Representatives of Dutchess BOCES’ 13 component school districts gathered at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls Thursday, May 21, to honor students at the agency’s annual Distinguished Graduate Recognition Breakfast.
Each district selected two students from each of its high schools, and the superintendent or designee introduced the students, their guests and shared a bit about their accomplishments and future plans.
BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia and Lydia Biskup, Chief of Staff for New York State Senator Rob Rolison, welcomed attendees before enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet. Biskup urged the graduates to courageously follow their own paths, even if those choices defy external expectations, much like her own decision to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
She also highlighted a famous speech by retired Navy Four-Star Adm. William McRaven, noting how completing the first task of the day, such as making your bed, can lead to completing other tasks throughout the day. Biskup emphasized that taking pride in this initial accomplishment creates a ripple effect, building the discipline and momentum needed to tackle the larger challenges and ultimately change the world. “If you want to change the world, make sure you make your bed,” she said.
This year’s keynote speaker was Grace Burns, a Lehigh University junior and a 2023 distinguished graduate herself from Dover High School. She noted that graduates do not need to participate in every extracurricular activity or elective, as they could risk stretching themselves too thin and losing sight of who they really are, something she learned in college. “Life is short and time is the only currency you can’t earn back,” Burns said. “Being distinguished isn’t about doing everything, it’s about having the courage to do what actually matters.”
Burns challenged the graduates to leave high school with purpose, grit and an identity that means more than what is on a resume. “Don’t spend your whole life building a resume and completely forget to build your character,” Burns said. “Go out there and be more than a transcript, be the person this community already knows you can be.”
Resilience Academy (RA) Principal Kiesha Tillman used the quote “When one has a grateful heart, life is so beautiful” to describe this year’s distinguished graduates Avery Jones and Christina Leone.
Jones is often commissioned for art by RA teachers and consistently challenges themselves to improve in their craft. The skills Jones learned at RA will allow them to continue their growth and success as they plan to attend Dutchess Community College. Leone has applied to four-year colleges and plans to study forensic science or psychology. She worked hard to overcome challenges during her school career and did so by being positive and respectful. “I have not met in my time in education two students who are the most grateful, the most creative and the most empathetic as Christina and Avery are,” Tillman said. “It is my pleasure to honor you today.”
DeLucia closed out the breakfast by noting that not all the graduates recognized were their respective school’s valedictorian or salutatorian, but students who had amazing journeys and worked hard to deserve the honor. “You’re the reason that we come to work every day,” DeLucia said. “In these moments where we get to celebrate you, we are very proud.”
The breakfast also showcased student work as the Wappingers Small Jazz Combo played some bopping tunes, Poughkeepsie High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard presented the American flag and students from the Career & Technical Institute’s Careers in Animal and Plant Sciences program created beautiful centerpieces for every table.
Congratulations to all the distinguished graduates!
- Arlington High School: Daniel Cronk & Anna Gatta
- Beacon High School: Oscar McKible & Samiha Golden
- Dover High School: Angie Valle Molina & Gabriella Villano
- Dutchess BOCES Resilience Academy: Avery Jones & Christina Leone
- Franklin D. Roosevelt High School (Hyde Park): Braydin Moser* & Julia Tarkos*
- Millbrook High School: Dylan Vasquez & Lydia Kascak
- Pawling High School: Lucas Walsh & Sam Fidler
- Stissing Mountain High School: Alyssa Fredericks & Violet Bliss
- Poughkeepsie High School: Israa Hadine & Aubrey Wood
- Red Hook High School: Eleanor Solomon & Daniel Cashen
- Rhinebeck High School: Adrian Jensen & Gregory Reed*
- Spackenkill High School: Claire Amos & Jayden Texidor
- John Jay High School: Hailey Kim & Nathaniel Eisley
- Orchard View Alternative High School: Lily Hoffman & Dylan Thompson
- Roy C. Ketcham High School: Jack McCarthy & David Carbone
- Webutuck High School: Giana Krall & Zaina AbouEid
*These students also attend BOCES’ Career & Technical InstituteSpeak