Connor Meltzer feels ready for what’s next as an engineering student at Virginia Tech. Meltzer was one of 86 students who received their Rhinebeck High School diploma in an outdoor ceremony June 28.
“We’re a pretty small school. Everyone just knows each other walking through the halls. I’ll miss just seeing a friendly face,” said Meltzer, who is going from a high school with just over 300 students to a university with over 30,000 undergraduate students.
The one-hour ceremony featured speeches from Superintendent Albert Cousins, Board of Education President Steve Jenkins, retiring school counselor and Rhinebeck graduate Robert Heywood, and members of the Class of 2025 – Grace Dentico, Emilia Ruiz Michels, Laila Valentino and Sophie Derman.
Derman, the class valedictorian, moved to the district from Brooklyn to start her sophomore year, and will attend Georgetown University to study political science and pursue a career in law. She addressed her classmates and the adults in attendance during her speech.
“I’m proud of the fact that we know how to coexist, how to talk and listen to one another and most of all how to respect one another,” she said of her classmates.
“When I look at the world around us, I don’t see much of this. No offense to those of you out there in the audience, but it feels like the older generations have lost the skill of this course. Disagreement is perceived as a threat versus an opportunity to learn from each other. This dynamic seems to be contributing to a country that feels deeply divided although we cannot afford to be right now as we are dealing with issues that require understanding and most of all collaboration
Valentino, the salutatorian, is off to Binghamton University to begin pursuing her career as a doctor. She said high school was a journey of constant growth.
“We’ve learned a lot, not just in class but about who we are and what matters to us,” she said. “When things got tough, we found ways to support each other. That shared experience is what’s gotten us here and will keep pushing us forward.
“Looking back, it’s clear every event, teacher and challenge has taught us something important, not just about academics but true life lessons we will carry with us after leaving Rhinebeck.”
Heywood served as the guest speaker and delivered an inspiring speech.
“So Class of 2025 as you step forward tonight you are more than ready, you are rooted in a place that has shaped you with care and love,” he said. “You are surrounded by people who believe in your deeply and completely. You are full of the qualities the world needs the most.”
The speeches were followed by the presentation of diplomas by Jenkins and Marc Burg, high school assistant principal. High school Principal Edwin Davenport followed with the certification of graduates.
“Commencement is one of the best days of the school year,” said Davenport before the ceremony. “It’s such a thrill to see the sense of pride and accomplishment in all the kids. It’s a milestone for families. It’s huge. Every year I get the fringe benefit of participating, of seeing the excitement and enthusiasm. It’s a great day.”
Davenport added about the Class of 2025, “They were really close-knit, well connected, great friendships across all the seniors. That’s what I’ll member most when I think of this group of young people.”