The Mahopac News 2019 Graduation Section

Congratulations

CLASS of 2019

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

JUNE 27, 2019

PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

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JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3

to the
graduates!

PHOTOS:
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

PAGE 4 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

Congr tul tions to FILE PHOTO
Frank V. Lombardi
& the Cl ss of 2019! A MESSAGE FROM THE

Keep re ching for the st rs!!! SUPERINTENDENT
Anthon DiCarl
- Frank D. Lombardi
To the Class of 2019,
Candidate for Town Council I share your joy and a deep sense of accomplishment on your high

Paid for by Frank Lombardi school graduation. Your individual and collective achievements give
meaning to my work and that of all the teachers, counselors, coaches,
custodians, administrators, and every sta member in our school
district.

It is my hope that each graduate will take time to express gratitude
to your parents, caregivers, grandparents, and other family members
for their support during years in Mahopac Schools.

We appreciate the dedication and commitment of the members of
our School Board, who are committed to your ultimate success in this
school district.

is is a district that seeks excellence in all we do, and your many
outstanding achievements exemplify that wide range of doing things
the “Mahopac Way.”

ere is a very personal story behind each of you. Each graduate
has had many successes and setbacks, achieved signi cant milestones,
made sacri ces and met special challenges on the path to graduation.
As you move on into your next chapter and enter adulthood, I ask
that you carry with you our core values of Compassion, Resilience,
Problem-Solving, and Risk-Taking in all your choices and actions.

You are our future, and what you make of it will impact all of us.
My wish for each of you is that you contribute to the greater good of
our world.

Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendent of Mahopac Schools

JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 5

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PAGE 6 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

KVAalTedHicRtorYiaN-ALEXA KENNEDY

BY LAURA LEE HOLMBO and Nutrition). She developed a nutrition humanitarianism,” she said. said. “ ey’ve taught me the importance
CONTRIBUTING WRITER bar that, when consumed twice daily, in- She praises the teaching sta at Ma- of mutual respect and trust.”
cludes the essential vitamins, minerals and
Kathryn-Alexa Kennedy, Class of nourishment for lactating mothers in un- hopac High School for inspiring and mo- She will be the rst in her family to at-
2019 valedictorian, excelled in some of derdeveloped countries who do not have tivating her academically and personally. tend college.
the most challenging courses o ered at access to healthy food.
Mahopac High School, including eight “So many teachers helped me in so Kennedy is “forever grateful” for the
honors classes and nine AP and college- In addition to her research internships, many ways,” Kennedy said. “My teachers community.
level classes, achieving the AP Scholar Kennedy is a founding member and presi- were authentically brilliant with so much
with Honors award. However, this highest dent of the Science National Honor So- to share.” “I was born here, and I want to come
academic achievement does not re ect her ciety, captain of the math team, MOST back to live here one day,” she said. “I be-
true measure. executive vice president, treasurer of the Mark Langella, Kennedy’s AP chem- lieve Mahopac doesn’t get enough credit
National Honor Society and captain of istry instructor, was responsible for her for how great it is. People tend to just fo-
With a propensity for science and help- the varsity cross country and golf teams. love of chemistry. She attributes Edward cus on the aws but there is so much good
ing people, Kennedy completed a men- She is also an active member of the Ma- Turenchalk, her math teacher, for spark- coming from this place.”
torship program at Regeneron Pharma- hopac community, earning well over 500 ing her interest in math which “ended up
ceuticals, where she was able to shadow hours of community service. being important for other subjects and
a research scientist. She also interned at my research.” Dennis Quackenbush was
BASF, a global chemical company, where Kennedy will attend Princeton Univer- instrumental in her independent research,
she conducted research under the observa- sity in the fall. She’s intrigued with con- and Elizabeth Stephans holds a special
tion of a scientist in the human nutrition tinuing her studies in science by majoring place with her for guiding Kennedy’s re-
department. in chemical and biological engineering. search and empowering her leadership in
the National Science Honor Society.
For her work, she won the Cornell Uni- “I would like to use these majors as a
versity Food Science Award and second path to graduate school or medical school Kennedy also said she owes her aca-
place overall in the Tri-County Science that will take me to a career of perhaps demic success to her parents.
Fair ( rst place in the category of Health biopharma research that concentrates on
“My parents are amazing and dropped
everything to help me succeed,” Kennedy

Congratulations
Class of 2019!

