Peekskill High School Graduates 185 Students

On Sunday, June 25, Peekskill High School held its 93rd commencement ceremony as the crimson and blue gowns of Peekskill’s 185 graduates filled the Paramount Theater.

This year’s college acceptances include, but are not limited to: Fashion Institute of Technology, Johnson & Wales University, New York University, New York Institute of Technology, PACE University, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and multiple SUNY, CUNY and community colleges as well, just to name a few. (See a complete list of where our college bound students are headed by clicking here.)

Speakers at the event included, Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina, Peekskill Board of Education President Lisa Aspinall-Kellawon, PHS Principal Mr. Rodney Arthur and Peekskill Interim Superintendent Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli.

The ceremony kicked-off with remarks from Mistress of Ceremonies Arianna Hurtado, followed by a performance by the Peekskill High School City Singers.

Next, Principal Arthur spoke, noting the students’ efforts leading up to the joyful occasion.

“On behalf of myself and the entire Peekskill High School faculty, I congratulate the Class of 2017,” Mr. Arthur said. “Your presence today is an acknowledgement of and a testament to the fact that you have achieved a major accomplishment in your life.”

Following Arthur’s comments came words of wisdom, praise and congratulations from student speakers, including Salutatorian Nia Robinson, Valedictorian Brittney Pauta and Student Council President Ryanne Taylor.

In her speech, Robinson spoke about the unique diversity Peekskill possesses.

“I am thankful to Peekskill High School for giving me opportunities which made me appreciate the amount of diversity we have in our schools,” Robinson said. “I have been shown that we are all so different, yet still have this common ground that brings us all together. It is a true melting pot.”

Pauta spoke to her class about the community of support she received during her high school years and the friendships she made during her time at Peekskill schools.

“Although we are all heading down different paths, don’t ever forget where we came from,” Pauta said. “Do not forget your cultural roots, your teachers, your family and the people who have helped you along the way. Stay humble and thank everyone who has helped you reach this point in your life.”

Pauta concluded her graduation speech by thanking her classmates for the times they shared together.

“Thank you to the graduates in the Class of 2017, for creating many special moments together that will turn into one beautiful memory,” Pauta said.

Before the ceremony concluded, Interim Superintendent for Schools Dr. Lorenzo Licopoli, who was joined on stage by PHS graduates Anari Ray and Erika Mendez, made his remarks, which included commentary on a careful observation he made earlier that day.

“I think the decorations on the caps this year are the best I’ve ever seen,” Licopoli told the Class of 2017.

Licopoli then continued his speech with some words of advice before congratulating the graduates. .

“Today, as I listen to all the speeches, it is clear that you are an extraordinary class...I say to you go forth, be an instrument of peace and humanity by being yourself and being courageous. My heartfelt congratulations are extended to you on your graduation from Peekskill High School.”

As the graduates left the building, many gathered for photos with the friends and family members who waited outside the theater with flowers and balloons.

When asked how she felt about her accomplishment, PHS graduate Emily Czerwinski replied that she was happy to be finished with her high school career.

“Graduating is, in the simplest terms, an absolute relief,” Czerwinski said. “I feel ready and excited to take on the next chapter in my life headfirst.”

Please see below for a complete list of the Peekskill High School Class of 2017.

PHS Class of 2017:

Leandra Alicea

Carlos Andrade

Oswald Annang

Jada Anthony

Sugery Arita Amaya

Kerin Arita Amaya

Toshonia Bailey Jones

Elexsis Baisley

Shadeja Barker

Nicholas Barnes

Kian Bell

Jerry Best

Prince Boateng

Essence Boyd-Roberts

Leyona Brito

Brianna Brown

Terrance Brown

Cortez Burris

Vincent Camacho

Luis Carrasquillo

Anthony Castro

Mercy Chacha Gallego

Karlos Chamba

Brandon Charles-Leston

Fausto Chillogalli Matailo

Edwin Chuquimarca Deleg

Vina Coachman

Christopher Conklin-Mann

Julio Cruz R Edith Cruz

Brianna Curry

Emily Czerwinski

Joseph Dabbs,Jr.

