PHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR Congratulations to the Somers High School Class of 2023 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO JUNE 29, 2023
PAGE 2 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 HALSTON MEDIA SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky (845) 661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Subscribe To request weekly delivery for your local paper, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected] subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for first class mail. NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC MAIN OFFICE 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC Alexis Aakjar Abigail Abatecola Marissa Abramson Michael Abrenica Jaden Abreu Andrew Acosta Arbresha Ademaj Alex Aguilar Emmanuele Agyeman Matthew Ainbinder Anthony Altieri Michael Amante Phoebe Antonini Michael Aquilino Jillian Arena Bailey Atkinson Timothy Azimi Steven Bachas Leonard Bajramaj Edward Baranowski Sidney Bensabeur Amy Bernhard Olivia Biolsi David Bonato Dalton Brown Tyler Brownstein Aidan Buckler Cydney Buckler Samantha Cabo Madison Cacace Jessica Caico Olivia Camia Anthony Carino Evan Carway Matthew Cascio Katharina Chao Joseph Cilento Matthew Cipollone Edmund Cleary Rhylan Cohen Melissa Connors Nolan Considine Halle Conti Brianna Coolican Devin Coolican Samantha Cox Samantha Crecco George Creighton Jay Creighton Kaitlyn Cristello Emma Cukaj James Curry Rachel Dahling Keira D’Anna Elizabeth Darcy Ravi Dass Tyler Deodhari Marino DeRosa Isabela Diaz Mimi DiBiccari Evangelina DiRende Robert Diven Tyler Diven Colleen Donohue Luca D’Orazio Alexander Dunn Hayden Dwyer Ryan Eade Sarah Elconin Kiara Enamorado Jordan Epstein Emily Esposito Rebecca Fabry Michael Falcone Aiden Farrell Derek Farrell Jillian Farrell Alexa Fay Jonathan Fernandes Danielle Filancia Matthew Fitzsimons George Forbes Evan Frattura Andrew Friscia Andrew Fusco Krista Gallagher Jake Gannon Lindsay Gill Nora Gillette Gretchen Gilroy Ava Giudice Kiera Goff Alexander Gojani Christopher Goncalves Jared Googel Daniel Gordon Lily Graber Nathaniel Gunnels Zoe Gutherman Corey Hametz Jack Healy Liam Healy Charles Heese Alexandra Hein Nicholas Herzegovitch Emily Horowitz Matthew Horowitz Brian Huang Dylan Ingraham, Rebecca Jandrasits Madeline Jen Justice Jeter David Angelo Jocson Rebecca Joe Emily Julius Ava Justo Vivien Kalman Nolan Kavanagh Michael Keane Luke Kennedy Meagan Kerins Zoya Khurana Liam Kim Sean Kim Liam King Bryan Kottmann Samantha Kreinen Kaitlyn Krug Alexander Kuchinsky Jessica Leahy Patrick Leary Jessica Lee Timothy Lee Roger Legeret Carmelo Leon Charles Lewis Laura Lienau Kyler Linares James Lopatka Grace Loretta-Catucci Jacob Lusthaus Madelyn Lyle Sarah Maffei Hannah Maguire Mary Mahoney Amanda Malkin Astrid Manning Xzavier Marcus Sanai Martin Nicholas Maurantonio Lauren McCartin Kaitlin McCooey Peter McIntyre Ciara McMahon Brendan McSweeney Julia McSweeney Aidan McTernan Colm McTernan Max Messina Bryan Miranda John Miskiewicz Jake Mohan Jessica Montesano Sophie Moore Jack Mooren Caroline Morett Taylor Morrissey Anthony Moschides Julia Munson Elaine Murphy Sara Murphy Zane Murphy Georgia Nekos Ava Nikac Emily No Jenna Norton Daniel O’Brien Victoria Olsen Onishi, Rintaro John O’Reilly Joanna Orzech Tyler Ostrander Matthew Ouimette Madelyn Padovani Andrew Palazzolo Sophia Pappas Gabriella Pefanis Natalie Phalen Connor Phillips Mason Phillips Kaeleigh Picco Daniel Podlesskiy Jacob Polisky Jake Polito Salvatore Pollaro Ella Ponterio Kristina Preni Dean Priore Alexandra Puerto Nicholas Pugni Jimmy Rae Maria Clara Ramirez Gomez Annika Rao Matthew Renne John Repp Grace Rieman Beatriz Rios Anthony Rivera Julia Rossi Ava Rourke Tatiana Roveto Joana Rozon Alexander Ruiz Aleksiana Rukaj Teagan Ryan Christopher Salierno Alexander Sanchez Gabriella Santore Luke Savino Grace Scaglione Rebekah Scanlon Jay Seaboldt Kamryn Seeger Maya Shirakura Jagger Siciliano Emma Sledzik Donovan Smith Jett Sofko Spencer Solano Holly Solomon Sasha Soraci Coleen Soriano Juliana Spano Hanna Stavola Caitlyn Stellwagen Grace Stoner Ava Svoboda Stefan Swee Dean Sweeney Nicolas Sylvester Sharika Szabo Thomas Tan Andrew Tatela Alejandro TellezCalderon Wyeth Thomas Joseph Tiso Nathaniel Traver Anthony Tucci Hester Turner Lindon Ulaj Sara Vala John Van Tassell Brandon Velez Mikayla Vickers Zander Viljoen Ashley Vukaj Emma Wachtel Hannah Wachtel Lauren Ward-Willis Alexa Warycha Corryn Watt Steven Webber Ezra Weinstein Lily West Cj Wiggins Lydia Wilke-Olsen Robert Wilkins Jay Wilkinson Grace Williams Isabella Youngs Arielle Zeitchick Information provided by Somers Central School District. Somers High School Class of 2023
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 862 Route 6 • GOODROW BUILDING Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 SOUTHEAST EXECUTIVE PARK 185 NY-312 • Suite 301B Brewster NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 www.aonpt.com The Road To Recovery Starts Here Now at OUR NEW MAHOPAC LOCATION! CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2023 High School Graduates! “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