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KSaIEluLtaYtorHiaOYT

BY LAURA LEE HOLMBO ‘Don’t rush for high school to be over.
CONTRIBUTING WRITER I can’t believe this is my last day of high school forever.’

e Mahopac High School Class of
2019 salutatorian is Kiely Hoyt. So, how

did she become among the top of her –Kiely Hoyt
class? Salutatorian

“I had to learn good study habits and

how important it is to manage my time,”

Hoyt said. her nine AP and college-level classes, do my best,” she said. “I appreciate their

A few of her study strategies were to and eight honors-level classes, chemistry, support so much and always being there

make ash cards so she could take them anatomy, and physiology were her favor- for me.”

with her whenever she could. She also ites and in uencers for continuing her As a scholar-athlete, Hoyt was the cap-

took notes with di erent colored pens, advanced degree. tain if the girls varsity tennis team. Her hopac can be,” she said. “I loved going to

which helped her organize and prioritize While her academic interest was in leadership roles continued as a found- football games, especially Homecoming,

main study points. the sciences, Hoyt found her social stud- ing member of the Afya/Human Rights and sitting in the Mahopac Maniacs sec-

“If you’d look at my notebook, it looks ies teacher, Kerry Price, to have a lasting Club, head of public relations for the tion.”

like a rainbow with the di erent colored positive impact on her. National Honors Society, and an active As she ponders her last day of high

pens I use but it really helps my study- “I found Ms. Price to be a great role member of the math team, biology club, school, she advises the underclassmen,

ing,” she said. model and inspirational for being a good Spanish club, and MOST. “Don’t rush for high school to be over. I

Hoyt will take her exceptional study person in the world,” Hoyt said. “She Listening to Hoyt makes it clear that can’t believe this is my last day of high

habits to the University of New Hamp- motivated me to do my best in everything she’s well-balanced with academic rigor school forever. I think students should

shire at Durham this fall. She intends to I do, not just in the classroom.” with making the most of the Mahopac’s get involved with as much as they can

major in biomedical science or premed She also has gratitude for her parents. spirited culture. and make the most of every single mo-

as a result of her love of science. Among “My parents encouraged me to always “I’m going to miss how much fun Ma- ment.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

Counseling with a Heart 935 South Lake Boulevard
Suite 9
Dr. Deborah Hardy
Mahopac, NY 10541
College Counseling
Academic Planning www.guidedconsult.com

Career Coaching

PAGE 8 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

MAHOPAC HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 2019
Editor’s Note: This following list of graduates was provided by the Mahopac Central School District.

