The Somers Record Graduation 2020

Congratulations

CLASS OF 2020

SPECIAL PHOTOS:
SUPPLEMENT TO SARAH BUSSINGER

July 2, 2020

Page 2 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

SOMERS

HIGClHassSofC2H02O0 OL

Stephanie Abramson Cole Berger Jake Carrieri Sean Dickson Victoria Ferro Jose Giron
Jennifer Acocella Dylan Berliner Tyler Cheatham Haley Dineen Anthony Fiore Faith Gold
Tanner Adams Valerie Bevilacqua Dominic Cheek Megan Dineen Ethan Goldberg
Benjamin Adler Meghan Blanch Kyle Chouinard Fiona DiNuzzi Keira Flynn Sanjana Gorthi
Nikolas Aguilar Maxwell Bolotin Jack D’Iorio Ashley Foley Sun Graham
Ryan Bonner Erin Clark John Djonovic Emily Foltin Gri n Grant
Zinovy Alecksandrovich Abigail Brooks Juliana Clement David D’Onofrio Eleanor Greenbaum
Andrew Andre Hannah Brownstein So a Doukakis omas Forbes Joseph Gri th
Anthony Andre Annalisa Burgio Brice Cohen Kimberly Dry Steven Formisano Julia Grillo
Emily Arena Mayra Cabrera Kaitlyn Comiskey Nicholas D’Souza Charles Grindrod
Alexis Atkinson Anthony Cacace Riley Comparetto David Eckert Riley French Joseph Grippo
Leunita Bajramaj Holly Cambareri Sean Considine Nicholas Friscia Rachel Gutierrez
Cassidy Baker Alexander Cameron Liliana Costanzo Jake Elliott Crystal Hammond
Jennie Baker Connor Camia Vincenzo Costanzo Cassidy Erenberg omas Gall Jack Hannan
Jennifer Campbell Nicole Garrity
Charles Balancia III Lauren Canavan Ethan Cukaj Marissa Evans SEE CLASS OF
Angelique-Marie Baptiste Taylor Cancel omas DalCeredo Alessandra Falciglia omas Garrity 2020 PAGE 4
Greta Candreva Cassandra Falcone Nicholas Gentile
Deanna Barankewicz Nicholas Carchi Jake Daly Michael Fatigate III Ashli Ginquitti
Katherine Barnable Ralph Carfagno Marco D’Ambrosio Anthony Gionta
Gabriella Bartasek Maximus Caron Breana Gionta
Isabella De Feo
Katelyn Batson Claire DeLasho Diego Giron
Ned Becerra Daniel Della Vecchia
Javier Beltran Christian DeSanto
Danielle DiCintio

Congratulations Class of 2020!

SHS SENIORS:

Happy Graduation! You did it and have inspired us with your
courage and grace! We are so amazed at all you have accomplished!

Good luck in your next chapter!
We can't wait to see how you make Somers proud!

Thanks for all the great memories!

SMS 8TH GRADERS:

Congrats on finishing Middle School! Big thumbs-up!
Best of luck in your High School journey!

SIS 5TH GRADERS:

Way to go on completing Intermediate School!
We know you will be great in Middle School!

PRIMROSE 2ND GRADERS:

High-five on finishing Elementary School!
Congrats on moving up to Intermediate School!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!

Th Somers Educatio Foundatio

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 3

CONGRATULATIONS

Evan Mazzola
and the
CLASS OF

Graduating is definitely a milestone but Life is the biggest learning experience
of them all! Wishing you all the best and good luck for the future!

