The Katonah-Lewisboro Times 06.30.2022 Graduation Special

to tChoenCgrlaatsuloati2on0s22!

Special supplement to
June 30, 2022

2
TRACKS

PHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR

PAGE 2 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

KENNEDYCATHOLIC.ORG

54 Route 138 Somers, NY

JUNE 30, 2022 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 3

John Jay’s Class of 2022 Riley Haarsgaard Anna Markvukaj Maria Rodriguez
Andrew R. Hammer Siena Faith Marrazzo Nicole Romano
Amanda Nicole Albert Luke Cusato Emma Atherton Hardie Delaney Sean Martin Kacie Rooney
Dylan Q. Albert Julia D’Urso Cali D. Harris Lawrence Nicholas Martin Bella Rumack
Javier Alicea-Kahn Katharina Diane Dauterman Heather Elizabeth Hattasch Paige Elizabeth Martin Michael John Russo
Allison Hannah Altholz Jesse Elizabeth David Emma Heath Alexander Martini Ella Angelina Rust
Isaac Amdur Spencer Powers Davis Bryan Michael Hetner Rhys Larsen Matthews Justin Sandler
Sabrina Amoriello Emma Deakin Hannah Hicks Maeve McGroary Nicholas Savastano
Kristen Augustensen Atticua Roman DeCubellis Joshua Samuel Hiller Hunter Violet McKendry Conall Schechter
Carolina Agata Bal Lauren Anna DeLucia Lily Nicole Hodor Brian Louis McMahon Rumi Lawrence Schemmerer
Luke Andrew Barcroft Livia Gelarchia DeRose Alexander Ethan Hooper Alannah McMann Finn Scherer
Logan John Baumgartner Aaron Charles Alena Jin Kenneth Lawrence Megna Miranda Kaylee Schloat
Kyle Gabriel Beame Frederick DiChristina Heather Marie Kamerman Katherine Mercer Seneca Satori Schwartz
William Marc Beame Justina Rose Dieck Jason Kamerman Wilson Miguel Asencio Blair Sally Selig
Katherine Beaty Sophia Lily DiFalco Jake Kauftheil Brody Q. Miller Elijah Jeremy Siegel
Brett Beresin Katelyn DiFede Colin Michael Keating Jason H. Miller Hudson Blake Siegel
Zachary William Bertin Drew Rochelle DiGuglielmo Jessica Kennedy Elizabeth A. Milliot Christina M. Simmes
Julia Nicole Besterman Sofia DiLeo Jack Michael Kenny Andrew Minard Reagan George Martinez-Simos
Kathleen Renee Birmingham Kaitlin Elizabeth Doherty Connor Leska-Kent Logan Arthur Mogil Angelo Sinapi
Danielle Brooke Blachar Ayla Dollar Jake Isadore Kern Owen Kaspar Morabito Alec Joshua Skriloff
Caroline Savannah Boies Lukas Jose Dorta Ava Kersh Connor Mulcahy Ava Slocum
Cole Thomas Boniface Morgan Allison Edgar William Kershner Brendan Mulligan Andrew Smith
Kaitlyn Boyd Ava Jane Elghanayan Michaela Mae Kirby Anthony Luis Mupo Joseph Alan Smith
Martin Edward Brandwein Flora Mame Elghanayan Emily Elizabeth Kiefer Jackson Sandor Nagy Joey Stabile
Devin Braun Zoe Elizabeth Eliades Nathanael Yoobin Kim Rylie Nastasio Amy Jing Stark
Hunter C. Brooks Alexandre Elias Samuel Knowlton Liam Joseph Nelsen Juliet Brice Stempel
Andrew Brown Dugan Ellin Ava Joy Koch Ines Nix Abigail Stobin