Ashley Acebo Juliette Nicole Cazzari ° Randy Arthur Ferrieri Emil Imad Jaffal Abigail Rose Mastropietro
Denis Acevedo Ramos Timothy Cegielski Anthony Michael Ferro Kyra Jimenez Peter Matuck
Shannon Acosta Amanda Centrone ° Nicole Lida Fierro ° Justin T. Jones Hannah Grace McAteer
Christian Antonio Aguilar Dominic John Chiodi Nicole Filicko * Spiro Kassimis Colin Patrick McCarney °*
Reahl Allen Laura Olivia Chousa Antonio Finelli Justin Anthony Keen Faith M. McCauley
Edward Charles Alongi II Santino Donato Christiano Nicholas Finelli Michael Kieran Kelly Katie Laura McCormack
Destiny Diamond Alvarez Timothy James Civita Marcelina Fox Kathryn-Alexa Kennedy °* Cole McCracken
Alexandra Ambrosecchia Nicholas Daniel Clarke Gemma Elizabeth Franzetti °* Austin Kenny Katherine R. McDonough °
Khadijah Amos Dermot Coakley Kristen Fraser Naveed Khan Kassandra McGough
Maria T. Angelini Samantha Colatruglio Sydney Schaefer Froehlich Drew Kinash Patrick Joseph McGrinder °*
Enzo I. Angelino Giovani S. Colindres Garcia Zoë Fuentes Devin Elizabeth King Zina P. McInerney °*
Matthew L. Angelo Joshua J. Conde Louis George Gabay Katrina Patricia Klammer Thomas J. McKee °*
Sarah Gabrielle Arcuni Crew Joseph Connolly Andrew Michael Galarza Matthew Joseph Komosinski ° Aja Reneé McLean
Jack Arevalo Kimberly Bobbi Conran Brianna Gallagher Natyra Krasniqi Amanda Marie McMorrow
Michael C. Argila Anthony Corrado °* Andrea Galvez Austin P. Kuhbier Alyssa Rose McNulty
Thomas Argo Samantha N. Cosentino Anna Gamgebeli Paige Elizabeth Kutka Brianna Nicole McNulty
Thomas W. Bacon Kayla Marie Cosme AngelaRosa Garofalo Joseph M Lacoparra Jr. Rizzen T. Means
Simar Bahia Pearse Daly Giuseppe Garofalo Jessica Langlitz Jackeline Y. Mejia Ventura
Jordan Francesca Barbagallo Emily Hope Dancygier ° Frank Salvatore Garufi Taylor Ann LaRusso Alisha Nicole Mendez °*
Ian Barthelmes °* Jacob D’Angelo Joseph Genovese Nicholas Leonard Dante Carmine Merola
Paul H. Barthelmes °* Elizabeth Morgan Daria Oscar German Vargas Amber Leute Jasmine Luise Merrill
Tess Anne Bartman Benjamin M. Davydov Gianna Marie Gervasi ° Giuseppe Giovanni LoBello Olivia Meyer °*
Alyssa Marie Bellamoli ° Niko Richard DeCola James K. Geyer Frank Lombardi Niharika S. Mogallapalli °*
Judith Bentivegna Joseph Dedvukaj Morgan Giannetta °* William Long Anthony Michael Molle
Meghan Elizabeth Berglund °* Peter Michael DeJesus Katelyn M. Giorgio ° Aaron S. Lopez Ryan Moloney
Andi Berisha Matthew Anthony Della Mura Melissa Gjuraj Jennifer Lopez Marroqin Jayden Monahan
Fjolla Berisha Alexis DeMascio Christopher Goldberg Elizabeth Grace Lopreato Nicholas Thomas Montanez
Julia Nicole Bertolozzi Marissa DeMascio Rachel Meiji Goldstein Ariella Karin Lugay Joshua Davis Montgomery
Claudia Renee Betham Daisy M. DeRaco Brytany Gonzalez Jonatha Lulgjuraj Robert David Morrow
Jada Bishop Nicholas James DiCairano Emma Hagan Goodrow ° Logan Patrick MacDougall Leighann Morse °
Alessandria Bisio Frank DiGaudio Ashia Kiara Graham Daniella L. Machado °* Tyra J. Moses
Nicholas F. Blau ° Melissa Grace DiLieto ° Nicholas Joseph Grandinetti Jessica L. Machado °* Ariel Munoz
Sean M. Boynes Alena F. Dinh Alexa Nicole Grieco Leanna L. Machado °* Ashley Munoz
Kyle Brandstetter °* Christopher Anthony DiSilvio Noemi Gristina Alexis Nicole MacIndoe Joseph Anthony Phillip Muratore
Sean Michael Brech April Dorazio Nicole Grossi Colleen Joyce MacNeil Dorinda Ann Murray
Nicholas Bricker Heney Anthony Dorvilus Casey Caroline Gruppuso °* Aidan J. Madden ° Ryan M. Murtagh
Mackenzie Anne Brophy ° Thomas Doscas Eva G. Gutt °* Heather S. Magliari Michael J. Musantry
Joseph Bucalo Cathleen Elizabeth Doyle Max A. Haklay ° Nick C. Magnani Logan Patrick Nardelli
Gianna Maria Buffone Hope A. Doyle ° Nicole Kimberly Halaga * John Michael Maher Jr. Gianna Nardini
Andrew Buontempo Flor Duarte-Ramos Joseph Harney Svitlana Malishko °* Gjon Narkaj
Nicholas S. Burtt John Patrick Dundon Nicholas Harnish Kaleigh Maeve Maliszewski Christopher Nealon
Michael Buzea Daniel Dusovic Kevin Hegarty Michael Mammola Raquel Nelson °
Francesca Grace Cammarata Kayleigh Dziuba °* Juliana J. Higgins Nicholas Mancusi Everett Newhall
Vanessa Campos Taylor Victoria Ebinger Ian Hildrew Anthony Nicholas Mancuso Charles Walter Nicosia
Anthony M. Caperna Darien D. Edwards Robert Hildrew Michael Anthony Manza III Nicolas Nieto
Steven J. Caperna Skylar Emerson Priscilla Lara Holloway Joselyn A. Marcatoma John William Nikisher
Angela Caporale Elvis Alexander Espinoza Chapa Eric Horvath Salvatore Marchionni Isaella Nokaj
Frank Casagrande Samantha Marie Fasciglione Kiely M. Hoyt °* Nicholas Antonio Margiotta °* Colin O’Brien
Christopher Lee Casanova Tara Feierstein Matthew Robert Hull Daniel Christopher Marino Ellen O’Brien °*
Christelle Casino Stephanie Felizardo ° James Anthony Ilardi Matthew Christian Martirano
Morgan Lynn Castro Thomas J. Feminella Laura Ivezaj ° Alexander Massafra SEE CLASS OF 2019 PAGE 9

JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9

CLASS OF 2019 Estefania Pinos Sanmartin Ashley M. Russo Kyle Sindet Anthony M. Varbaro
Veronica Kim Polifemo Kaitlyn Marie Russo Tylynn Smith Matthew J. Vassallo
FROM PAGE 8 Ariana Poniros Vincent D. Russo °* William P. Sni en °
Zachary John Puckhaber Steven Paul Ruzzo Lucas Enrique Soto omas J. Vellek °*
omas Eugene O’Connor Julia Quesenberry Kevin Joseph Ryan ° Michael Anthony Sottile ° Nicholas J. Venditti
Ryan James O’Connor ° Isabella Quintero Ruiz Preston Robert Ryan Olivia Rose Spano ° Christipher Anthony Verdi
Caitlin Oehl Derek Quirke Nicholas A. Saetta Briana L. Speckman Andrea M. Viaggio
Eamon J. O’Gara °* Ryan Randecker ° Michael A. Salhab Ava Danielle Starace Clarissa L. Virola
Victoria Rose Omboni ° Olivia Marie Rapuano Juliette érèse Sanchez William Staviski III Jenna Carolina Vitale °
Savanah Lauren Onativia Gabriella Hope Reale Ariel Santana Timothy Stein Julian Vitiello
Daniel E. O’Neill Andrew Riolo ° Jackson Edward Sawicki Connor Stepkoski °* Carah Vitkus
Brian O’Shea Jennifer Rose Rivera Valerie Margarita Sbuttoni Gianna Patria Tardio ° Christopher James Volpe °
James Michael O’Shea Michael G. Rivera Christina M. Scalabrini James Louis Tate Gjyste Vukaj
Nicholas R. Padovani Daniel G. Rizzo Natalie Scanlon °* Shota Tchavtchavadze Wendy Wallis
Katerinne Saraí Palacios Aileen Emily Rizzotto Nicholas Scauzillo Ashley Sara Teal Christopher J. Walpole Jr.
Olivia Paolicelli Gabrielle A. Roa Michael Schleicher Devon Telfer Sean Ward
Alexa Nicole Papineau Hallie Robcke Luciana Maria Scorsone Carlos Tenenpaguay Matthew Joseph Weiner °*
Kateri Pascarella Antonio Rafael Rodriguez Kenneth Se ani Taylor Josephine Terilli Michael F. White
Victoria Paul Robert Rogan Elena Sehring Mario Termine Hailey Woods
Annie S. Peechatt °* Osgual Omar Romero Godoy Izabelle Faith Selca Emma Tesler °* Emily Marie Youngberg °*
Fernando Pennacchio Adam Rosenberg Benjamin Son Semegran °* Joseph Tetto Lawrence Vincent Zarcone
Genesis Mariah Pepe ° Joseph Rossi John Lowell Shea Johnnie D’Andre omas Kailey Zecca
Tyler Pereira Louis S. Rossi Jr. Alesio Shelna Kayli Timpano °
Sarahy Perez Briana Rotger Rhiannon Paige Sheridan Christina Louise Tozzi omas Xavier Zelley °
Anthony Perricone Kate M. Ru alo Ryan Shevlin Taylor Trabucco
Luca Petriello Megan Rumore ° Simon B. Shkoza Daisy Jannina Tuquinagui * Top 10 percent of class
Anthony Pezzello Tara Elizabeth Russell Joseph P. Siclari Kevin Bryce Valdes °* ° National Honor Society
Sarah Pilgrim °

We Also Congratulate Our Congratulations
Four Scholarship Winners:
To The Graduating
Olivia Rapuano
Chris Volpe Class Of 2019
Jada Bishop
It’s been an honor to watch
Raquel Nelson you grow up and excel both in

and out of the classroom.