PAGE 4– SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 Good afternoon, Class of 2023, and all our supporters from teachers to administration to the Somers Board of Education to our parents! Thank you for your assistance over the past 13 years for we would not be this accomplished group of individuals if not for all of you. Specifically, I’d like to thank my parents who have done everything and more to set me up for success. But as we leave this community, we face uncertainties unlike anything we’ve experienced before. Not only will we be scattered around new places, but it’s 2023, and the changes we see in society can no longer be considered on the scale of a year. Even a month is too long a time. No, the changes we witness today require observing our world through the lens of a week or even a day. For example, almost no one sitting here had heard of ChatGPT one day six months ago. And a mere five days later, people were talking about the potential for radical change in human consciousness wrought by AI chatbots. So, has our K-12 experience prepared us given the rapid and unpredictable change? I’ve pondered my own preparedness all year, and I believe I have the answers. OK, maybe only some... After all, I am only 18 years old. First of all, we were primarily here to learn and learn we did (whether it felt like it or not). The days, weeks, and months may have felt like homogenous ebbs and flows of work that we struggled through together with old friends (shoutout to Olivia Biolsi, Ciara McMahon, and Ella Ponterio) and new ones (Emily No). But let’s look at this from a different angle: we went from class to class every 55 minutes Zoe Gutherman ‘We will continue to form meaningful memories that arise in the wake of our learning’ VALEDICTORIAN PAID FOR BY LAWLER FOR CONGRESS; PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF MATT SLATER, 334 UNDERHILL AVE., SUITE 4B, YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 www.lawlerforcongress.com Lawler4NY // www.SlaterforNY.com @SlaterforNY “ Congratulations to the Class of 2023 – you did it! Together, we wish you good health, much happiness, and a future that is filled with opportunity and success! CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER // ASSEMBLYMAN MAT T SLATER ” Lawler-Slater News Ad.indd 1 6/19/23 4:16 PM Photo: Emrin Leclair SEE GUTHERMAN PAGE 6
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 20%OFF One item in-store purchase with coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes bike racks Expires 8/31/23 DAS AUTO PARTS & BATTERY CENTER • (914) 352-6127 www.dastruckandauto.com HOUSE & CAR KEYS MADE HERE Ask About Our OIL CHANGE SPECIALS 373 Downing Drive, YORKTOWN (914) 352-6127 No Matter the Season, No Matter the Reason, Think DAS for All your Auto, Truck and Home Needs Installation Available on All Parts & Accessories FREE WIPER BLADE INSTALLATION! TRAILER HITCHES & BIKE RACKS! Now in Stock Now in Stock Congratulation and Best Wishes to the Class of 2023!
PAGE 6 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 ŽŶŐƌĂƚƵůĂƚŝŽŶƐƚŽƚŚĞůĂƐƐŽĨ 'ƵŝĚffiŽŶƐƵůƚŝŶŐ ŽůůĞŐĞ͕ĂƌĞĞƌĂŶĚĐĂĚĞŵŝĐŽƵŶƐĞůŝŶŐ ǁǁǁ͘ŐƵŝĚĞĚĐŽŶƐƵůƚ͘ĐŽŵ and adjusted to a new teaching style during three-minute passing periods. We became skilled in meeting our teachers’ many challenges. Such adaptation is vital to our success as contributing members of society, and we have been developing this skill the entire time. Who knew? Now, outside the classroom, all, or most of us have elected to participate in clubs, sports, music, theater, or some combination of the above. This is where many of us may feel we became best prepared for what is to come. We’ve had athletic state champions, numerous new clubs formed, and very successful concerts and drama productions despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. For me, the tennis team was the pursuit of a known passion. Still, it was filled with new experiences and people (like Natalia Tellez) that I would not trade for the world. But if change is typically uncomfortable, then why do we feel so comfortable when participating in these activities? Perhaps we like to be good at something. Perhaps we enjoy interacting with others. Perhaps it’s because we have found something to be truly passionate about. Think it over for a second, fellow graduates. From where does your dedication stem? Use that answer to help you find joy as we embark on a new chapter. Our interactions are what matters, which brings us to a potential answer No. 3: I believe looking back on our shared experiences could offer a hint. We’ve had the unique experience of going through 13 years of our lives together, sharing moments and memories. Remember our second-grade jobs as part of “wee deliver”? Raising crayfish in third grade? I’m still upset mine died the day I brought it home. What about the town meetings? Cramped and boring but at least they weren’t class! Personally, one of my most vivid memories concerns the rainbow parachutes in gym class. Not only did all of us have to work in sync to ensure the bubble effect was achieved, but it felt like a special moment when the time outside the bubble stood still. Everything would go back to normal afterward, but it was as if everyone was so mesmerized by the experience that we were unified despite our differences, showing the power of the moment. Actually, let’s take a few seconds to ingrain THIS moment in our minds, the last moment when we’re all together. Look around and think about the ways you feel connected to the people here today. What memories helped forge those bonds? Why are those memories particularly important? I encourage you, in the here and now, to recognize and feel the unity among our graduating class. Moments like these cannot be replaced or recreated. This sustains our humanity. If you have not noticed, I’ve done a rather poor job of answering the question of how our K-12 experience prepared us in the face of change. Of course, I don’t have the answer, but I think we all know why. We’ve learned from our parents and lived long enough to know that none of us are fully prepared for life’s unexpected challenges. Some will be difficult twists; some will be delightful surprises. What we do know is that we will continue to form meaningful memories that arise in the wake of our learning, in the pursuit of our passions, and in our shared experiences with others. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all our shared experiences over the years, Class of 2023, and I believe we will all find that we are prepared for what lies ahead as long as we remember the significance of mutual bonds. Congratulations on making it this far and once again, thank you! GUTHERMAN FROM PAGE 4 Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com.