#UGottaHaveHope

Page 4 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

CLASS OF 2020 Andrew Lasher Evan Mazzola Casey Palmieri George Schmitt Jr. Christopher Truoccolo
Rocco Latella Kaitlyn McCartin Lia Palumbo Daniel Schwartz Viktoria Uljaj
FROM PAGE 2 Alexandra Le Christopher McCormack Francesco Paone Nathaniel Schwartz Rosa Vaccarelli
Emanuele Leggio Victoria McEvoy Nicholas Pappas Sharanya Shanthan
Emily Heese Janelle Lewis Kenneth McGrane Laurence Shaw Caitlyn Van Tassell
John Hensel Brian Lieberman Cassidy McKenna omas Parisi Alec Varma
Grace Hickey Samantha Lobasso Natalie McMaster Gianna Pefanis Emma Shea
Katie Hill Amanda Logel Jessica McSweeney Marianna Petroni Phurdoma Sherpa Lucas Varunok
Charlie Hopper Lauren LoParrino Destiny Melendez Luke Phalen Douglas Shirakura Katherine Velardo
Michael Huber Frank Lopez Hannah Mendelson
Abigail Iaropoli Clint Loretta-Catucci Rebecca Menna Jacob Piazza John Sibilia Dominic Veltri
Bruno Imhof Jessica Lucadamo David Mercado Xavier Pietri Tanner Siciliano Lindsey Velzy
Maeve Janecka George Lucciola Nicholas Merritt Paulina Podlesskaya William Siebert Julia Vickers
Ma’Tease Jones Alexander Lulgjuraj Amanda Micceri Michael Procopis Sarah Siemers Dominic Vinci
Gianna Jusino Zachary Lupinacci Michael Michaud Emersen Rabuse Cosmo Signorile Julia Vitale
Sydney Kahn Ryan Lurye Talia Ramirez Isabella Sirchia Brooke Vogel
Clare Keane Robert Lusthaus Jonathan Mier Pooja Rao Alessandro Sitaras
omas Kearin Jr Diana Luzon Samara Miller Matthew Reimann Christopher Smajlaj Ryan Vogel
Kayleigh Kenny Mitchell Machado Giovanna Minuto Sebastian Riccobono Sabrina Somoza Christiana Walker
Savannah Kerins Peter MacNeil Oleksiy Misyuk Daniel Rios Zachary Soto
Peter Kim Nicole Maniscalco Julian Morales Adam Ritzcovan Michael Squitieri Ciaran Watt
Christopher Klang Benjamin Marcano Kayla Morgante Jessica Rodriguez Grace Stellato Marc Weisbrot
Samantha Klee Brian Marcus Rory Mullarkey Edmund Romani Connor Westerman
Karlene Kurtz Ariel Markowski Marina Murphy Rachel Ross Erik Swee Riley Westerman
Julia Lancia Alexandra Marr Sarah Murphy Olivia Rossetti Jack Syken Jessica Westho
Ella Lansky Christina Marra Jillian Myers Nicholas Rossi Frank Syso Kathleen White
Dylan Lanza Robin Masterson Maggie Nestor Christopher Roublick Victoria Szpynda Nancy Wiegelman
Lily Laredo Jordan May Daniel Noonan Matthew Russo Adrianna Tagayun Jonathan Williams
Eric Larson Katherine Olsen Mackenzie Ryan Christopher Totoro Nicholas Wines
John Sammel Nathaniel Townsend Emily Wray
Athena Traver Fiona Youngs

Eric Yu

Congratulations

to the Best Wishes,

Somers Anthony J Cirieco
Class of
2020 Councilman
Paid for by Friends of Anthony Cirieco
On their
High School
Graduation!

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 5

CONGRATULATIONS

SOMERS CLASS OF 2020!

Best Wishes For A Healthy, Bright
And Successful Future!

~Supervisor Rick Morrissey

Paid for by Rick Morrissey

Page 6 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

SOMERS HS VALEDICMTaOeveRJIaAnecNka

What activities are you involved in at high school and in the community?
I am an EMT in the Somers Volunteer Fire Department, the president of the
high school’s National Honor Society chapter, a member of the President’s Junior
Leadership Council at Northern Westchester Hospital, a captain of the Somers
Cross Country and Track and Field teams, and president of the Somers Cancer
Research club. I am also a science research student at the high school.

What does it feel like to be named valedictorian?
It is de nitely an honor to be named the valedictorian of Somers’ class of 2020,
especially given that so many of my classmates are incredibly talented! To be honest,
it still feels a bit surreal that all the studying I did paid o , but in the best way
possible.

Where are you going to college, what will you major in and how did you decide
on that college and major?