We Wish You All The Best
That Life Has To Offer!

PAGE 10 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

SBTOCEESPTHecACNenIteEr VFaleEdiLctoIrZiaARDO

BY LAURA LEE HOLMBO “I cannot thank Melissa Davis enough for all she’s done for ‘I’ve always loved kids
CONTRIBUTING WRITER me. She pushed me to do my best and put my best foot forward,” and the option to be
Felizardo said. “She’s not only a teacher but a support system in the child education
Mahopac High School’s Stephanie Felizardo is Putnam for her students and because of her I want to be a teacher.” certi cation program
Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational at BOCES has been
Services (BOCES) Tech Center valedictorian for the Class of Her gratitude for teachers extends to Mahopac schools as amazing…’
2019. As a graduate of the Child Development and Education well.
program, Felizardo said to over 450 of her graduating peers on –Stephanie Felizardo
June 14 in her valedictorian speech, “I always knew I wanted to “In addition to my BOCES teacher, my Mahopac teachers BOCES Tech Center
have a career with children. Without my experience at the Tech really care for us (students) as a whole,” she said.
Center, I don’t know where I would be. We will be not one, but Valedictorian
two steps, ahead of all of our peers in the workforce and college When Felizardo is not on the Mahopac or BOCES cam-
thanks to what we learned here.” puses, she works for a local pharmacy and preschool at the Falls
School. is summer, she will continue working and help her
Felizardo will attend PACE University this fall and pursue sister with her newborn baby.
the Early Childhood Education program with expanded con-
centrations in special education and ENL (English as a New “I am one of one of six kids and most of my siblings have
Language). Along with her core classes at Mahopac, graduating children, so I’ve grown up being around little children,” she said.
from BOCES with a child education certi cate prepared her
for college with the two-year course designed for high school Her love of working with children was compounded with
junior and senior years to learn about child development from working as a summer camp counselor and babysitting over the
conception to adolescence, educational theory and law, and years.
classroom management skills.
“I’ve always loved kids and the option to be in the child edu-
She credits her BOCES childhood education teacher, Me- cation certi cation program at BOCES has been amazing for
lissa Davis, for pursuing teaching. me in many ways,” she said. “Not everyone is academically cen-
tered and meant to be in a classroom, so having the BOCES
option really helps students with hands-on experience for their
future.”

“You can map out a light plan or a life plan, but when the action
starts, it may not go the way you planned, and you're down to
the reflexes you developed in training. That's where roadwork
shows - the training you did in the dark of the mornin' will show
when you're under the bright lights."

–Smokin Joe Frazier

JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 11

‘Tak wit yo e erythin yo ha learne her …’

Editor’s Note: e following is the speech Stephanie Felizardo gave advantage in the future. come memories. So, cherish and value each and every day of

as valedictorian of the Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES Along with the educational sta here at the Tech Center, your lives and take with you everything you have learned here.

Tech Center. Felizardo is a Mahopac High School student. my friends and family deserve an incredible thank you for From the Rascal Flatts song, “My wish, for you, is that

supporting me tremendously. Your love and support mean this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big,

Hello everyone and good evening. My name is Stephanie the world to me and it is de nitely valued. your worries stay small, you never need to carry more than

Felizardo and I go to Mahopac High School. For the past Without my experience here at the Tech Center, I don’t you can hold.”

two years, I have been in the Child Development and Edu- know where I would be. Starting today, go out into this great, big world, take that

cation program at the PNW BOCES Tech Center. I feel My time here at the Tech Center has taught me many step, make mistakes, learn from them, take risks, be sponta-

absolutely honored to be standing up here today as the vale- things, from lesson planning to classroom management, and neous and do the things you never thought you’d see yourself

dictorian of the PNW BOCES Tech Center Class of 2019. most importantly the value of teaching and all the challenges doing by living the life you wish to live. I want to wish the

I would like to thank everyone for coming today, includ- that come along with it. From leading a preschool class my best of luck to each and every one of you as today marks the

ing our BOCES board,Tech Center administration, as well junior year to assisting a teacher in a classroom my senior year, start of our future, so make the best of it and take in every

as all of our family and friends, to allow us to share this spe- I have experienced more than those who have not had the moment as you go along.

cial day with you. You have all been an instrumental part of opportunity to attend the Tech Center. With the hands-on In the wise words of Ed Helms: “Don’t be afraid of fear.

our success and each and every one of us knows we wouldn’t experience we all have gained, we will be not one but two Because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you

be here without you. It is with your in uence and support steps ahead of everyone else entering into our future careers.If stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run

that we have all made it to where we are today. I could give one piece of advice to incoming juniors, it would away from the opportunity to be your best possible self.”