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 CONGRATULATIONS SOMERS CLASS OF 2023! Best Wishes for a Healthy, Bright and Successful Future! PAID FOR BY ROBERT SCORRANO ~Supervisor Robert Scorrano Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty and staff members, fellow trustees, proud parents, family members, loved ones, and the exceptional graduating Class of 2023, it is an honor and privilege to address you on behalf of your board of education as we gather to celebrate this momentous occasion. Graduates, with your permission, I’d like to give you one final formative assessment. Don’t worry, there won’t be a grade. Please take a moment to look around at those beside you and in the audience before you — and meet eyes with someone whose unwavering support has been instrumental in your journey to this day. Graduates, educators, and loved ones, your impact is profound. As I thought about your commencement and what I might share with you today, I thought of the interconnected community that brought you here—the eyes you met a moment ago—and it reminded me of the parable of the raft. The raft parable recounts a traveler who reaches a mighty river they must cross in order to continue along their journey. The traveler works hard to construct a sturdy raft and successfully crosses the river. But once safely across, they face a decision: carry the extra weight of the raft — or let it go. With gratitude, they release the raft, allowing it to drift downstream and aid the next weary wanderer in need. This parable resonated with me as I thought of each of you and the hard work in building your “rafts” of wisdom to arrive at this day. But it also highlights the transformative power of learning with others and oftentimes the courage to let go, opening doors to new adventures ahead. Referring to our human “rafts” of knowledge, I recall the longest-ever study on human happiness that recently made headlines. Spanning over eight decades and encompassing the lived experiences of thousands of individuals, it revealed the single most significant predictor of lifelong happiness: Relationships—the very eyes you sought moments ago. According to the study’s author, relationships are “intrinsic to everything we do and everything we are.” The key to lifelong happiness lies not in personal achievements or material possessions but in our relationships and connections with others. So, graduates of SCSD’s Class of 2023, as you embark on this exciting new chapter, remember the parable of the raft and the power of human connection. Please take a moment to think about the person(s) whose eyes you met earlier—the one who has been your rock throughout your journey. Treasure that relationship and embrace the opportunity to multiply this gift as you embark on your exciting future. Instead of collecting accomplishments as mere tokens on a shelf, embrace a different kind of collection—collecting connections, asking questions, and building a better world. Let the bonds you forge be the pillars that hold you up through life’s challenges and triumphs, building stronger relationships and a more just world (no pressure). Like the traveler releasing the raft, commencement marks your turn to share your “raft” of knowledge, experiences, and insights with others. By embracing the art of learning from the “rafts” of others, you’ll become architects of stronger relationships, deeper knowledge, and a world that’s a little more awesome. On behalf of your board of education, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your remarkable achievement. May your journey forward be filled with meaningful connections, an abundance of laughter, and an unwavering commitment to make each day better than the last. Congratulations Class of 2023! Dr. Lindsay Portnoy ‘May your journey forward be filled with meaningful connections’ Photo: Emrin Leclair BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT
PAGE 8 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 Congratulates the Somers High School Class of 2023 and their families! We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors. Hello! And welcome to our teachers, administration, Somers Board of Education, friends, family, and the Class of 2023. I also welcome my mom, dad, brother, sisters, and the rest of my family here with me today. I would not be here without all of you. It is my great honor to be the co-salutatorian of this incredible class. Learning alongside those who I have known for the last five years has been a privilege. However, this accolade, and what it stands for, will not come close to being the only thing I remember about my experience at Somers High School. I think I can speak for all of us, students, parents, and faculty when I say that the last months of the school year are a time of great change. Change, ironically, is constant, and though it may at times be scary, the very word filled with notions of the unknown, it is the single most important tool in our growth as human beings. Tonight, I hope to share with you what change means to me. For the first 11 years of my life, I relied on my grandpa to instill bravery in me, in everything from my first youth soccer game to just ordering pancakes at the diner. This inspiration came from his work in law—the days I would spend in his red colonial office on his sinking leather couch, listening and absorbing as he filed documents, vigorously wrote, and read like there was no tomorrow, fostering a drive that would carry me through fundamental years of education. He stressed that books are the reason he got where he was, and I did not take that lightly. Trust me, you can ask my dad, who once caught 10-year-old Kaeleigh hiding during a Christmas party reading Harry Potter in a bathroom cabinet. Whether it was reading a novel, a biography, or even a script, my reliance on my grandpa’s inspiration to fearlessly go after what I deserve propelled me through grade school and developed my love of reading. But therein lies the problem. I was relying on my grandfather as a source of my own bravery. This reliance became a constant, and change became something that felt foreign. I never faced the idea that one day, things would well... change. I experienced that change when my grandpa passed and I came to Somers at the beginning of eighth grade, and we experienced this change firsthand when we first walked through the front doors of this high school on Sept. 4, 2019—wow, that sounds like a long time ago now, doesn’t it?