Wednesday was graduation day for two dozen determined Poughkeepsie High School students.
The school celebrated its Summer Graduation Ceremony inside the gymnasium in front of a collection of family and friends. The total number of graduates – 24 – was a record for the school’s summer session.
In all, including those who walked during the June commencement, 191 Poughkeepsie students graduated in the last two months.
Co-Summer Principal Joseph Mazzetti led the ceremony and addressed the graduates, as did Superintendent of Schools Gregory Mott. Counselor Stacey Lee announced the graduates one-by-one, as they walked across the floor to receive their diploma and shake hands – or hug – school Principal Dr. Phee Simpson, Mazzetti and Mott. The superintendent explained to the class why he is especially proud of them.“It’s more meaningful for me to see each of you sitting there today because it’s sometimes easier not to go through the process,” Mott said. “It’s easy to not persevere. It’s easy to say, ‘I’m not going to attend my August graduation,’ but you sit to be honored; to be recognized.
“You’ve demonstrated," he said, "that no matter what, you can overcome. It doesn’t matter the timing. When the timing is right, it’s your time. And at this moment, it’s your time. So, congratulations to you, and best of luck.”
Afterward, the graduates and their families celebrated together taking photos, speaking with members of the faculty and enjoying light refreshments.