Next, I’d like to thank the phenomenal educational sta be to take a class at the Tech Center and use it to their advan- Life will y by before you know it and,soon enough,you’ll

at the Tech Center, which has taught us all so much and tage. e Tech Center makes learning not only enjoyable but be sitting with your graduating classes in college waiting to

inspired us to do our very best each and every day. I would valuable and bene cial for our future accomplishments. start your lives in the real world. I want to wish you all the

especially like to thank my teachers as each one of them has All of us graduating today will be moving forward and tak- best in life and to remember to take life head on as there’s

not only been an amazing teacher but a support system as ing our next steps going into college and our future endeavors. no going around it. Take every challenge and roadblock life

well. Without the guidance and encouragement from these Although this chapter of our lives may be over, the memories throws at you and kick it to the curb because each and every

teachers, I wouldn’t be standing up here today. You have all will stick with us forever as we are only getting started. It is one of you has the potential to be your best self possible if

had an outstanding impact on me and I will take every piece important that we all value our time here at the Tech Center you do so.

of advice and wisdom you have given me and use it to my as sometimes we never really value moments until they be- Here’s to new beginnings and a “heck yes,”cause we made it!

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MENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019 PAGE 13

f 2019! Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo
leads the graduates out.
Dr. Matthew
Lawrence
welcomes
the crowd.

las sing “Time of Your Life”

The EMT class

PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

PAGE 14 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

‘W ar class lle wit
character… an characters’

[Editor’s Note: is is the speech given by Class President Natalie Scanlon during the
commencement ceremonies June 19 at Mahopac High School.]

Tonight, we are here to celebrate the Class many, many characters. Some classmates we

of 2019, our many accomplishments and to knew were there, others did not make their

look forward to our future endeavors. presence as obvious. Some students boldly

Even though we sit here in uniform rows announced themselves in the hallways, others

with coordinating/matching gowns, each one quietly walked through them. Some members

of our high school journeys to arrive at this of our class received awards and certi cates for

point was vastly di erent. I can say with the ut- athletic and musical achievements, while oth-

most con dence that none of us in the Class of ers volunteered hundreds of hours of commu-

2019 have had the same high school experience. nity service.

Each one of us took a unique route through- But regardless of who you are, how you act-

out our four years of maneuvering and navi- ed or what you did, we, all of us, will forever be

gating the Mahopac High School. tied together to our class—Mahopac’s gradu-

From painting the sets for musicals on the ating Class of 2019.

stage to playing basketball at Lakeview El- Over the past 12 years, we have been taught

ementary, our very di erent/varied and re- hundreds of lessons by teachers and sta , but

spective journeys were lled with invaluable the most valuable ones have come from one

friendships, learned lessons and many laughs. another. SEE SCANLON PAGE 19
We are a class lled with character—and

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JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15

A MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT
GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT

[Editor’s Note: e following is the speech student government chestra, and that one part during “Mo Bamba” at prom.

president Gabby Roa gave at the commencement exercises held In school, every day had felt like a century to me and

June 19 at Mahopac High School.] I remember on the rst day of every new school year I

would already be saying,“I can’t wait to graduate.”But now

Principal Lawrence, members of the school board, that the day is here, it’s felt like it’s gone by faster than the

teachers, parents, friends, and fellow students, it is an time it took for all the girls to take their heels o at prom.

honor to speak to all of you today, at the Class of 2019’s I know that a lot of us are hyped about college but at the

graduation ceremony. Don’t worry, I’ll try to keep this same time a little afraid of nally having to grow up. But

short and sweet. I learned that going into situations that may be foreign,

Twelve years ago, I was 6 years old and starting my rst unfamiliar, or even strange, doesn’t mean they have to be

year at Austin Road, the superior elementary school. I re- scary. Our life and experiences are what we make of them.