Kieran Jack Brown Kiera Ellison Daniel Kola Spencer Charles Nyitray Olivia Stoll
Ashley Shirley Buatte Eva Juliet Falino Diana Kola Michael Finn O’Callaghan Morgan Marie Stumbo
Kate Fitzgerald Buckley Ronan Flanagan Andy Kote Rory O’Neill Douglas Scott Styles
Juilette Sydney Bujaj Zoey Alexandra Feldman Jeremy Steven Kramer Kieran Patrick O’Shea Aidan Rose Summer
Leigh Bullard Victoria Fenton Erin Kuehl Aiden Finn Oates Jennifer Rose Termine
Andrew Raymond Butcher Molly McCahill Flynn Lucy Claire Landzberg Emma Rose Ofer Liam James Tuohy
Ryan Martin Byrne Olivia Blake Flynn Claire Regan Lasota Lucas Zachary Orlovitz Katherine Unger
Nina Calves Henry Fogler Jack C. Lawton Haley Paige Outwater Olivia Van Etten
Camille Jane Carey Jackson Walker Francis Stephen Leavy Jordina Oweis Alice Rose Van Wijnen
Renn Catherine Carlson Rayna Ivy Frantz Tansey Lee Tyler Andrew Paladino Kaitlyn Z.Varriale
Nick Caruso William Thomas Fuller Alison Corey Leff Alexander Pallas Kye Viall
Olivia Tatum Casavant Joseph Galea Kyle Chase Leitner Troy Panek Cristian Vicente
Julia Elizabeth Cassone Catherine Galgano Sean Michael Lenahan Caroline Frances Panzirer Jonathan Cole Vicente
Andrew Joseph Castaldo Katrina Anne Gallagher Padma LeTourneau Julie Park Holly Visconti
Gabriella Centrillo Claire Grace Gaza Eliza Lichtman Alyson Mabel Parker Matthew Visconti
Claire Ceremuga Madison Elizabeth Geary Ruby Lichtman Christopher M. Paul Alexandra Volkova
Shu-Min Jasmine Chang Reagan Paige Georgi Nina Little Millie Peacock Jonathan Walerys
Angela Cioffi Lily Giner Allison Longo Axel Come Pestie Allison Webster
Pietro Cipriano Peter Giner Krista Longo Daniella Lauren Picerni Henry McGee Weigel
Christopher Civetta Eva Goldfinger-Scalzo Justin Lopes Jessica Piechota Kelly Jean Weis
Nicholas Dante Clampitt Noah Benjamin Goldman Mariel Lovejoy Daniel H. Pieratti Eric Weston
Ethan Zachary Coletta Itza Gonzalez-Ortiz Andrew Lucassen Henry Joseph Pojednic Mattingly Wierl
Kealyn Colindres Max Shepard Goodman Taryn P. Lynch Tucker A. Polaner Harrison Wiles
Aidan Coplan Naomi Harriet Gordin Tristan Aurelio Lyons Adam Jake Portnoy Brian Terhune Williams
Ryan Michael Corelli Angela Priscilla Gorter Lindsey C. MacDonald Anthony Camillus Protomastro Georgia Brooke Wilmoth
Katherine Corsello Lorenna Graham Scott Patrick MacDonald Zachary Corwin Purdey Matthew Patrick Wittner
Natalie Costa Quincy Pax Greene Owen Matthew Magier Erika Jenna Rajovic Kyle Wolff
James Cranstoun Jon Gregory Allison Paige Magistro James Roman Requa Declan Woods
Riley Cryan Andrew Michael Gressin Amelia Maiorana Liam Richardson Camilla Grace Wright
Sydney Blaise Cucolo Remy Richard Gurciullo Jennifer Lizabeth Malpartdia Lexi M. Riolo Stephanie Xenos
Sabrina Marciante Melanie Grace Roche Parker Zander
Ethan Reilly Marcotullio Luciano Rodriguez

