic achievement award.

The future will include college for 77 percent of the graduates this fall, while 20 percent will join the workforce and 3 percent will join the military.

Zachary Adams accepts his diploma from Carol D’Agostino while his classmates and Superintendent Julie Christensen look on.

Zach received a standing ovation after his goal in an October soccer game, his first varsity game, was noted during commencement.

Christensen spoke about two important events in the graduates’ senior year that she attributed to the character of the Class of 2015: the rally around Ryan Clay after his serious car accident and the team support for Zach Adams when he scored his goal.

Class Officers – Jennifer West, Rebecca Murray, Brianna Jurs and Hannah Evans – presented Class Advisors Renee Cliff and Mirjam Bauer with gifts to thank them
for their service to the class.

Michael Kludt, co-owner of Kludt Farms and a Class of 1982 graduate of Kendall, gave the commencement address. Kludt and his wife gave each graduate a gift bag after the ceremony.

Valedictorian Tania Arellano gave her speech to the packed auditorium.

Salutatorian Taylor Clay delivers his speech.

After one of the class officers announced each graduate’s name, Board of Education President Nadine Hanlon announced the graduate’s scholarships and awards received, and future plans.

Principal Carol D’Agostino posed with the graduates after giving them their diplomas. Superintendent Julie Christensen offered handshakes or hugs to the graduates on their way back to their seats on the stage.

The Royal Blue Band, directed by Music Director Ashlea Strouse, played the music to begin and end the ceremony.

Board of Education President Nadine Hanlon is pictured with her daughter Marisa, one of the 62 graduates at Kendall.