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GOWANDA PRESS
The preferred local newspaper of the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce June 30-July 6, 2017
Gowanda High graduates 80 in 133rd commencement By Hunter Samuelson Press Reporter
GOWANDA — Rain didn’t stop Gowanda High School’s class of 2017 from celebrating the end of their K-12 education last Friday. Originally planned to be at Hillis Field, the 133rd annual commencement was moved to the high school gymnasium due to inclement weather. Graduation began with Dr. Robert Anderson, high school principal, thanking the following individuals for their contributions: Cindy Kerker, Mandy Pickering, Janene Draegert, Rich Smith, and class advisors Carol Propp and Barbara Dempsey. He also gave three pieces of advice to the class of 2017: be kind, be an “upstander” and be committed to the community. “Acquiring wealth is not the sole measure of life,” explained Dr. Anderson. “What defines our life is our treatment of others. Be kind to everybody and be an ‘upstander.’ Defend those who need defending. Build relationships within the community and be the best you can possibly be. As you commence the next chapter of your life, I challenge you to be kind, be an ‘upstander,’ and be committed.” Following Dr. Anderson’s speech, Todd Gates, president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, gave congratulatory remarks. Gates’ advice to the class of 2017 was to appreciate their families. “Look around this room and see your moms and dads, aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas. They’re going to be there. They might not always tell you want you want to hear, but they’re going to tell you what you need to hear,” said Gates. See Graduation, Page 17
Submitted photo
San Antonio drum corps coming to Hillis Field
Press photo by Hunter Samuelson
Gowanda Class of 2017 salutatorian Brianna Weinaug and valedictorian Jack Van Wey pose for a photo on Friday night following commencement. Brianna will attend JCC in the fall to study elementary education and Jack will attend Brockport State and study Criminal Justice.
GOWANDA — As a prelude to the Aug. 6 Drums Along the Waterfront Tour of Champions competition taking place at New Era Field, the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, Texas, will be making a promotional tour stop in Gowanda on July 7. Arriving from a competition in Boston, Mass., the Crossmen will be utilizing Gowanda Central School’s facilities for a day long rehearsal. With musical-athlete membership 150 strong, the Crossmen compete in See Drums, Page 17