PAGE 4 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

Oh, the place y ’ go!

Hundreds of John Jay students will continue their education in the fall across dozens
of states and territories.

Alabama Illinois Mississippi

The University of Alabama Northwestern University University of Mississippi
University of Illinois Chicago
Arizona Missouri in
Indiana
University of Arizona Washington University
Ball State University St. Louis
California Indiana University-Bloomington Texas
Purdue University New Hampshire SUNY Westchester Community
California Institute of the Arts University of Notre Dame College Austin College
San Diego State University Plymouth State University Rice University
Santa Clara University Kentucky Syracuse University Southern Methodist University
University of California, Davis New Jersey Union College
University of California, Irvine University of Kentucky United States Military Academy Vermont
University of California, Stevens Institute of Technology Vassar College
Louisiana Middlebury College
San Diego New York North Carolina Norwich University
Tulane University Trinity College
Colorado Bard College Davidson College University of Vermont
Maine Binghamton University Elon University
Colorado College Colgate University Wake Forest University Virginia
Colorado School of Mines Bates College Cornell University
Colorado State University-Fort Colby College Culinary Institute of America Ohio College of William & Mary
CUNY Bernard M Baruch George Mason University
Collins Maryland Case Western Reserve University James Madison University
University of Colorado Boulder College Kenyon College University of Richmond
University of Denver Loyola University Maryland Dutchess Community College Ohio State University University of Virginia
University of Maryland-College Fordham University University of Cincinnati Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Connecticut Hamilton College
Park Iona College Pennsylvania and State University
Fairfield University Ithaca College
Lincoln Technical Institute-East Massachusetts LIM College Bucknell University Washington
Molloy College Dickinson College
Windsor Boston College New York University Drexel University University of Washington
Norwalk Community College Boston University Pace University, New York City Lehigh University
Quinnipiac University Clark University Pennsylvania State University Washington, D.C.
Sacred Heart University College of the Holy Cross Campus Temple University
University of Hartford Curry College Pace University, Westchester University of Pittsburgh American University
Western Connecticut State Emerson College Villanova University George Washington University
Endicott College Campus West Chester University Georgetown University
University Mount Holyoke College Paul Smith’s College
Yale University Northeastern University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhode Island Wisconsin
Springfield College Rochester Institute of Technology
Delaware University of Massachusetts- School of Visual Arts Brown University University of Wisconsin
Siena College Providence College
University of Delaware Amherst Skidmore College University of Rhode Island United Kingdom
Worcester Polytechnic Institute St. Lawrence University
Florida Stony Brook University South Carolina New College of the Humanities
Michigan SUNY at Albany (London, England)
Lynn University SUNY at Purchase College Citadel Military College of South
University of Florida Michigan State University SUNY College at Geneseo Carolina University of St Andrews
University of Miami University of Michigan SUNY College at Oswego (St Andrews, Scotland)
University of South Florida SUNY College of Technology at Clemson University
University of Tampa Minnesota University of South Carolina
Alfred
Georgia Art Macalester College SUNY Cortland Tennessee
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Emory University New Mexico University of Tennessee,
Savannah College of Knoxville
New Mexico Military Institute
& Design

JUNE 30, 2022 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 5

To The Harvey School

Class of 2022

A college preparatory school located in Katonah, NY enrolling students
in grades 6–12 with boarding beginning in grade 9
www.harveyschool.org • 914-232-3161