I will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall as a Chemical-
Biomolecular engineering major. I chose Georgia Tech over some of the other
schools I was admitted to because I felt it was where I t the best, due to the strength
of its engineering programs and its down-to-earth campus culture. I was also selected
for Georgia Tech’s Stamps President’s Scholarship, an award bestowed on less than
one percent of applicants that covers the full cost of eight semesters at college and
provides $12,000 in enrichment funding. I chose
Chemical-Biomolecular engineering as my
major because I felt it could act as a good segue
to virtually any STEM career, and because I nd
chemistry very interesting.

What is a favorite memory of yours from high How has Somers High School prepared you for the future?
school? Somers High School has taught me so much, both in an academic and a
pragmatic sense. One of the most valuable things that SHS taught me was
One of my favorite memories from high school to communicate e ectively with di erent personalities while maintaining my
was this past January, when I found out I had own opinions and values. is skill was crucial to many of the college and
been selected as a Regeneron Science Talent scholarship interviews I underwent in the past year, and it ultimately helped me to
Search Scholar. To apply to the competition, secure Georgia Tech’s Stamps President’s Scholarship.
I had written a 25-page research paper titled
“Analysis of Heavy Metal Concentrations in What are some goals you have for the future?
JUUL Vapor (Electronic Cigarette Aerosol) I hope to someday earn a doctoral degree, though whether I choose to pursue an
Based on Vaping Topography Identi ed from MD, PhD, or both remains to be seen. Another one of my goals for the future is to
a Survey of Young Adults” and submitted continue studying Spanish at Georgia Tech and eventually become uent. I also hope
numerous supplemental essays. I was in Spanish to continue to conduct research and possibly secure a fellowship after college.
class at the time that the results of the competition were posted, and when I saw
that I had been selected I immediately ran down to the science research classroom to What will you miss most about high school and Somers?
celebrate with Mr. Maelia, Mrs. Lepkowski, and my friends! It may sound cliche, but I will miss my amazing friends! ey are dispersing to cities
from Toronto to Tallahassee, and even though it will be bittersweet for us to leave
Are there any teachers that had an impact on you? If so, who and why? Somers, I am so excited to see what we will accomplish in college!
I have been fortunate enough to have had many amazing teachers during my time
at Somers High School, but three have stood out to me in particular. When I was an
underclassman, Mr. Kollarus’ AP World History class was where I learned how to
push my limits academically and where I made many of my best friends. In later years,
Mr. Maelia helped me and many of my peers realize our passion for STEM while
creating a dynamic community in the science research program. Lastly, throughout my
four years at the high school, Mrs. Hendrie has been incredibly supportive and always
reminded me to speak on behalf of what I felt was right.

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 7

IONA PREPCONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2020!

INVEST. INSPIRE. IGNITE.

An Iona Prep education is one of the best investments
you can make for your son’s success.

Even as the spread of Coronavirus + Graduating classes have + Seniors have been accepted
continues to disrupt education, earned more than $130 million to their top choice schools,
Iona Prep remains true to our mission in academic, merit-based including Boston College,
and we are prepared to enagage college scholarships over the Cornell, Fordham, Georgetown,
and instruct students no matter last five years. Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame,
the circumstances. Be strong as we Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
continue this journey, together. + Lifelong alumni network that University of Pennsylvania,
enhances college and career Vassar and many others.
trajectories on the strength of
the brotherhood of Iona men.

Begin your IONA PREPARED journey this Fall.

Contact [email protected] or visit IonaPrep.org

#IonaPrepCommunityStrong

Page 8 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

SOMERS HS SALUTATJeOnnRie BIAakNer

What activities are you involved in at high school and in the community?
I am involved with the orchestra, chamber orchestra, Tri-M, and the service club
(or S.T.A.T. club). Outside of school, I worked as a student volunteer at Salem Hills
Nursing Home.

What does it feel like to be named salutatorian?
I feel validated knowing that my hard work has been acknowledged.

Where are you going to college, what will you major in and how did you decide
on that college and major?

