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RFH 2010, HCS News

HCS Class of 2010 Sent on Its Way

Sat, Jun 26, 2010

HCS Class of 2010 Sent on Its Way

With the toss of tassels, the 51 members of the HCS Class of 2010 became alumni Saturday afternoon in the 112th annual commencement ceremonies held in the school auditorium.

Of that number, 22 -- or 43 percent of the class -- received regents diplomas with advanced designation.

The graduates were addressed by their Principal Tom Lutsic, Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers and keynote speaker math teach Susan Lehman. Also also received some parting advice from some of their own: Valedictorian David Schutt, Salutatorian Alana Graber and class President Josh Valencia.

Emily Powrie and Charlisa Todd sang the National Anthem.

Two of the graduates stepped up to the microphones with a musical tribute for their classmates. Samantha Martin and Blaine Holcomb sang a duet of the Rascal Flatts song, My Wish. Members of the HCS chorus sang Sarah McLachlan's I Will Remember You, and as it is each year, the senior slide show was the highlight of the lighter side of the ceremonies.

In addition to handing out the diplomas, a total of 40 awards were given to graduates. These recognized student achievement in music, sports, conservation, journalism, math and a variety of other categories.

Dr. Bowers said of the graduates, "We feel lucky to have known each one of the. When I look across the stage I see our future."

She also shared some inspirational quotes from a variety of world leaders. One that connected with many on stage and in the standing room only crowd was a question asked by Dr. Randy Pausch: "Tigger or Eeyore?"

Bowers urged the seniors to choose to be happy and to "Aim high."

Lehman, telling the students that they are at "the door step of your most challenging change", suggested they "... probably are wondering if this small school could properly prepare you for what lies ahead." She said she had a desk drawer full of notes, letters, cards and printed versions of emails from former students who tell her it does.

"You are a great group of kids who attended a great school," Lehman concluded.

Schutt drew inspiration from an American Express ad and suggested that in their lives ahead, his classmates could help themselves by helping their communities and those they live with. He cited several examples of how people doing things out of enlightened self-interested improved their communities and their own lives, including those who lobbied for new voting machines, those who fought the NYRI power line project and the faculty of HCS.

"Find a way to help whatever community you find yourself in," Schutt said.

After members of the HCS Board of Education handed out diplomas, Dr. Bowers moved the tassels from the right side of their mortarboards to the left and sent them off to celebrate with friends and family.

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