PAGE 6 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

KaitlynValedictorian Z. Varriale
Being named valedicto- and administration along the in America” (the IJHSR pub- nior). She inspires and mo-
rian is quite an accom- way, which was critical for my lished my paper). I studied tivates her students to look PHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR
plishment. How were you success. and analyzed the stark ineq- into the vast complexities of
able to achieve this? Was What was your favorite uities and flaws in our health- the world around them for getting ready and eating
this something you were school subject and why? care system, making me want awareness and to take ac- breakfast, usually oatmeal,
striving for? to advocate for just reform. In tion. berries, and black coffee. I
At John Jay, I was extremely addition, as I will be attend- How do you get pre- try to keep it consistent for my
While I never strove to be fortunate to take humanities ing Cornell University to study pared for a big test? type 1 diabetes management.
valedictorian, I always told research honors. Through Health Care Policy, this course
myself that working hard and this course, not only did I helped me discover what I Organization is key to my SEE VALEDICTORIAN PAGE 7
doing my best was most im- learn about the world and want to do with my life. preparation! I begin prepa-
portant and that if I did that, enhance my writing and pre- Do you have a favorite ration and studying well in
I would be content with and senting skills, but I also found teacher or another role advance. I start with a review,
proud of my performance. In my passion. I combined per- model that inspired you using my notes, class materi-
ninth grade, I promised my- sonal struggles (as my insur- during your time at John als, and videos, and then I do
self that I would never share ance company denied my Jay? practice questions and exams
grades with my classmates hospitalization when I was to complete my studying. In
because I was not fond of the diagnosed with type 1 diabe- Coinciding with my last re- this process, I make a review
competition or pressure that tes) and national health care sponse, I had the wonderful sheet of the subject’s critical
came alongside it; instead, I system issues in my research. opportunity to have Ms. Jill information, which I refer to
focused on myself. In addi- My research was on “How Hirschfeld as my humanities throughout my preparation.
tion, I had invaluable support Socioeconomic Status Dic- research teacher for three The night before, I make sure
from my mother, father, sister, tates the Healthcare Patients years in high school (as a I do something relaxing. The
teachers, guidance counselor, with Type 1 Diabetes Receive sophomore, junior, and se- morning of, I take my time

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JUNE 30, 2022 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 7

VALEDICTORIAN JJHS provided me with the spent with family (pets included, of
course!) and friends.
FROM PAGE 6 What is something about your-
What will you miss the most self that people might not

about John Jay High School? education, opportunities, and know?
I think it is impossible to know the camaraderie to truly be my best.’ My middle name is just the letter

answer to this question until more “Z.” It stands for my mother’s maid-
time has passed. The saying goes, en name, “Zappala” as my parents
“You will never know the value of a wanted to represent both sides of the

moment until it becomes a memory.” Kaitlyn Z. Varriale family.
In this manner, I cannot pinpoint a Where is your favorite place to

specific aspect of JJHS that I know I eat locally?

will miss the most. JJHS provided me I love DiNardo’s in Pound Ridge!

with the education, opportunities, and If you could pick one place to

camaraderie to truly be my best. I will lege of Human Ecology. I also hope if you work hard and be honest with visit on vacation that you’ve

be forever thankful for the Board of to receive a master’s degree in health yourself and others, you will thrive never been to, where would you

Education, administration, teachers, administration and possibly a JD. in your own most authentic way. Of go and why?

classmates, and athletic department What advice would you give course, freely reach out to other stu- I would love to visit Italy! There is

that make me genuinely cherish my younger John Jay students dents, teachers, and faculty at John such vast history on a global scale;

high school years. about succeeding academically Jay; they are all there to help you. plus, there are cultural roots for my

Can you share your future aca- and also enjoying their time Lastly, while doing well and applying family. It is also gorgeous.

demic plans? Where are you here? yourself is paramount, do not forget What is the go-to app on your

going to college and what will Do not worry about others’ percep- to enjoy high school while it lasts. phone and why?

you study? tions. Academically and holistically What are some of your favorite I have type 1 diabetes, so technical-

I will be attending Cornell University speaking, it is best to thoroughly ex- hobbies? ly, my go-to app is Dexcom G6 for my

in the fall. Specifically, I will major in plore your interests. High school is a I love working out, playing volley- blood glucose readings. However, on

health care policy at the Jeb E. Brooks time to be genuine to your true and ball, baking, traveling, and spending a more fun note, I greatly enjoy listen-

School of Public Policy and the Col- best self. Trust and believe in yourself; time outdoors. I especially enjoy time ing to music on Spotify.

