“We gather to celebrate an extraordinary milestone that is not an ending, but a beginning,” Superintendent Jeff White set the stage for the school’s 93rd commencement exercises, and an evening of celebration at the Tuxedo Union Free School District.
In front of family, friends, faculty, staff, Board of Education members, and invited guests, including Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, 21 George F. Baker seniors received their diplomas as well as awards for academics, arts, athletics and leadership in the ceremony facilitated by Senior Advisor and Master of Ceremonies Michelle Hines.
Superintendent White went on to advise the graduates to not be held back by the fear of the unknown as they move forward in their lives, and quoted C.S.Lewis, the author of the well-loved book series “The Chronicles of Narnia” who said, “We are who we believe we are.”
Attendees were treated to a performance by the Senior Ensemble, before guest speaker District Attorney Hoovler took to the podium to inform the scholars that the world needs leaders, and encouraged them to “be the person who drives the boat through the storm.”
Also speaking this evening was Valedictorian Reggie Juance who recommended “stepping out of your comfort zone and facing challenges head on” to his classmates as they enter the world.
For the presentation of diplomas, the Class of 2024 had the honor of selecting a member of the faculty, administration, or Board of Education to hand them their diploma, a tradition that was started last year.
And then, on Ms. Hines' cue, the caps were in the air, followed by a blast of confetti and the flashbulbs of cameras.
Congratulations Class of 2024!
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