member walking into class and seeing my best friend— Some of us here today, especially our parents, are won-

shout out to my girl,Tyra Moses.I still remember my rst- dering what’s to become of us in the future. It’s OK to

grade teacher,dancing on the tables and constantly stealing wonder but, I also think it is important to realize that

my Doritos at snack time. I remember when all we did our future is not just something that happens to us but is

during recess was play wall ball and trade Silly Bandz (my something that is up to us to create.

favorite was the T-Rex one). And I de nitely remember So, fellow students, I urge you today to not worry

my strange obsession with Webkinz. (If you’re wondering, about the little things, and to live your life the way you

I had about 30, and yes, I know I had a problem). want to. Even though the thought of going into college

And now we’re here, at the end of our high school seems a little nerve-racking, just remember that you will

years. And in a few months, most of us will be entering make a lot of great friends, have a lot of fun times, and

college. In the far future, I’ll probably look back and re- make a lot of amazing memories.

member Mr. Purr’s legendary May 4th announcements, Congratulations to everyone here, and I wish you all

Mr. McGregor’s absolute cringe-worthy dabs during or- the best of luck in your future.

Congratulations to the
Graduating Class of 2019

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PAGE 16 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

‘D wha makes yo happ ,
no others…’

[Editor’s Note: is is the speech given by Class of 2019 valedictorian Kathryn-Alexa
Kennedy during the commencement ceremonies June 19 at Mahopac High School.]

Welcome to the family, friends, faculty easy to me, I became the girl who wanted

and administration who are here with us to understand the big picture, instead of

tonight to celebrate the graduating Class retaining a sequence of facts.

of 2019, even though you’ve already been I had to work harder to put myself

welcomed three times. on the same level as the kids who could

ere are 382 of you in front of me, naturally absorb all the information that

and somehow, I, the girl who cried when was given to them.

she gave her rst presentation, has been But it forced me to appreciate what I

given the responsibility to address you. I was learning, and who I was learning it

am also the girl who had to copy notes for: myself. Everyone wants to succeed,

down in class, and then go home to re- but frankly, no one cares whether you re-

teach it to myself because I couldn’t pick member the Pythagorean eorem. ey

offthings up as quickly as other kids could. care if you’re happy and if you’re proud of

I am the girl who stayed after school what you have done.

20%offevery day to ask my teachers questions My drive to learn was fueled by my in-

E2YE0GLA%SSESbecause I didn’t want my peers to think nate curiosity,but everyone does not have
EYfoErGLASSESI was stupid when I was confused about that, and that’s alright. Do what makes

something the teacher had said. But be-
Chamberforcause memorizing ideas did not come
SEE KENNEDY PAGE 17

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JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17

KENNEDY one life, and there is nothing permanent about it. e quickest way to happiness: learn to be sel ess.”
good times, and the bad times, will pass. Friends and ex- I would like to end with some thank yous. To the par-
FROM PAGE 16

you happy, not others, and cherish the fact that you have periences will come and go. at argument or con ict ents and families, thank you for sacri cing so much to

the capability to do so. or “speech” that stressed you out will not matter. e give us the opportunities you never had. To my mom,

So, graduates, please take a second, I would like to ask amount of money that you made will not matter. What thank you for showing me that intellect and indepen-

everyone to take a deep breath with me. will matter is how you spent your life. Did you spend dence can go hand in hand with beauty and grace. Dad,

at’s the rst time I’ve breathed in four years. your life lifting others up, or bringing them down? Did you ingrained in me the value of hard work and resil-

Now, look around at your friends, family, and teachers; you spread the happiness and goodness in your life to ience through tough times. ank you, Mom and Dad,

pause to appreciate where you are right now, and every- others? Are you proud of what you stand for? Success is for your endless love, support and respect.

thing that you have done to get to this point. Too of- not a concept that should be de ned by monetary limits, ank you to the teachers and faculty, for leading

ten, we simply stand and witness life pass us by, without but by in nite happiness. your classes with integrity, exhorting the importance of

pausing to appreciate the beauty and the simplicity of A saying that stuck with me for several years, which authenticity and sometimes, being the friend that we

our experiences. Too often, I told myself, if I could just I ended up choosing as my senior quote, is from Ralph needed. ank you to the Mahopac community for ap-

make it through Wednesday, when all my tests and stress Waldo Emerson: “To know even one person has breathed preciating us and our commitment to making Mahopac

are over, then I will be happy. But then something else easier because you have lived…this is to have succeeded.” a better place. Lastly, thank you to the graduates. Con-

would come along and add to my plate, and I kept push- You have the opportunity to inspire, to teach, to bene t gratulations and some departing advice: Don’t waste

ing o my happiness to compensate for when I thought someone’s life and only you can do it, in that moment. your life, watching it pass by before your eyes. Prioritize