Apply
for Fall
2022

Congratulations!

to the class of 2022

top university acceptances

Boston University
Cooper Union

Cornell University
Emerson College
New York University
Northeastern University
Purdue University
The New School
University of California, Berkeley
University of Southern California

www.efacademy.org/contact-us

PAGE 18 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONA

Congratulations
The John Jay
High School to the
Class of 2022
graduated on
Tuesday, June
21, at Caramoor.

class of

2022

PHOTOS: EMRIN LECLAIR

AH-LEWISBORO TIMES – JUNE 30, 2022 PAGE 9

e

2! The Treblemakers acapella group Alex Pallas, Jack Kenny, and Tristan Lyons Kim,
Katherine,
and Karen

Beaty

PAGE 10 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

Lawrence and Class of 2022’s Nina Calves and Hunter McKendry
Paige Martin with hand off the Key of Knowledge to Class of 2023’s
Owen Magier and
Alex Elias Walter Oestreicher and Ryan Giner.
Seniors sing the
national anthem. PHOTOS: EMRIN LECLAIR

The Noteables acapella group

Principal Steven T. Siciliano

JUNE 30, 2022 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 11

Student with Down syndrome graduates from JJHS

BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER stage to retrieve her diploma. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN ROONEY “Her abilities are not defined by her
EDITOR “I realized from a very early age that disability,” Susan said. “She’s pretty
Kacie Rooney with her diploma much up for anything. She rises to the
Nearly two decades ago, the I had to share her,” Susan said. “She’s task or the situation.”
Rooney family was looking for a new magnetic and she just pulls people in men students, and as a guest reader
place to call home. Most important to and brings out the best in everyone. to pre-school students at the County Susan also praised special educa-
them was a strong school district with She’s educated people without even Children’s Center in Katonah. Next tion teacher Maria Mellon, who has
an established special education pro- knowing it, and showing people what school year, she will work in the as- worked with Kacie through middle
gram for their daughter, Kacie, who is possible.” sistant principal’s office. school and high school.
has Down syndrome.
Susan Rooney had nothing but “Your experiences in life are as
“We did our research and we really praise for the Katonah-Lewisboro good as who you go through them
wanted to be in Katonah-Lewisboro,” School District. with,” Susan said. “For Kacie, it has
said Susan Rooney. just been an unbelievable experience,
“They worked on developing a plan and an unbelievable experience for us
The Rooneys met with the school every step of the way,” she said. “I as parents because we know she’s be-
district’s special services director, who would say Kacie probably made it a ing taken care of. Everyone just really
reportedly said she could not recall little bit easier because she could be embraces her.”
a time in her two decades that a stu- a model student. She’s task-oriented
dent with Down syndrome had gone and really focused and really likes to Kacie also attends GiGi’s Playhouse
through the school district. Last week, work hard.” in Ardsley, a Down syndrome achieve-
Kacie Rooney became the first student ment center, and is part of a special
in at least four decades to accomplish Kacie will continue her education at needs cheer team in Mahopac.
that feat when she graduated from John Jay High School in the fall, as
John Jay High School. she works to develop her career skills. “She just opens a lot of minds and
She has already worked as an assis- hearts, and I’m so proud,” Susan said.
Kacie Rooney received a loud ap- tant in the athletic director’s office, “I’ve done nothing. She’s the one that
plause from the Class of 2022 as she as a teacher’s assistant in the Intro- just does her work.”
walked across the Caramoor Center duction to Theater program for fresh-

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PAGE 12 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

‘Be well and be safe’
This speech was read at graduation by been doing for the past four years. We

student speaker Andrew Smith. made our time at John Jay worthwhile,

using the scraps that Covid left us. We

Before I begin, I just wanted to say said yes to each other and pulled our-

congratulations to the Class of ’22 and selves through an unbelievable time.

also that this is my first speech ever, so I mean, c’mon now, what John Jay

bear with me… class has ever organized their own ju-

Thursday, March 31, at exactly nior prom? I think everyone here re-

12:41 p.m., our lovely senior class members the density lesson we had in

coordinator/advisor, Patti Dente, told middle school? Liquids with different

me that I was chosen to be the student densities simply don’t mix, much, like

class speaker at graduation. Shortly af- dish soap and oil. From afar, one would

ter, news got out and all I heard was, assume this class would be one hetero-

“What are you gonna write?” “Have geneous mixture, a bunch of different

you started?” Or my, favorite, “Wait friend groups that would never mix. But

you’re saying a speech at gradua- the Class of 22 was different. While, of

tion?.” course, everyone had their own groups,

And, to be honest, I had no clue we still had this ability to come together,

what I was gonna write. But like some this ability to ignite unity among us and

things in high school, sometimes you across the entire school. Some will point

gotta fake it till you make it. to Jay Fest as the proof of that, but I vote

When people ask me what I’m going for the senior prank as something I will

to miss about high school, of course, I never forget and will honestly be a story

