Record-Review Graduation by The Record-Review

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Congratulations, Class of

2011

...and to The Record-Review’s own special grads

Jacob Blau Oliver Friedman Fox Lane High School

Katherine Grace Dunn John Jay High School

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Fox Lane High School

CLASS OF 2011

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Grads at Fox Lane High School graduation.

Fox Lane seniors are ‘not your ordinary class’ By JOAN GAyLORD

unches of balloons, bouquets of red and white roses, toddlers staring in wideeyed wonder as parents and grandparents made their way to chairs under the tent — the stage was set to celebrate Bedford Central’s annual commencement exercises. As the seniors marched to their seats, pausing along the way to high-five a younger classmate or mug for a parent’s camera, the community that prides itself on its diversity came together as one to salute the Fox Lane High School class of 2011. “This is not your ordinary class,” said salutatorian Matthew Karle. This is the class that held regular Gentlemen’s Tuesdays, when students dressed for school in jackets and ties, that debated the Constitution at the home of Founding Father John Jay, that sent singing telegrams to one another that were delivered during classes and that created the “rejection wall’ where students could post their college rejection letters and classmates would compliment the recipients and explain what a lousy decision the selection committee had made. “And we are the school that every other school fears in just about any athletic sport,” said Matthew, a comment that provoked a resounding cheer from his classmates. Fox Lane principal Dr. Joel Adelberg summarized the cohesiveness of this class, saying they had left an “indelible mark” on the school and had entered as individuals and

found their collective voice to become the Fox Lane class of 2011. “Some of you came just a few years ago without speaking a word of English and now you are graduating from an outstanding American high school,” Dr. Adelberg said. “Your diploma is a reminder of all your hard work.” Miriam Hegglin, this year’s valedictorian, built upon the message of diversity and how the class represents students from all walks of life. She observed that some members of the class had grown up in Westchester and have never left the country. Others had arrived here only recently. Regardless, she encouraged them all to keep learning. She provided an example. “A few years ago, my grandmother learned what a cell phone is and my mother learned to text,” she said. Dr. Dennis Maika delivered the address to the senior class, an honor selected by the students. He noted that he would be graduating with them when he retires at the end of this school year. Weaving together references to rock musicians, early explorers and a 17th-century Dutch painter in a speech that was clearly littered with inside jokes and references that provoked laughter among the students, Dr. Maika implored them to hold on especially to four qualities: imagination, exploration, creative determination and dreams. Imagination, he said, quoting John Lennon, is easy if you try, but you have to try. When talking about exploration, he cited the determination of Henry Hudson, who explored again and again not that far from where the students were now sitting as Hudson tried to find the northern passage to China. Yes, he ended up set adrift in a small boat when his

crew mutinied, but Dr. Maika encouraged the students to remember Hudson for how he lived his life, not how it ended. When speaking of creative determination, Dr. Maika’s example was Vermeer, who found his own special touch when using the camera obscura. Saying that achievement was not a matter of goals but of “striving” for goals, Dr. Maika encouraged the students to keep dreaming — though he said he would spare them his imitation of Stephen Tyler at the end of his talk. Regardless, both students and parents leapt to their feet and cheered in appreciation. On a day marked by tradition, the graduating class continued a very recent tradition of hearing from a student who represents a third voice at the school, one other than the valedictorian and salutatorian. This year, she speaker was Maria Jose Aveiga Varela. “One in five Latino teenagers in this country will not graduate from high school,” she said to her classmates. “All of us defy that statistic.” As Maria thanked her mother for all she had provided and delivered part of her address in Spanish, the students stood once again to bestow upon their classmate a standing ovation. As they cheered, someone tossed red and white beach balls over their heads, adding to the revelry of the occasion. As further evidence of the “indelible mark” this class would leave on Fox Lane High School, students announced a departure from the customary class gift. Instead of leaving a bench or other tangible reminder of their time spent at the school, the class of 2011 donated their money to the high school in Joplin, Mo., that had been devastated by the recent tornadoes.