—and officially began our SHS careers. Throughout our four years, each and every one of us underwent a change, no matter how seemingly small, every single day. This place has molded us from the people we once were, to the people we now are, and encourages us to keep pursuing who we aspire to be. Graduates, we are about to enter a world filled with change, and that can be daunting, as we are compelled to confront our fears and step into the unknown. We may fear failure, uncertainty, or rejection. Yet aren’t these feelings and emotions that we have already encountered? YES! We have spent the last weeks of high school experiencing a series of dinners, ceremonies, and awards, honoring and acknowledging our achievements throughout our secondary education, and rightfully so, but I am here to remind Kaeleigh Picco ‘Let us embrace our next chapter with open hearts and open minds’ CO-SALUTATORIAN SEE PICCO PAGE 9
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 Iona Preparatory Upper School 255 Wilmot Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 600-6154 Iona Preparatory Lower School 173 Stratton Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 633-7744 @IonaPrep in/IonaPrep IonaPreparatory Investing in an Iona Preparatory education is an investment in your son, and it begins as early as Pre-K. From a safe and nurturing kindergarten to the Class of 2023, which has earned nearly $35 million in college scholarships. Over 81% of the graduating class has earned those scholarships, with an average award of almost $60,000, proving an Iona Preparatory education pays for itself! They are #IonaPrepared IonaPrep.org/Discover For more information, please email [email protected] Discover the Iona Prep Difference! Grades 9 -12 | PK- 4 - Grade 8 you of another, perhaps just as critical thing we all experienced in high school. Failure! I would argue that our failures at SHS are just as important as our successes because it was precisely in those moments that we found our greatest strengths, and we grew as individuals. I have learned to love failure. Not because of what it is, but because of what it compels me to be. After all, I can honestly say that I don’t think I would be up here, talking to you today, if I did not fail my first chemistry test in sophomore year. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and if I tried telling that to my 15-year-old self, I think she would just continue on an emotional tirade, convinced that her life was over because of a single number on a single packet of paper. Yet, if I had not failed that first test, I may have never been compelled to change. Adapting my style of learning to the requirements of the class, going to office hours, and even calling my co-salutatorian multiple times a week, politely but desperately asking for yet another explanation of stoichiometry. I’m sure you’ve all had experiences like this in your time here at SHS, but rather than dwell on the failure itself, I want you to think about what happened afterward. What change did this failure spark in you? This is why change has been so important during our time here at SHS. It has brought us out of our comfort zones and compelled us to try new things, whether that be joining a new club, trying out for a new sport, embarking on independent research, or committing the final two years of our high school career to a completely different style of learning. (Ms. Scanlon, I’m looking at you. Never before would I have thought to dive so deeply into questions like “But how do we know that the sky is blue” (Well, obviously today it’s not, but go along with me here) or write a 4,000-word essay about a historical figure I couldn’t even tell you the name of two years ago, Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg (rolls great of the tongue right?). For my sake and for yours I’ll refer to her as Catherine, Catherine the Great. Now, If you want to learn from someone who really embraced change, look no further than Miss Cathy, who usurped her own husband and became empress of Russia in her own right, all to bring forward her own ideas of change in the Enlightenment. Now, I’m not asking you to overthrow a monarchy or begin your own philosophical movement but I also won’t stop you. I’m just asking you to consider the idea that for literally all of humanity, people have undergone a change. Will you stand by, and let it swallow you whole, or be the one to ignite it? Graduates, let us embrace our next chapter with open hearts and open minds. Let us travel into that unknown, expecting, and excited for both our successes and our failures, ready to make an impact in this world. As we say our farewells to Somers High School, let us carry not only our memories and our friendships, but our lessons of change. From the incredibly wise words of Idina Menzel and Kirsten Chenoweth, “Who can say if we’ve been changed for the better?” I do believe we have been changed for the better. And because I knew you, Class of 2023, I have been changed for good. Congratulations, and thank you! PICCO FROM PAGE 8 Photo: Emrin Leclair
