“This is not just the end of high school. It is when we start off the next period of our lives.” With those words, George F. Baker High School Salutatorian Parker Givens set the stage for the school’s 92nd 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 Executive Steve Neuhaus and Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, 14 GFB seniors received their diplomas as well as awards for academics, arts, athletics and leadership.
“While the numerous academic feats, recognitions, scholarships and awards are amazing and noteworthy, it is your dedication to service and to your community that is most impressive,” Superintendent Jeff White told this year’s graduates before conveying the words of Gandhi, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
In his address to the Class of 2023, County Executive Neuhaus gave seniors ten pieces of advice to take with them as they move forward. Taking risks, embracing change and seeing the world topped his list, but it was the final piece of advice Neuhaus called the most important item of them all, “this is your future. Don’t be afraid, have fun and be happy.”
Also speaking this evening was Valedictorian Mario Ginis who reminded his fellow classmates to stay present and be open minded, as no one knows what the future holds.
At the start of the awards portion of the ceremony, senior adviser, and commencement emcee, Michelle Hines introduced each student who finished their time at GFB with a grade point average of 85 or higher. As each student stood, it became clear to those gathered, she would not be stopping until each graduate had gotten out of their seat. With the crowd applauding loudly, Hines, a long-time faculty member, smiled ear to ear and noted the awesomeness of the class’s accomplishment. “This has not happened since, well since as long as I’ve been here!”
For the presentation of diplomas, the Class of 2023 had the honor of selecting a member of the faculty, administration, or Board of Education to hand them their diploma. For two of our graduates, that person also happened to be a parent.
The commencement concluded with a farewell address by Chima Oparaji. Calling them his cousins, Oparaji imparted individualized words of encouragement to each of his fellow classmates. 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 2023!
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