Yorktown High School's Class of 2011 Celebrates Graduation

"This is the culmination of a 13-year journey," said Yorktown High School principal Joseph DeGennaro as he addressed the high school's graduating class of 2011 before a packed crowd at the Purchase College Performing Arts Center Saturday afternoon.  

"You are the stars of today, and have served as excellent role models for students in the other three grades.  You've set the tone for them to follow," he said.

Salutatorian Alex Trestyn told his classmates, "This is the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. There will be many obstacles, bumps and potholes, even roadkill--but hopefully no skunks!  Life is full of risks worth taking."

Bruni Garcia watched as her daughter Danielle took the stage with her classmates. "We've been looking forward to this for a long time," Garcia said. "We're very proud. She's come a long way."  

Luis Sanchez felt the same about his daughter, Brittany, saying, "It's wonderful. She was nervous this morning but she looks OK now.  Now we're looking forward to college."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Napolitano remarked that having spent 36 years as an educator, "You try to find something significant about each class, and this class is unique in one way.  There are three former students of mine who have children graduating here today." 

He told the graduates if they "have a good attitude and a positive outlook, your life will be a blessing.  Do everything you can to make your part of the world better."

An administrator grabbed inflatable beach balls as often as they were bounced through the air, and an occasional blast of confetti flew while valedictorian Michelle Tomassi quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson.  "Tell me what you know," she said.  

"I knew that somebody would bring a beach ball here today," she added, drawing a laugh from the audience.  She also quoted her physics teacher, who told her unruly classmates one day, "Why don't you do something with your God-given talents?  We have been given the tools to succeed and we are capable of doing anything."

Class President Conor Kincart reflected on the last few weeks of school, saying that many of his classmates had an "I can't wait to get out of here" attitude, but also noted that, as a whole, the students came to realize it was the last time they would be together as a group and came together as a class.  "We won't all be in the same place again until the 10-year reunion, which of course, I've already started planning."

 After diplomas were awarded, DeGennaro presented the graduating class of 2011 to the crowd of family, friends and staff.  As another beach ball flew and more confetti burst into the air, hundreds of caps followed to the applause of the crowd.  Napolitano's parting words went with them: "Don't let a bump in the road be more than a setback.  Don't let it get in the way of your dreams".