say l’Il miss my friends and the amaz- I’ll keep with me forever. I would share

ing teachers at John Jay. I can’t say the time and location of the planning

enough about Mrs. Triller and how she of it with you, but I’Il let my classmates

made science real for me and made make their own confessions to you over

me want to study it more, but, if I’m al- lunch. Plus, Dr. Siciliano said he would

lowed to say it, there’s one that tops it have to tackle me if I did.

all for me. Nothing, and I mean noth- It was moments like those that re-

ing, topped the feeling of waking up minded me how much I was going to

on a cold brisk January morning to the miss high school, how much I was go-

sound of the phone ringing with the ing to miss this class.

gracious, angelic voice of Andrew Se- In the end, I gotta hand it to the Class

lesnick filling the room telling you that of ’22. We brought a lot to the John

school has been canceled for the day. Jay community. All jokes aside, some

And let’s not forget our Zoom days. Or ‘I would say good luck to the Class of of the most genuine and nicest people
better yet, let us forget our Zoom days! ’22, but I know they won’t need it. This I’ve met are sitting behind me. A year
And I know I’m not the only one here class’s ability to adapt and overcome from now, we’re all gonna be differ-
when I say I am sorry to all the teach- challenges is what made us so special.’ ent. Shaped and molded by the expe-
ers who called on me during class riences we’ve had at John Jay and by
on Zoom and I never unmuted. I was the people we’re going to meet on the
probably asleep — sorry about that. road ahead. I would say good luck to
the Class of ’22, but I know they won’t
Now, I realize speeches never sound need it. This class’s ability to adapt and
legit unless you use a quote from some

famous person, so here it is: Stephen overcome challenges is what made us
Colbert said, “You are about to start Photo: Emrin Leclair so special.
the greatest improvisation of all. With Andrew Smith gives the Senior Class Address.
I conclude with a quote from Mr. Se-

no script. No idea what’s going to are not in control. So, say yes. And if The thing is, the Class of 22 isn’t just lesnick, as he would always say in his

happen, often with people and places you’re lucky, you’ll find people who will starting this so-called “greatest impro- morning snow day phone calls, “Be

you have never seen before. And you say yes back.” visation of all time,” it’s what we have well and be safe.”

JUNE 30, 2022 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 13

SalutatorianVi oria Fent
Being named salutatorian during your time at John of the sustainability club, Earth about succeeding aca-
is quite an accomplish- Jay? Rise, and tutored inside and demically and also enjoy- PHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR
ment. How were you able outside of school for the Reach ing their time here?
to achieve this? Was this All my teachers influenced Out John Jay and Neighbor’s in Somers.
something you were striv- me in different ways and were Link programs. I also played I would say don’t feel like you If you could pick one place
ing for? incredible role models. Ms. French Horn for the school’s have to sacrifice your social life to visit on vacation that
Weiss stands out in particular wind ensemble and the Greater to get good grades, and vice you’ve never been to,
I always aimed to do the very because both years I had her Westchester Youth Orchestra. versa. Often times my closest where would you go and
best I could in school, with a for English, she challenged me What will you miss the friends that I had the most fun why?
lot of encouragement from my in writing and made me ques- most about John Jay High with were best at motivating me
family and friends. I was not tion my perspective of impor- School? to keep up my academic efforts I have always wanted to go
necessarily striving for salutato- tant world issues. because we were in it together. to Australia to see their wildlife.
rian; it was certainly an added How do you get prepared I will really miss tennis sea- What are some of your What is the go-to app on
bonus that came from my work for a big test? son in the fall, lunch with my favorite hobbies? your phone and why?
throughout the years. best friends, and the bonds I
What was your favorite I tend to remember things made with my teachers. I love playing tennis for fun, I use Instagram a lot because
school subject and why? best when I hear them, so re- Can you share your future going on hikes, and playing I can keep in touch with people
view videos were always my fa- academic plans? Where piano. I haven’t seen in a while and
I love to write and hear my vorite studying method. are you going to college What is something about send interesting or funny posts
classmates’ different interpreta- Did you belong to any and what will you study? yourself that people might to my friends.
tions of certain works, so Eng- clubs or teams while at not know?
lish was definitely one of my John Jay? Please also list I am attending Yale in the fall
favorite subjects. any accomplishments you and am excited to figure out I love to bake!
Do you have a favorite achieved. exactly what I want to study! Where is your favorite
teacher or another role What advice would you place to eat locally?
model that inspired you I was captain of the girls’ var- give younger students
sity tennis team, co-president My friends and I love grab-
bing lunch or coffee at Bobo’s