I would have time to enjoy it. But the truth is, now is the Devote time to helping others, because you’ll never know making yourself genuinely happy. Recognize the good-

time to enjoy it, because everything is temporary. when it might be you that needs their help. Take a mo- ness that others bring into your life and appreciate all the

Just as fast as these four years have passed, so will ev- ment to shovel a neighbor’s driveway, be patient with truly magni cent things the world has to o er because

erything else. In “ e Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho iter- your sibling, and say please and thank you. I believe it is you’re only young once.

ated, “ e simple things are also the most extraordinary best put by a man named Macklemore, who once walked Live your life authentically, with kindness, compassion

things, and only the wise can see them.” You only have into a thrift shop with only $20 in his pocket: “ e and empathy at the forefront.

‘Did you spend your life lifting others up, or bringing them down? Did you spread the happiness
and goodness in your life to others? Are you proud of what you stand for?’

–Kathryn-Alexa Kennedy, Valedictorian

Congratulations
2019 G aduatin Senior

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PAGE 18 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

‘Ther is always plac
for e eryon t succee …’

[Editor’s Note: is is the speech given by Class of 2019 salutatorian Kiely Hoyt during the
commencement ceremonies June 19 at Mahopac High School.]

Good evening and thank you to everyone say time ies when you’re having fun.
for coming here tonight to celebrate the grad- roughout my years in high school, I’ve
uating Class of 2019. I would also like to say
thank you to my parents, family, friends, teach- been known, especially by my friends and fam-
ers, as well as the school administration for all ily, to try many new and very di erent activi-
your help and support throughout my years at ties. I’ve been like this my whole life and high
Mahopac High School. ese past four years school has been no di erent. Within the past
have been quite a journey and I know that I four years, I have tried just about every club,
will forever cherish the memories that I’ve sport, and activity that this school has to of-
made and the people I’ve met here. fer and even other ones outside of school. I’ve
tried everything from track to tennis to, yes, I
Four years ago, on the morning of my rst have even tried knitting.
day of high school, I remember waking up and
telling my mom that I felt old.Of course,when From these experiences, some things that
she heard this, she shook her head and laughed I’ve learned and will always remember are that
at me and said,“Kiely, you’re only 14; wait until 1) you should de nitely not eat greasy food be-
you’re 40.” However, four years later standing fore a game unless you want to get sick on the
here at this podium on this very special day I bus ride there, and 2) that there are so many
have to say, I really do feel old. ese past years smart, talented, and athletic people in this

ew by and I guess they’re right when people SEE HOYT PAGE 19

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JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 21

KENNEDY CATHOLIC
MAHOPAC GRADS

Class of 2019

Congratulations to the following students from the
Mahopac/Carmel area who graduated from

Kennedy Catholic High School earlier this month:

Kyle Bruenn Nicholas O’Mara
Anne Butler Marina Passero
Nicole Cicchetti Alyssa Sayegh
Mary di Graci
Michael DiLullo Mo Wang
Alessandra Franco Zhixian Xiong
Liam Gerrity Yingci Zhong
Timothy Kelleher
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PAGE 22 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – JUNE 27, 2019

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JUNE 27, 2019 – GRADUATION SECTION – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23

Nico DeCola and his family

Thomas Bacon and his family
ChrisanVdolhpies
family

PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

Congratulations

Graduates! Seize the Day!
As you celebrate your graduation, I’d like to take a moment to
Now that they’ve moved on, express how proud I am of your hard work and achievement.
let me help you with your next move. I hope you will continue to aim high and reach for the stars.
Your potential for success is limitless,
KIM B ER LY N ICOS I A and I wish you all the best in every future endeavor!
Real Estate Salesperson
M. . Congratulations and warmest wishes to
[email protected] the Class of 2019 graduates!

Neal Sullivan
Putnam County Legislator
District 9

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