I will be attending Georgia Tech as an environmental engineering major in the
fall. I chose this major because I wanted to focus on using my skills and passions
in STEM to serve humanity. In my sophomore year, I began a science research
project that focused on the design of a biomass fuel source to minimize its harmful
pollutants. After discovering the wide impact such design can have on population
health, I fell in love with environmental engineering. Since it is not a widely popular
major, very few schools have programs that focus on “big picture” environmental
issues. Georgia Tech not only has a department with strong core values, but
countless opportunities for internships and other avenues to learn by “doing.”

What is a favorite memory of yours from high school?
A favorite memory of mine is Tri-M’s rst bi-annual co ee house. During this
event, fellow student musicians set up the Student Life Center to serve co ee
and snacks while performing music. It was cool to see it all come together for the
rst time, especially since I had never before performed in such a small and casual
setting.

Are there any teachers that had an impact on you? If What are some goals you have for the future?
so, who and why? Currently, my utmost goal is to nd a career within
engineering, working alongside others to improve the
My freshman and sophomore year math teachers, quality of living in global communities. On a more
Mrs. Hendrie and Mrs. Seaboldt, both encouraged personal level, I want to continue learning and playing
me to consider engineering. is opened my mind to the guitar. Music is my most beloved hobby and I hope
the options I would then explore in science research. to continually make time for it as I grow older.
Mr. Maelia, the science research teacher, continuously
supported my project ideas and e orts no matter what What will you miss most about high school and Somers?
obstacles I faced. His class is undoubtedly the reason As an IB diploma candidate, I’ve had the privilege of smaller classes and thus
that I have chosen this career path. Lastly, my senior year closer relationships with my peers and teachers. I wish to have had more time with
English teacher, Mrs. Spinelli, has done nothing but use them, especially my physics teacher, Mr. Boire, who kept classes engaging while
her role as an educator to teach me as both a student acting genuinely about his interests in physics and education.
and an individual. Because of her, I have a new sense of
con dence in my own identity and understanding of the
person I want to be after high school.

How has Somers High School prepared you for the
future?

Somers High School has prepared me for my academic
future by allowing me to challenge myself in classes while discovering and exploring
my own interests. Science Research and many of my IB classes have given me the
opportunity to spend much of my time on passion projects. For example, I was able
to analyze my science research project through an economic lens in my IB extended
essay. I gained skills essential for college and learned how to independently manage
my studies.

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 9

Congratulations Graduates of 2020!

ELE P •P I
SB •R E • M���������� • C�������
C��������� • W ,T E

Evening Appointments & Home Visits

108 Village Square, No. 329, Somers, NY 10589 • 909 Midland Avenue Yonkers, NY 10704
Tel. (888) 381-7856 | Tel. (914) 964-6806 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.marralaw.com

Page 10 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

SENIOClaRss oOf 2F0F2I0CERS

President:

Laurence Shaw

Vice President:

Nicholas Friscia

Secretary:

Robin Masterson

T easurer:

Luke Phalen

Representative to Executive Board:

Lily Laredo

Publicity Officer:

Sabrina Somoza

Creative Director:

Athena Traver

Fundraising Officers:

Ethan Cukaj and Alec Varma

Officers at Large:

Nicholas Wines and Nicholas Pappas

Senior Class Student Council
President Laurence President Kyle
Shaw announces
the tassel flip Chouinard says the
Pledge of Allegiance

SOMERS TUSKERS BOOSTER CLUB

would like to congratulate the NAME COLLEGE SPORT
following student athletes who will be
Alexis Atkinson Iona College Soccer
playing a sport in college 2020-21. Jennifer Campbell York College Lacrosse
Hartwick College Football
BTESOTYOOFULAULCLK! Dominic Cheek SUNY Oneonta Field Hockey
Erin Clark Harvard University Fencing
Roberts Wesleyan College Basketball
Greta Condrava Union College Field Hockey
Danielle DiCintio SUNY Albany Lacrosse
Salve Regina University Track & Field
Haley Dineen Utica College Football
Megan Dineen St. John Fisher College Football
Sophia Doukakis Bucknell University Track & Field
Joseph Griffith Drexel University Soccer
Charles Grindrod University of Rochester Track & Field
Emily Heese Concordia College Softball
Kayleigh Kenny SUNY Oswego Softball
Peter MacNeil SUNY Brockport Soccer
Victoria McEvoy Union College Baseball
Sarah Murphy Nazareth College Track & Field
Katherine Olsen Iona College Soccer
Thomas Parisi Rider University Soccer
Matthew Reimann Lafayette College Lacrosse
Jessica Rodriguez St. Thomas Aquinas College Football
Rachel Ross
Nicholas Rossi
Dominic Vinci

