Schools
Elmsford's AHHS Graduates Asked to Make a Difference in the World
Outgoing superintendent urges graduates to lead and support their communities
The seniors who filled the Elmsford Broadway Theater June 21 for the Alexander Hamilton High School commencement exercises were encouraged to lead and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
That was the message from outgoing Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, who will leave the district June 30 to assume the position of Superintendent in the White Plains City School District.
“As you go out into the world, participate,” he told them. “Don’t forget to lead. Help drive our community in the direction of prosperity and peace. Help to think of new ways to support your neighbors, to care for the needy, to speak for those without a voice. Call out injustice when you see it. Become an activist for a cause.”
Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dr. Ricca said the opportunities to lead are limitless for the graduates, if they are willing to do so with goodness and wisdom.
“I know that each of you has the capacity to harness this power and use it to change our world for the better,” he said.
Find out what's happening in Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollowfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Accept my challenge, please, accept my challenge as you make your next move,” he added.
“I am extremely proud of all of you,” he said. “You were the incoming freshman class when I started in Elmsford. I have enjoyed greatly watching you learn, grow and reach for your dreams and aspirations.”
The 90-minute ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by Haleigh Brown, Ellen Satin and Jennifer Vargas, as well as a musical interlude by Sarah Abdelaziz, Haleigh Brown, Gage Cuccia, Madison Hood, Victoria Mingo, Bryant Rock, Craig Rowe, Ashley Ruiz, Ellen Satin, Jaren Scott, Jennifer Vargas and Sneha Varghese.
Valedictorian Lara Malaver and Salutatorian Ryan Alicea thanked their fellow graduates for their friendship over the four years of high school, and AHHS Principal Dr. Marc Baiocco and Board of Education President Dennis Rambaran also wished the graduating class much success.
“This is the final night,” said Lara, who will attend the United States Naval Academy in the fall. “Take a deep breath with me and remember this moment as it is, right now, because life will never be the same again.”