Sheldon Davis

Shenece Davis

Crishan De León Cardona

Luis De Paz

Jamila Desir

Joseph D'Souza

Sergio Duarte

Nicholas Dunwoody

Julio Erraez Arias

Orlando Estrada

Erika Farez

Randy Farez

Christopher Fauntleroy-Calderon

RH Elizabeth Fernandez Fermin

Jessica Fields Briana Flores

Glenny Flores Flores

Yaro Gaddy-Waller

Marcus Gaines,Jr.

Carlos Galindo

Ty-resse Gibbs

Ally Gibbs

Marlon Gomez

Daniel Gonzalez

Jessy Gonzalez Cordova

Symone Graham

Georgina Gray

Dayanna Guapisaca Nasqui

Elvis Guerrero

Sandy Guevara

Matthew Guzman Jimenez

Tania Guzman

Marin Keri Harriott

Dominique Haviland

Jake Hayward

Aldaine Heaven, Jr.

Christopher Hernandez

Brian Hernandez

José Hernandez

Matthew Hernandez

Phillip Hester, II

Nyrie Holliman

Arianna Hurtado

Jordan Illescas Pintado

Paulina Inga-Crespo

Kiwaun Irizarry

Ivan Iza

Autumn Jacobs

Mariah James

Victor James

Sade Jefferson Hanson

Carlos Jeton Lazo

Cheyeanne Johnson

Ta'Tyana Johnson

Jayson Joseph

Nestor Lassic Jr.

Henser Lázaro Nova

Birch Lazo-Murphy

Brian Lehning

Sara Lido

Jenny Lojano Chasi

Angelica Lugo

David Macas Ordonez

Jonathan Maldonado

Prince Marsh

Luis Martinez

John McCrae

Jaznia McCrae

Olivia McIntosh

Jenae McLean

Naieka McTurner

Erika Mendez

Alyssa Mendola

Iman Mickens

Serena Miller

Karla Mogrovejo Quezada

Cristian Molina Clavijo

Jennifer Monge

Carly Moran

Briana Moran

Carlos Nazario

Rahemah Nuri

Mario Otero Garcia

Jahzmine Parker

An-Nisaa Patterson

Ricky Patterson

Brittney Pauta

Jamilette Perez Bermeo

Jasmine Petrocine

Jose Pimentel Pacheco

Madeline Quezada

Milton Quezada

Luis Quezada

Bryan Quezada Vasquez

Jeremy Quinche

Diandra Quinn-Stanger

Joseph Rampersant

Anari Ray

Juan Reyes

Elise Ricciardi

Wendy Rivadeneira

Orellana Aaliyah Rivera

Brenda Rivera

Samantha Robinson

Nia Robinson

Rhondre Robinson

Nikia Robinson Smith

Monica Roca Delgado

Deanna Rodricks

Merlyn Rodriguez Corcino

Kevin Rodriguez Serrano

Steven Rosa

Steven Ruedas

Andy Saiteros Pauta

Wendy Salazar Lemus

Edwin Sapatanga Macao

Maria Saquipay Peralta

Keyshon Sarvis

Josh Von G-clef Satur

Donasha Scott

Shadayia Scott

Alexandra Semple

Alana Serrano

Devon Sherman

Kayla Slaughter

Jalynn Smith

Samantha Smythe

Marquize Smythe

Elisia Solis

Sade St. John Culberson

Ginett Suarez

Donald Taylor

Ryanne Taylor

Andrew Terrell

Kaitlyn Thornton

Mehki Todd

Brandon Torres

Jaylen Travis

Nassaa Turnbow

Samantha Veras

Cindy Villatoro Alfaro

Shonica Wagner

Tiriq Wagner

Sarah Walker

Luke Warmbrand

Malachi Williams

Savion Williams

Kayla Wilson

Dainia Wilson

Aliyah Young

Tamia Young

Nicole Zayas