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 11

CLASS OF 2020 PRESIDENT’SLaSurPenEceESChaHw

Graduates, parents, faculty, and people that were shopping e second word that comes to mind when I think of us is were all just coincidentally very busy for all sixteen matches,

at Je erson Valley Mall and are now very confused, whether resilient. In fact, I think we might be the most resilient gen- every season. And in short, that’s why we are the best class,

you intended to be here or not, thank you all for coming. My eration. And look, I know that the greatest generation had to because at the end of the day, no matter who you are, we can

name is Laurence Shaw. I’m the president of the Somers High deal with war and hardship, but we’ve had very limited access all agree that golf is very boring to watch.

School Class of 2020, and for a long time, I’ve been thinking to Bobo’s Cafe during this pandemic, and the fact that we’re In truth, I didn’t always think we were the best class. I

about what I wanted this speech to be. At rst, I thought may- still alive is amazing. We’ve also shown our resilience in other have a very vivid memory of myself on the last day of eighth

be I’d go the route of trying to impart wisdom, but then I re- capacities, including our academics, where despite not physi- grade: classes had just ended, and when I got on the bus, I

membered that I’m 18 years old and my mommy still cuts the cally being in school, we’ve successfully continued our studies sat down and thought ahead to the 4 stressful years of high

crust o of my sandwiches. Instead, I think it would be much through Zoom. at is, until it crashes because of poor inter- school that were to come, and in that moment, I just wanted

better to talk about why I rmly believe that we, the Class of net connection, or when someone’s family member decides to be done with it all, and get to adulthood, and never have

2020,are the greatest to grace the halls of Somers High School. it’s a good time to make a ve course meal, and all you can to think about doing homework ever again. But now, I see

When I think of our class, three words come to mind, the hear is the banging of pots in the background, or when some- just how awed I was; rst o , I think we can all agree that

rst of which is bold. Who could forget the time when dur- one forgets to mute their mic as they get disciplined by their it’s very weird for a child to want to be an adult. Why hair

ing an SIS student council election, David Eckert promised parents, and then the lecture becomes a group intervention, loss and taxes seemed appealing to me, I do not know. More

to build a Subway Restaurant in the school if we voted for and we can do nothing but end class and pick up the next day. importantly though, now that I’m here, and I mean this, if I

him. Now did we ever get that Subway? No. But it was pret- But because we are so resilient, really none of that bothers us. could, I’d do it again, because it was that much fun. As great

ty bold of us to think that was even possible. And who could And nally, the last word that comes to mind when I as this next chapter will be, it’s undeniably sad that we now

forget Joe Gri th’s awesome performance at Mr. Somers, think of us is united. is one is most readily apparent at have to go our separate ways. I know that for many of us,

where he did... well it’s still unclear what exactly he did, but our sports games; whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, after having known each other for so long, this transition

whatever it was, it was excellent. I also recall a time when in tennis, soccer, eld hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, you name it, may prove challenging. But I’m con dent that because we

math class, Ryan Lurye took out a can opener and opened a people will always be there to ardently cheer you on. I mean, are bold,because we are resilient,and because we understand

can of beans and ate them.Why? We will never know.How- you guys turn out for practically every sport! Practically. Ev- the power of unity, we will all nd our voices and leave our

ever, while Mrs. Seaboldt didn’t appreciate it at the time, I’m ery.Sport.Now,why we never got that support during SHS’s mark on the world. Class of 2020, it has been an honor to be

sure even she would agree that was a bold move. golf team matches, I will never know. But hey, I’m sure you your president. Good luck in the years to come. ank you.