PAGE 10 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 SOMERS TUSKERS BOOSTER CLUB BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL! would like to congratulate the following student athletes who will be playing a sport in college 23-24. Sidney Bensabeur Swimming University of Scranton Evan Carway Baseball Adelphi University Brianna Coolican Field Hockey Franklin and Marshall College George Creighton Baseball University of Scranton Jay Creighton Baseball University of Scranton Ravi Dass Football SUNY Cortland Matthew Fitzsimons Football Wesleyan University Lindsay Gill Track & Field College of the Holy Cross Ava Giudice Soccer Fordham University Jared Googel Track & Field Lafayette College Liam Healy Soccer SUNY Geneseo Michael Keane Lacrosse Post University Luke Kennedy Football Hamilton College Madelyn Lyle Lacrosse Wofford University Lauren McCartin Lacrosse Yale University Anthony Moschides Lacrosse Hood College Connor Phillips Cross County and Track & Field Plymouth State University Mason Phillips Cross County and Track & Field Plymouth State University Jake Polito Football Naval Academy Teagan Ryan Lacrosse University of Colorado Boulder Luke Savino Football West Virginia University Stefan Swee Baseball Monmouth University Thomas Tan Baseball Clarkson University Nathaniel Traver Lacrosse Susquehanna University Jay Wilkinson Diving Tufts University Hi, everyone. I would say I’m nervous, but I’ve been on stage in my boxers before. On that very stage in there, so shoutouts to Linda and Mr. Russo. Kaeleigh is a tough act to follow; I’m honored to be her co-salutatorian. She’s extremely bright and her speech was fantastic. Which is why I’ll just read her speech again. We’re co-salutatorians, after all. Nevertheless, there are a lot of you, and I wholeheartedly appreciate the fact I am allowed a few minutes to share with so many people what I believe is important. That being said, it’s very important that you all go home and listen to Ben Folds Five’s second album. Got it? But really, a speech at this podium on this occasion entails a message of gravitas and profundity, and it is my hope to impart a piece of wisdom that holds a lifetime of significance. But I don’t really have one. That’s fine, though. If a kid was up here saying they had something profound to share, I wouldn’t believe them either. Obviously, things are going to change for us soon, one is how we learn. Many of us will still have teachers and be in classrooms, but we’ll also be new students of the world at large. Our parents have tried to instill in us the lessons they learned through their years of experience, although we were not always receptive to them. When my dad lifted me up above his head and threw me into the pool, I focused on the discomfort, the water in my nose, and the chlorine in my eyes. But now, thanks to him, I’m ready for Andrew Tatela ‘We powered through COVID and came back stronger than ever’ CO-SALUTATORIAN Photo: Emrin Leclair SEE TATELA PAGE 11
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 C&A Auto Service 845.628.8472 • 845.628.0808 www.caautoservice.com 287 Route 6 Mahopac, N.Y. 10541 - SINCE 1964 - Service At Its Best Nationwide Warranty Tireman’s Congratulations Grads of 2023! $10 OFF ANY SERVICE EXP 7/31/23 TATELA FROM PAGE 10 the deep end, ready to swim on my own, so to speak. So, perhaps I don’t have that groundbreaking wisdom for you right now, come back in a couple of decades after I’ve swum in the deep end a little. However, at this crucial turning point, I have begun to reflect on my upbringing and how my parents have set me up to learn for the rest of my life. I really couldn’t have asked for better. Give a hand to my parents and yours for the hundredth time. I’m a musician, it’s a habit to milk for applause. I have my dad to thank for a lot, one thing being my tastes, which translates to how much of a dweeb I am. We watched plenty of seasons of “Star Trek.” And as a child, whether I knew it or not, I absorbed the lessons I was exposed to through “Star Trek.” On the surface, it’s all “Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.” But through Captain Picard, I was learning about perseverance, understanding, and the human condition. My dad also gave me a great affinity for music, and the rotting antique known as rock guitar. He showed me The Doors and Radiohead and all his favorite bands. I also grew up on The Beatles, and they had messages in their songs, one being “I am the walrus, goo goo gajoob.” But they also said to let it be, which is something I often need to hear in times of trouble. So, as children, we absorbed the wisdom we were handed. From our parents looking out for us to artists driven by a vision and a message to impart. From these lessons, we piece together an understanding of the world around us. Now, we are transitioning to the part of our lives where we go out and find out the real meaning of those messages and develop wisdom of our own, through experience and mistakes and friends and mistakes and travel and mistakes. And you can likely have a fulfilling existence doing just that. Living and learning. But maybe the graduating Class of 2023 will seek something beyond that. The elusive greatness. What is greatness? A lofty concept, to be sure. I’m pretty sure in the olden days you killed a bunch of people, conquered their villages, and then you got “The Great” appended to your name. Simpler times. But truly, I think greatness isn’t so hard to achieve. Once you’ve accrued some wisdom from your worldly travels and swum in the deep end, you’re already halfway there. Greatness comes from sharing your experiences and convictions and wisdom with others. Maybe you’ll create your own “Star Trek” or “Let It Be,” or raise children yourself, instilling your morals in them. But again, come back in a couple of decades, and maybe my definition of greatness will change. By then I may have some philosophy classes under my belt, or I’ll have joined a commune in Missouri or something. Looking forward, I aspire to be successful; I aspire to have fun; I aspire to meet new people and broaden my horizons and improve myself. But I also aspire to be great, and I hope you all do too. You all certainly have the talent and the drive and the fire and all the opportunities one could ask for. Not for nothing, we powered through COVID and came back stronger than ever, winning championships and putting on productions, and excelling in every way. So, give yourselves the billionth round of applause, you deserve it. And go be great. I’d like to close my speech and bookend this portion of my life with a final bit of wisdom from my father’s favorite band: the Moody Blues. Ironically, this phrase is found in the album’s first track titled, “In The Beginning,” but they say every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end, or something like that. The verse is as follows: “There you go, man. Keep as cool as you can. Face piles of trials with smiles. It riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave. And keep on thinking free.” Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com.
