Elmsford Students Applaud High School's Sense of Community

AHHS Valedictorian Angelina Torres speaks during the school's graduation ceremony held at the Westchester Broadway Theatre.

At this year’s commencement exercises to honor the 84 seniors who graduated from Alexander Hamilton Jr./Sr. High School in the Elmsford Union Free School District June 20, student speakers talked fondly of the school’s sense of community and the impact it has had on their lives.

The ceremony, which was held at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, was attended by parents and other well-wishers holding balloons and capturing the special moments on camera and cell phones.

“I felt a sense of community within our small school,” said salutatorian Emily Baca, referring to the tight-knit group of students she had spent the past six years with and the teachers who provided them with much support.

“We’re learning to navigate through life as leaders rather than followers. We’re seeking words to understand rather than to be understood, to be proactive in everything we do,” she added.

Student Council President Cassandra Praino also made reference to the ease by which they had made friendships.

“There have been so many incredible memories,” she said. “Being this close is what’s unique about Hamilton.”

Valedictorian Angelina Torres described that community feeling and her years in the Elmsford School District akin to “one big comfort zone that I never challenged myself to get out of, but now I have to; a lot of us do.”

She encouraged the graduates to expand their horizons. “We are very thankful to all of you because you have helped us become young adults.”

“And you know that saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ well, for Elmsford, there’s no truer saying.”

Other speakers offered solid advice to the group as they continue their journey in college, the military or elsewhere.

“Be prepared and on time. Never, ever give up and always be kind,” AHHS Principal Joseph Engelhardt urged them.

“I’m sad to say that you are not the future, Class of 2018. You are the now. And I cannot wait to hear and see about all of your achievements,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Baiocco, who said he felt a deep pleasure and satisfaction looking at all of their accomplishments, including the over $20,000 in awards they had received from local sponsors, as well as the millions of dollars they had earned in college scholarships, urged them to stand up for what they believed in, to always set goals and to be flexible in everything they do.

“The graduates here before you are true leaders,” he said. “They are entering the world with a unique skill set.”

The 90-minute ceremony included a performance of the National Anthem from graduates Dornealia Brown and Katelyn Steel and later a musical medley sung by Dornealia, Divya Jose, Lynassa Lugay, Lowell Pierrette and Katelyn.

A number of scholarships were handed out before the presentation of the diplomas and the formal announcement of the successful graduates.