Hats Off to the

Class of 2020!

Dr. Deborah Hardy

(845) 628-0726 • 935 South Lake Blvd., Suite 9 • Mahopac, NY 10541
COLLEGE COUNSELING • ACADEMIC PLANNING • CAREER COACHING

Page 12 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

VALEDICTORIAN SMPaEevEe JCaneHcka

Class of 2020, families and friends, I am excited to welcome you here today to of equal magnitude. In the world of mechanics, Newton’s ird Law dictates the way

graduate under these extraordinary circumstances. Before I begin my speech, I would that all matter interacts. I think, however, that we can apply this fundamental law to

like to o er a heartfelt thank you to the community that made this in-person gradu- so much more than physics.

ation possible. I know I speak for my class when I say that you have truly gone above Class of 2020, throughout the 13 years many of us have spent together, I have seen

and beyond your responsibilities to make this month a special one for us, and we are us overcome so much. After all, what other class can say they took the traumatic loss

sincerely thankful for that. I would also like to thank the members of the Somers of their 7th grade Splashdown trip and 8th grade Lake Compounce trip in stride?

Volunteer Fire Department for all they have done to ght COVID-19 on the front What other class got dressed up for a fancy steakhouse dinner on the DC trip, only to

lines, and to give a special shout-out to Shannon Mackey and Greg Lucia for their feast on limp iceberg lettuce at the Great American Bu et? In all seriousness, when

work developing the Junior Corps program. bad times have befallen the class of 2020, we have been the positive reaction that we

Additionally, I would like to thank the Stamps family for funding the full cost of wanted to see in the world. In the face of the coronavirus, we have stayed connected

the next four years of my education at Georgia Tech. I promise to make your invest- and celebrated our senior year on our own terms. Many of us have worked on the

ment in me worthwhile. front lines in grocery stores or ambulances, and others have raised money for COV-

I would also like to take a moment to remember a member of our class who could ID-19 relief funds in creative ways. In the face of political turmoil, we have advocated

not be here today: Gaia Bernardini. Gaia was an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and in- for the human rights of all people. Many of us have attended peaceful protests, one of

telligent student whom I had the pleasure of sharing two classes with this year. Today, which was organized by students who graduated from this high school not long ago.

she is greatly missed by the class of 2020. When the world has tested us, class of 2020, we have reacted with strength, and we

roughout the months that we have spent in quarantine, I am sure that many of have reacted with compassion.

you have found time to think about things you never pondered before. How did we Before I leave this podium today, I would like to remind you all of one more of

end up in a world where yeast and toilet paper are the hottest commodities? Are our Newton’s laws-- that an object in motion stays in motion, unless acted on by an out-

pets secretly hoping for some alone time? Do I really need to do this assignment if the side force. We have already shown, especially in these past few months, our ability to

quarter is pass/fail? One of the things that has been on my mind is Newton’s ird triumph over adversity and power through obstacles. ough it would be impossible

Law of Motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reac- to know what the next four years will bring: I know one thing for certain. Class of

tion. In the world of physics, that means that if I push my hand downwards on this 2020, outside forces will not slow us down. ank you all for your time, and best of

podium, like so, the podium is pushing back upwards against my hand with a force luck in the future.