PAGE 12 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SO We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see how you shape the world around you! Lydia Wilke-Olsen Mom, Dad, Charlotte & Eliza LOVE YOU BEYOND WORDS, Pomp and Circumstance! Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch S Somers High School Graduation - June 21, 2023 PHOTOS: EMRIN LECLAIR
OMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 PAGE 13 Congratulations and here's to your next adventure! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. Wishing you all the best at Tufts. Wilkinson Love, Mom, Dad, Julia & Coco Jay Student Council President Sara Vala
PAGE 14 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 fifffflffiflfffflfffflffflffffl Nicholas MAURANTONIO Love, Mom & Dad fflffiff ffl fflfffflffflffl fflflfl ffl fl To the Class of 2023, it is now my turn to say a few words and I’ll share a little secret – I’ve been agonizing about what I would say tonight for the past few months and each time I thought I had a clue as to what I would say, the words would simply come up short. Recognizing the enormity of the task that lay before me, I began to think about how I could effectively honor such an amazing group of students – a group of youngsters who have touched my life so deeply and who have been a source of inspiration for me for the past four years. So, after thinking long and hard about how I would honor you, my seniors, in our final moments together, I thought I would just keep it simple and to the point. You are an awesome bunch of individuals and as I look out tonight among you right now, you all look exactly the same—the exact same red robes and matching mortarboards, the same Class of 2023 stole draped around your neck. And while you all might look the same, the truth is that each of you is unique and special in your own way with your own talents or skills that you have shared with us over the past four years. And each of you is ready to start the next step of your journey – a path that is distinctively your own and which no two of you share. So, pondering all that you’ve learned and done during your time here at Somers High School, I began to think about some very simple lessons that you learned in our very classrooms here. So, allow me a moment to go back into the classroom and be your teacher. Today’s lesson is entitled “What I learned in Somers” and yes, there is going to be a test on this – it’s called LIFE, so pay attention, put away your cell phones, and no, you may not leave to go the restroom. The first lesson comes from Newton’s First Law of Motion which states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted on by an outside force. No, I’m not referring to the dance floor at Prom a few weeks ago, although I was quite impressed with the dance moves of Zane Murphy and Ryan Eade and I have to admit that I’m still not sure what the heck to do with the mozzarella—but I digress. So, what does this have to do with graduation you might ask? What Newton tells us is that we are all objects in motion, and as such, we will keep moving whether we like it or not. Graduation from high school represents this very notion, that despite your efforts to try to stop things and stay in this moment forever, moving forward is the natural tendency of all objects—I mean people—so you should embrace the fact that as scary as it may be to leave your homes, your family, and friends, you will all grow and learn from the experiences that lie ahead. The third of Newton’s laws tells us that for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. In this case, just as you, the Class of 2023, are ready to make your departure from Somers High School, a new group of students as young and innocent as you once were is getting ready to take its place as the youngest members of our school as the SHS Class of 2027. This probably also relates to homeostasis, but I’ll stick to physics here. Newton’s second law tells us that the relationship between an object’s mass m, its acceleration a, and the applied force F is given by the formula F = ma…and here all I could think of is the force it took opponents to stop Ravi Dass as he was running toward the end zone at full speed. In math, we have all learned two significant principles that I think apply to you at this moment. The first is that any two points determine a straight line and the second is that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts. For the purposes of my lesson today, I’ll tweak the second one to say that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Together, these two principles tell us that anytime you meet another individual along your path, think of it as an opportunity to connect and remember that the more connections that you make with those around you, the stronger the group is compared to its individual members. So yes, you are each unique and special but don’t ever let your individuality allow you to believe that you are better than any one other person. That is true humility. Next, in social studies, Winston Churchill reminds us that history always repeats itself if we fail to learn from it. As you get ready to leave us today, please always remember that when you make mistakes (and trust me, you WILL make mistakes from time to time) the lessons learned from your mistakes are way greater than the acts themselves. So, when you make a mistake at some point in your life, don’t try to cover it up or make excuses for it. Own up to it and think about what lesson you can take away from the experience and what you can do to make sure that it will never happen again. Mistakes are part of learning, and we all make them—in our personal lives as well as our professional lives. Never be too proud to say you’re sorry. And lastly, in Biology we learn you’ve got to have roots before you can grow branches. Your last 17 or 18 years have been spent putting down those roots and making sure they are solid. With your parents, teachers, friends, and family members, those roots have been nourished over time. Now you’re ready to go out and grow your branches, to take what you have learned about life, yourself, and others and do great things. And I know you will ALL do great things. I could go on, but our 55 minutes are up and your lessons here at Somers High School have come to an end. Oh wait, one last lesson that comes from English and I will quote William Shakespeare who said it best... “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” To my seniors, I say thank you for being my teacher over the past four years, for lighting my day, each and every day, and for making me proud to be your principal. Oh wait, I have one more lesson that comes from our Performing Arts Department that teaches us all that we should take risks just as our amazing actors, singers, and musicians have done over the past four years. They have given me the courage to do what I’m about to do next – the moment you’ve all been waiting for (or dreading), and to help me out, I’d like to call up to the stage Caitlyn Stellwagon, Colleen Soriano, Becca Jandrasits, Allie Puerto, Joanna Orzech, Andrew Tatela, and Jake Mohan. (“Bye Bye Class of ‘23” – Sung to the tune of “American Pie.”) Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2023! Mark Bayer ‘I know you will all do great things’ SOMERS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Photo: Emrin Leclair
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 A Day for Family & Friends Photos: Emrin Leclair Patrick Leary, Alex Kuchinsky, and Alex Aguilar Matthew Cascio with his siblings Audrey and Alex Jaden Abreu and his parents celebrate after the ceremony. Kamryn Seeger and her family celebrate the achievement. Amanda Malkin, Sarah Maffei, and Julia Rossi Congratulations Somers High School Congratulations Somers High School Class of 2023! Lincolndale Wine & Liquor All Varieties Of Wines & Liquors • Free Local Delivery (On Purchases Of $50 Or More) 155 Rt 202, Village Plaza, Lincolndale (Next to J’s Quik Stop) 845-475-7574 • 914-248-6000 Hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-9:30PM • Sat 10AM-10PM • Sun 12PM-8PM SPECIAL SAVINGS JULY 4TH Weekend! Be a Champion, Drink Responsibly Oh, the places you will go!