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PAGE 14 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

A homecoming at Harvey commencement 2022 Harvey valedi orian

It was a wonderful weather day as the Giselle Groff of Wac- hails from Waccabuc
morning sun peeked through the clouds cabuc is the valedictori-
just in time to shine on the procession of PHOTO: GABE PALACIO an of the Harvey School PHOTO: GABE PALACIO
the Harvey School Class of 2022 who Class of 2022. The top
made their way from the Quad into TV star Annelise Cepero, a Harvey School scholar of Harvey’s se- Giselle Groff
Fenstermacher Athletic Center for the alum, gives a commencement speech. nior class, Groff holds
commencement ceremony on June 9. a four-year cumulative helped Harvey capture look forward to hearing
now is different from who you’ll be in GPA of 4.26. She has both the 2021 New York of her continued suc-
Garbed in cap and gown, the gradu- five years, 10, 20, 50 years from now.” achieved the highest State robotics cham- cess.”
ates sat in great anticipation of the mo- GPA in her class in three pionship and the Vex
ment when Head of School Bill Knauer When all the speeches were con- of her four years. World Championship Groff, who played vol-
would have them shift their tassels from cluded, prizes awarded, and diplomas Excellence Award. leyball and tennis for
right to left, signifying their lives after handed out, it was time for the tassels to “Giselle is a tremen- Harvey throughout her
Harvey had officially commenced. But go from right to left. dous student who has Harvey science teach- upper school years, was
there was pomp and circumstance to sit positively impacted our er Bruce Osborne, who a Housatonic Valley Ath-
through first. More than a dozen local residents community since her ar- taught Groff for two letic All-League singles
were among the Harvey School Class rival,” said Head of Up- years in Honors and player this spring.
Senior Julia Nelson of Pound Ridge of 2022. per School Phil Lazzaro. AP Chemistry, praised
gave a rendition of “The Star-Spangled “Giselle’s talents have her outstanding work Groff plans to attend
Banner” and after Knauer’s welcoming • Samuel Alexander, Katonah extended beyond the ethic. He marveled at Washington University in
remarks, the Harvey Chorus performed • Tyle Alexander, Goldens Bridge classroom, and we wish the fact that Groff, being St. Louis in the fall. She
“Seasons of Love / Finale B” from the • Zachary Amerling, South Salem her and the Class of ‘22 the only student in his delivered her valedicto-
rock musical “Rent” by Jonathan Lar- • Ella Cohn, Bedford Corners well on their upcoming AP class, “was always rian address at Harvey’s
son. • Grayson Cooper, Katonah journeys.” prepared and always Commencement Day
• Elizabeth Dalrymple, Katonah engaged each day.” He ceremony on June 9.
When Head of Upper School Phil Laz- • Giselle Groff, Waccabuc Groff said she feels added, “Giselle is a re-
zaro introduced the guest speaker, up to • Jacob Hellinger, Katonah honored to have been markable person, and I is article was prepared by
the podium went someone who looked • Justin Jaques, Goldens Bridge chosen to deliver the
very much like she belonged among the • Jayden Kass, Katonah valedictorian address. the Harvey School.
graduates — the budding film and TV • Julia Nelson, Pound Ridge
star Annelise Cepero, Harvey Class of • Erin Phillips, Katonah “In addition to the bit-
2013. • Cody Siegel, Katonah tersweet feelings I have
• Samantha Verdeschi, Katonah as I approach gradua-
Sharing her story of hard work and tion day, I also feel the
dogged determination to find her way is article was prepared by the Harvey honor of being named
first through Montclair State University’s class valedictorian,”
musical theater program and later in the School. Groff said.
world of entertainment, Cepero told the
graduates she committed herself to be- “I have watched my
ing open to doing everything she could peers explore, work
to grow in knowledge and experience. hard, and discover their
“Every day I’m learning and evolving,” passions these past four
she said. “Don’t close yourself off to years, and while I am
learning,” she advised. “Who you are proud of this recogni-
tion there are so many
CLASS of 2022 CLASS of 2026 that are deserving. I am
We are so proud of you and love you so very much! happy to be in this se-
nior class with them.”
Mom, Dad, & Julia
Perhaps Groff’s most
outstanding contribu-
tion came from her in-
volvement in Harvey’s
robotics program. As
a valued member of
RoboCavs 6277D, the
most successful team
in school history, Groff