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 13

SALUTATORIAN SPJEenEnieCBHaker

First, I’d like to thank all of the administra- doomed 2020 right from the start. ese con- I was in awe of not only the enthusiasm and will follow wherever our next step takes us.
tion,faculty,and families.You’ve played a large versations soon turned serious.Rumors spread pride of our student body but of the support and To nish Baldwin’s quote from ear-
part in our successes and even now, at the very of neighboring districts preparing teachers for encouragement from our town. I saw families
last moment, you’re still supporting us. is remote learning, while major conferences and outside their homes, holding posters and cheer- lier, “Not everything that is faced can be
celebration wouldn’t be possible without you. plans, even from far outside this area, indicat- ing. All stopping their daily routines for us. changed, but nothing can be changed until
ed the worst. ese rumors became our real- it is faced.” We’ve been demonstrating this
Now, I’m not usually comfortable with the ity, and it felt like overnight that we feared to And I can’t forget about our administra- in the past few months: coming together to
idea of speaking to an audience, but today I stand less than six feet apart and couldn’t leave tion. Our teachers, standing in the parking support the Black Lives Matter movement,
don’t feel nervous. Maybe it’s because the au- our homes without covering our faces. lot, smiling so strongly with palpable joy listening to our community, and starting our
dience isn’t what I’d imagined, but I’m sure even from behind their masks. journey into adulthood early with action.
it’s because being a student here has taught For me, personally, waiting for the next
me how to be con dent with my voice.We’ve email that would tell us when we could come I know that this graduation is far from tradi- We are entering a world full of immense
all challenged ourselves academically and in- back to school, made it especially di cult to tional.But when I saw my friends from other dis- political unrest and uncertainty, but this
dividually during our time here, often with cope as the situation worsened. Some of us tricts and states attending graduation slideshows doesn’t mean we’re not welcome - rather, it
today as the end goal. And nally, we’re here. were in denial, hoping to return in April. en or not even having a ceremony at all, I knew that means we are needed more than ever.When
May. en June.Others had accepted the year’s once again that we were making the best of an we’re speaking our minds and acting on our
“Not everything that is faced can be end early on. But despite these challenges, we unfortunate situation. is is our community. principles - principles we learned here in
changed…” proved that this sentiment wouldn’t stop us Somers - remember your tusker spirit.
from trying our best to make up for lost time. is is what it means to be Somers Strong.
Taken from one of my favorite civil rights We have the ability to adapt and overcome. I know that with all that will happen, our
gures, James Baldwin, these words have For example, we’ve not only continued our 2020 wasn’t what we expected. Our graduation class of 2020 is resilient, determined, and
been relevant from the beginning of this daily announcements but kept it humorous with didn’t look like what we’ve seen in the movies,and passionate and we will make ourselves and
pandemic up to this present day. is year is the help of our student council. We celebrated it certainly didn’t sound like this from our siblings this town proud.
not what we expected it to be. Seniors, acknowledging their accomplishments or friends.But it has taught us lessons essential for
I can picture it so clearly, sitting in class with shoutouts. And, most memorably, we held us to leave this school our best selves. We will al- With that, I want to congratulate every-
in January, making light-hearted jokes about the rst-ever Somers parade for a graduating class. ways be stronger together.Whether we are head- one here today on accomplishing all that we
how the early threats of World War 3 had ing o to college or into the workforce, this unity have so far, and I can’t wait to see what all of
our futures hold. ank you.

Miracles Happen

To Those Who Believe!

With Love and Pride,

Mom, Vicky & the Other Believers

Page 14 GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supple

Pomp and circumstance!

ement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020 Page 15

Page 16 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – July 2, 2020

PROUD
FRIENDS AND

FAMILIES

To Dylan & the Somers High School Senior Class of 2020 Lisa
Berliner
I hope your dreams take you...
to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, Licensed Associate
Real Estate Broker
to the windows of your opportunities,
and to the most special places your heart has ever known.

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914.589.6725

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95 Katonah Ave.
Katonah, NY

July 2, 2020 – GRADUATION SECTION – Special Supplement to The Somers Record – Page 17

Congratulations CONGRATULATIONS
Zachary Lupinacci
Somers High School

Class of 2020

From all of us at

We are so proud of all you've accomplished 914.962.9611
W Lo Yo , [email protected]

. Lesli , Grandm an Grandp Lupinacc , M an Da FULLY LICENSED & INSURED
ACCEPTING VISA & MASTERCARD
Love and Light Class of 2020
Congratulations
Congratulations
& Best Wishes to to the
the Class of 2020!
Class of
Have a great summer and 2020!
remember to please stay safe!
Fraser’s Hardware
The Hair Wharf
845-628-0174•153 Route 6, Mahopac
20 Valley Road, Katonah • 914-232-7271 in Mahopac Village Plaza (next to Acme)