PAGE 16 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 Elder Law & Estate Planning • Personal Injury Small Business • Real Estate • Matrimonial • Criminal Commercial • Wills, Trusts & Estates 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 Evening Appointments & Home Visits Congratulations Graduates of 2023! Good evening graduates, families, faculty, staff, and friends! I am honored to be standing here today giving the last speech of the evening as our senior class president, celebrating the Class of 2023 and all our accomplishments. Congratulations to my fellow graduates, we finally made it! I know I’m the last speech and the only one standing between you and the after-party, so I’ll try to keep this short and sweet. First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the fact that we made it to this day. I have known most of you for 13 years. From the early days in kindergarten to this monumental day of graduation, we have been privileged to grow, learn, and thrive in this wonderful community. For 13 years, we have been a part of something greater than ourselves. We’ve walked the same hallways, played on the same playgrounds, and sat in the same classrooms. We’ve watched our district evolve and transform through the years. Lexy Fay ‘No matter where life takes us, we’ll always have the memories of our time here’ Photo: Emrin Leclair SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT SEE FAY PAGE 17
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 Our journey started at Primrose where we went to book fairs, and ended up buying pointer fingers and invisible pens, but absolutely no books. We also fed baby chicks in incubators and the highlight of our day was playing on scooters in gym class. Then, we were off to SIS where our only struggle was choosing a friend to pass around treats with on our birthdays. We can’t forget walking the haunted hallway at the sis birthday parties, And the town meetings, spelling bees, and talent shows. How about pulling all-nighters memorizing wordly wise, only to find out that grade didn’t even count? Then in middle school, we hung out at rockin’ jump and the biggest event of the year was the sixthgrade social. We also decorated lockers, traveled to D.C., and wrote NaNoWriMo’s. Finally, we came to the high school. Our freshman and sophomore years didn’t quite go as planned, but we made up for it in our junior and senior years. We dressed up for spirit weeks, painted parking spots, and finished off the year at prom. And throughout it all, we’ve formed unbreakable bonds with our teachers, classmates, and the entire community that has supported us. As I look into the crowd, I see 276 familiar faces. I see kids I went to preschool with, girls I’ve danced with since I was 4, and classmates I’ve spent hours with on Zoom. Somers, thank you for introducing me to the people I have made the most amazing memories with and my lifelong best friends. As eager as we are to start the next chapter of our lives, we will miss it all. Everything we’ve ever known. The mornings we debated skipping first period because we really needed Starbucks. The tricky dilemma of whether we should get Bobo’s or JV Bagels during lunch. Going to football games every Friday, and eventually traveling to Syracuse and winning states. We can’t forget the endless nights we spent in our friends’ basements, followed by a latenight trip to Cam’s Deli. And the friends we spent hours driving around listening to music with, passing the same sites we’ve seen every day for as long as we can remember. We will miss this more than anything. I’m telling you now, nothing will be the same. Never again. Although this change can be scary and intimidating, it’s important to embrace the opportunities that come with it. After today, we will part ways and begin our lives in many different directions. The future is in our hands now and I know each and every one of us will succeed in every endeavor we choose to pursue. I’d like to acknowledge our incredible faculty and staff. Thank you for challenging us, inspiring us, and never giving up on us, even when we didn’t understand a single word you were saying. And to our parents and families, thank you for your unwavering support. And for constantly excusing our absences. You truly deserve a standing ovation for being the world’s greatest chauffeurs, chefs, and therapists. We couldn’t have made it here without you. And a special thank you to my mom and dad for the love and guidance you’ve provided me. Mom, you are the most loving and selfless person on the planet, even though you made me write that. Thank you for not only being my mom, but my best friend. And Dad, despite all the dad jokes, you are always so full of wisdom and the best advice. Thank you for being my No. 1 supporter. I am truly so lucky to call you, my parents. Last but not least, I want to acknowledge our class board, the brains behind all the madness. We have put in countless hours organizing events and going through piles of permission slips. We couldn’t have done it without you, Ms. Cawley, and Mrs. Woolsey! Thank you for dealing with us every single Wednesday. And to my best friend Phoebe, I am so glad you pushed me to join the class board our sophomore year, otherwise, I wouldn’t be standing here today, and our social media accounts would not look as amazing as they do. In all seriousness, though, today is a momentous occasion. We’re leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown. It’s scary, but it’s also incredibly exciting. So, let’s embrace the future with open arms, and remember that no matter where life takes us, we’ll always have the memories of our time here. Thank you, and congratulations to the class of 2023! FAY FROM PAGE 16 Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Air Conditioners, Ranges, Fridges, Washer/Dryers Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! & more! 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Air Conditioners, Ranges, Fridges, Washer/Dryers & more! Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Best Wishes to the Class of 2023