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Grads implored to remember high school years By MIRIAM HEGGLIN

ood evening and congratulations, Class of 2011! We should be really proud of ourselves for having accomplished something that 3 million other kids across the country already have this year: graduating from high school. But we are not 3 million random kids; we are merely 320 unique individuals who make up the awesome and multitalented Class of 2011. We have amazing athletes, dancers, actors, scholars, artists, volunteers and just overall excellent people. Really though, one of the things that makes Fox Lane High School so great is that we have students from all walks of life. I have had kids in my classes who were born and raised right here in Westchester and have never left the country to students who just immigrated recently with their families. Growing up in a home where we moved often when I was young, I learned to love traveling and meeting different people. One of the most exciting parts for me next year in college, and I’m sure some of you share the same thought, will be meeting new people and being part of a community that appreciates diverse backgrounds, cultures and styles. Some of us may be taking a big step by leaving Westchester for the first time; some of us have already traveled far and wide; but I encourage all of us to explore the world and go out of your comfort zone. Textbooks can never truly capture the essence of a culture. Experiencing a culture first hand is the only real way of learning anything about it and then making sure it sticks in your mind even after the Regents exam. If you look at a globe, it’s amazing how far away things appear, yet how small our world really is. I think our school is proof that no matter where on the globe we come from, we are all really the same. I mean, we all had the exact same struggle this past week of coming up with a spectacular outfit that would look great underneath these lovely robes. But with technology reaching virtually ev-

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Valedictorian Miriam Hegglin at Fox Lane High School graduation.

ery corner of the world today, students from all over have to deal with friends, teachers, homework, music and clothes similar to the way we do. Unfortunately though, not all students get the opportunity to finish high school and pursue higher education. I think it’s important that on this day of celebration we also recognize how blessed we are to have gone to a school that supports and encourages every one of its students like Fox Lane High School has. Anyways, I really enjoyed being at Fox Lane High School these past four years. I mean we can all think of a time when our teacher did something funny that made us laugh or gave an interesting lecture that actually kept our attention. Seriously, our school is great and

we should all be proud of ourselves for having navigated our halls successfully. Our teachers, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are really proud of us today. In fact, if there was ever a good moment to ask for money, a new phone or a TV for your dorm, this would probably be the best time to do so. But while some of us are celebrating the fact that we will never have to hand in another essay in high school again, most of us are celebrating the opportunity to go away to college and learn new things in the fall. You know we never really stop learning. So long as the world keeps changing there are new things to be discovered at any age. Kids do not stop learning when they come home from school; they learn from rolling in the mud and play-

ing in the snow. Nor do we now stop learning once we graduate today. We will learn tomorrow what’s it’s like to finally wake up and not have to worry about high school. We will soon learn what it really means to be a college student. I mean just a few years ago my grandmother learned the very important lesson of how to use a cell phone. A few months ago my mom learned how to text. So I encourage everyone in the crowd to keep learning from the things that surround us, because we might just be surprised at what we find. Don’t be ashamed of exploring new things and being smart, as I know all of us to be. Never apologize for asking a thoughtful question, and never pretend to be less than you are. My parents taught me that lesson early on and I always thank my parents for supporting me. Today, I also want to thank my friends and family, those who could and couldn’t be here today. And before I forget, I would also like to thank my twin sister, Carmen, sitting down there somewhere. Please officially note that I have publically acknowledged you in my speech, so you can’t get mad at me later, and my brother Oli, too! Also for the Spanish speakers in the crowd, and I know that there are a few of you with us today: os quiero decir que es un honor estar aquí hoy dando este discurso. Agradezco mucho a los maestros y la facultad que nos han ayudado estos últimos 4 años. Todos los estudiantes que están aquí hoy deben sentirse muy orgullosos. And for my aunt and uncle who came all the way from Switzerland to be here today: Ich wollte sagen dass ich sehr froh bin das ihr hier seit. Und das ich nicht warten kann euch diesen sommer zu besuchen. Anyways, to sum up the best bits of advice I can think of, these are the main things that I think are important: Have fun this summer, learn something useful in college, don’t embarrass your family and always remember Fox Lane!!!! Thank you.