JUNE 30, 2022 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 15

2022 Commencement

It was a wonderful weather day as the morn- to be wrong, and surround yourself with people Annelise Cepero ’13
ing sun peeked through the clouds just in who lift you up, who will inspire and support Giselle Groff ’22
time to shine on the procession of the Class you during those moments of uncertainty,” she
of 2022 who made their way from the Quad told the graduates. “The path may not always be
into the Fenstermacher Athletic Center for straight, but if it’s something that you love, stay
Harvey’s Commencement ceremony June 9. the course. Believe in yourself, you got this!”

Garbed in cap and gown, the graduates sat in In the valedictory speech that followed, Giselle
great anticipation of the moment when Head of Groff ‘22 told her fellow graduates, “Our paths will
School Bill Knauer would have them shift their diverge at this point, but we all are on this road
tassels from right to left, signifying their lives after of becoming. We will sometimes flow where we
Harvey had officially commenced. But there was may not have planned as life is unpredictable.”
pomp and circumstance to add to the occasion. She said, “I encourage you to embrace challenges
and be patient. Remember, too, that it’s okay to
Senior Julia Nelson gave a beautiful ren- start over and take an entirely new path. It is this
dition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." After flexibility that will keep us learning and growing.”
Mr. Knauer's welcoming remarks, The
Harvey Chorus performed "Seasons of Love / When all the speeches were concluded, prizes
Finale B" from Rent by Jonathan Larson. awarded, and diplomas handed out, it was time
for the tassels to go from right to left. Moments
When Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro after Mr. Knauer acknowledged them officially
introduced the guest speaker, up to the podium as graduates, high into the air went the caps,
went someone who looked very much like she then cascading down upon a sea of hugging and
belonged among the graduates — the budding high-fiving classmates whose family, friends,
star of the big and small screen Annelise Cepero, and faculty stood applauding, everyone smil-
Harvey Class of 2013, who just nine years earlier ing, and a few wiping a tear or two away.
was commencing upon her own life after Harvey.

Sharing her story of hard
work and dogged determi-
nation to find her way, first
through Montclair State
University’s musical theater
program, and later in the
world of entertainment,
Annelise told the graduates
she committed herself to
being open to doing every-
thing she could to grow in
knowledge and experience.
“Every day I’m learning and
evolving,” she said. “Don’t
close yourself off to learn-
ing, “ she advised. “Who
you are now is different
from who you’ll be in five
years, 10, 20, 50 years from
now.” Acknowledging that
self-doubt too often came
her way along her journey,
she said she fought hard to
overcome it. “Don’t be afraid

PAGE 16 – SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES– JUNE 30, 2022

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