PAGE 18 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 The Somers High School Class of 2023 will be attending 129 different colleges across 29 states, Washington, D.C., and England! ALABAMA Auburn University University of Alabama CALIFORNIA University of California - Los Angeles COLORADO University of Colorado Boulder CONNECTICUT Connecticut College Fairfield University Post University Quinnipiac University Sacred Heart University University of Connecticut University of Hartford University of New Haven Wesleyan University Western Connecticut State University Yale University DELAWARE University of Delaware ENGLAND University College London FLORIDA Florida Atlantic University Full Sail University Nova Southeastern University University of Florida University of Tampa GEORGIA Savannah College of Art & Design University of Georgia INDIANA Butler University Indiana University Purdue University University of Notre Dame KENTUCKY Eastern Kentucky University LOUISIANA Louisiana State University MAINE University of Southern Maine MARYLAND Hood College Johns Hopkins University University of Maryland MASSACHUSETTS Bentley University College of the Holy Cross Massachusetts College of Art and Design Northeastern University Tufts University University of Massachusetts - Amherst MICHIGAN Michigan State University University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MISSISSIPPI Mississippi State University University of Mississippi MISSOURI Washington University in St. Louis NEW HAMPSHIRE Plymouth State University University of New Hampshire NEW JERSEY Monmouth University NEW YORK Adelphi University Binghamton University Clarkson University Colgate University Cornell University Dutchess Community College Elmira College Farmingdale State College Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University Hamilton College Iona University Ithaca College Le Moyne College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Mercy College New York University Pace University Pratt Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology St. Bonaventure University SUNY Albany SUNY Buffalo SUNY Canton SUNY Cortland SUNY Delhi SUNY Geneseo SUNY New Paltz SUNY Maritime College SUNY Oneonta SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Purchase SUNY Westchester Community College Syracuse University Ulster County Community College University of Rochester NORTH CAROLINA East Carolina University Elon University High Point University North Carolina State University at Raleigh University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill OHIO Case Western Reserve University Ohio State University Ohio Wesleyan University PENNSYLVANIA Arcadia University Bucknell University Franklin and Marshall College Lafayette College Lehigh University Moore College of Art and Design Pennsylvania State University Saint Joseph’s University Susquehanna University University of Scranton University of Valley Forge Villanova University West Chester University RHODE ISLAND Providence College Roger Williams University Salve Regina University United States Naval Academy Preparatory School University of Rhode Island SOUTH CAROLINA College of Charleston Clemson University University of South Carolina Wofford College TENNESSEE University of Tennessee VERMONT University of Vermont VIRGINIA James Madison University University of Virginia Virginia Tech WASHINGTON Seattle University WASHINGTON, D.C. American University Georgetown University The George Washington University WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia University Information provided by Somers Central School District. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! • Residential: Security/Fire/Video • Burglary Detection • Fire Protection • • Remote Services • Video Surveillance • Carbon Monoxide Detection • • Low Temperature • Water Level Sensors • Medical/Assistance Alert • • Open/Close Supervision • Wireless Monitoring • Contact Us To Get A Free Quote Today. NYS LIC. #12000042586 1767 Front Street • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914-962-4699 • [email protected] • marshallalarm.com Securing Your Home & Business Cffgralatiffs to the Cla of 2023!
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 Class of 2023 OLYMPIC Family Diner Congratulates the 2023 Somers High School Graduates! Celebrate with us! New Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Specials with Lower Prices! 195 Route 6, Mahopac, NY • 845.628.0876 OPEN 24/7 • Take-Out Orders Available Hitting the high notes at graduation! Photos: Emrin Leclair
PAGE 20 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 Graphic courtesy of Nicholas Maurantonio and Valentina Gjonbalaj Call us about your next catered event 265 Route 202 l Somers, NY 10589 l 914-277-2020 MONDAY-SATURDAY: 6 am-7 PM SUNDAY: 8 AM-4 PM UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! gourmet deli & catering • serving breakfast 7am-12pm • hot & cold sandwiches & wraps • daily hot lunch specials • fresh-made salads • fruit smoothies WE ONLY SELL specializING in hot and cold dishes from around the world Congratulations to the 2023 Graduates of SOMERS HIGH SCHOOL SERVICES • Car Washes • Oil Change • Interior Service 914-245-1912 1700 Front St, Yorktown Heights, NY www.thewonderwash.com CONGRATULATIONS & BEST WISHES Tuskers Across The Country!
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 21 Graphic courtesy of Nicholas Maurantonio and Valentina Gjonbalaj SHS Class of 2023 Colleges GO FORTH AND FIND YOUR PEOPLE AND PASSIONS! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. SCOTTY, MARIO, & CREW at SOMERS SUPER DELI Order online! www.SOMERSSUPERdeli.com CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023 Lovell St., Lincolndale, NY We Deliver • (914) 248-8975 Mon - Fri 6am - 6pm • Sat 6am - 5pm • Sun 6am to 3pm 845-628-0174 • 153 Route 6, Mahopac in Mahopac Village Plaza (next to Acme) Fraser’s Hardware Congratulations to the Class of 2023! You Did It!
PAGE 22 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 Before they bid farewell to SHS, members of the Class of 2023 gathered to watch the sun set on their high school careers! Senior Sunset Photos courtesy of SCSD Dr. Frank Turchioe 4Chiropractic Care 4Soft Tissue Therapy 4Injury Rehabilitation 4Movement Assessment 4Personal Training 4Sports Performance Training 4Webster Technique (914) 556-6800 somerssportandspine.com 336 US-202, Suite B1N Somers, NY 10589 SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY! (next to Somers Pharmacy) SUMMER SPECIAL! 25% OFF 20% OFF Initial Consultation For All Sport Performance Training and Personal Training Initial Visits All Training Sessions With A Partner Until the End of August. Congratulations To All The Graduates! The Congratulates the Somers High School Class of 2023! We are proud of your accomplishments and we wish you success!
JUNE 29, 2023 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 CLASS OF 2023 From your friends at King Kone to the Ice Cream - Hot food - Snacks & more! 109 NY-100, Katonah, NY 10536 For Ice Cream truck rental call:914.232.3778 215 ROUTE 6 MAHOPAC 845-628-2050 Graduate Special Get Your Car Ready for Summer Travel! 20% OFF WHEEL ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • EXHAUST SHOCKS • FRONT END EXP. 8/15/23 Come in for Auto Repair EXCLUDING TIRES Congratulations Class of 2023! Congratulations Class of 2023! Good luck Class of 2023! Photo: Emrin Leclair
PAGE 24 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOMERS RECORD – JUNE 29, 2023 291 Route 100, Somers • 914.277.8539 • Route100market.com and Deli Open 24/7/365 Visit Us At Route100market.com Congratulations Somers High School Class of 2023 Wishing you a bright, successful future Stop In for Gift Cards for Your Grad!