Fox L a n e Se n ior Spe e c h

Class of 2011 – This is our time to shine

By MARIA AVEIGA

uenas noches Sra. Wollin y otros miembros del borde de educacion; Dr. Hochman, Dr. Adelberg; Sra. Shamberg; Sr. Davidson; profesores, personal y companeros. I am honored to be standing here tonight. Graduation is a significant moment in our lives. It is at this time that we recognize the academic achievement of our entire class. For all of us who will cross the stage, graduation is truly an accomplishment. Graduation is a time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you are going. How did we get here? Today we pay tribute to the sense of community we have shared, the memories we have made, the lessons we have learned, growth we have experienced and the trials and tribulations we have overcome. Booker T. Washington once said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached

in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” When I first came to this school from Ecuador, I was skeptical. I was pulled out of my comfort zone and pushed into a completely new world, with new rules, new teachers, new friends, but most of all into a zone of a completely different language. Statistics shows for every 5 Latinos, only 1 graduates from high school. All of us who stand here today defy this statistic. Las estadisticas muestran que de cada 5 Latinos solo 1 llega a graduarse del colegio. Todos nosotros que estamos aqui hoy, vencimos esta estadistica. Today I’m on stage giving a graduation speech, but at one point I had to share a little bunk bed with five of my family members. There was a time in my life when I hardly got any sleep because we only had one little bunk bed for all of my family. Hoy dia estoy en el escenario dando un discurso, pero hubo un tiempo en mi vida donde

a penas pude dormir ya que compartia una pequena cama litera con los cinco miembros de mi familia. I wanted to share this so all of you can understand that is possible to overcome things that seem impossible. This is for my mother: I wouldn’t have come this far without the help of Patricia Varela, my mother. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her. My mom has always told me and I have kept in my mind, “Núnca te rindas recuerda que no se necesita ser muy inteligente y rico para salir adelante y triunfar en la vida. En esta vida hay tropiezos, caídas y resbalones. Pero lo importánte de todo esto, es levántarse, seguir avanzando hacia adelante, por que el camino es largo y no puedes perder el tiempo.” In other words, “Never give up, remember you do not need to not the smartest or the richest to get ahead and succeed in life. In this life there are trips, slips and falls. But the most

important thing about this is to keep moving forward, because the road is long and you cannot waste time.” My wish for each of my fellow graduates is a gift that my mom gave me and is that today and everyday you have: a love of learning; a burning for knowledge; a passion for discovery; a will for character; a heart for sharing; a zest for life; a sense of gratitude; a feeling of confidence; a familiarity with perseverance. You must always be proud of who you are, your heritage, and continue to grow and learn from life’s experiences both challenging and triumphant. I would like to thank all of our parents, and extended family. Nada de esto seria posible sin todo su amor y apoyo. To my fellow graduates, keep your worries small and let your dreams reach the stars: the sky’s the limit. Congratulations class of 2011! This is our time to shine.

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We are the class that made a difference By MATT KARLE

hen I first found out that I would have to give a speech at graduation, my first thought was no deodorant will be strong enough. I’m not known for my amazing public speaking skills. I think only Lizzy can decipher what I attempt to say. Nonetheless, this speech is supposed to be about some great advice or wisdom about how to live the rest of our lives. I am supposed to speak to my fellow classmates as if I have realized a greater truth through my four years in high school. Although I have learned an incredible amount about myself, life and the world, I am still only 18. I do not know of any great truth about life, any more so then you guys probably do. I am sure that one day the meaning of life will come to me, but until then I am as clueless as everyone else my age. What I have come to learn in my last four years is that we are a great school and class. I will truly miss every single one of you. I will especially miss yelling KEITH, when anything technologically goes affray, Dr. S.’ friendly morning messages and Mr. Ol’rich’s history lessons — and rants. Additionally, I have witnessed and met some of the most extraordinary people who have already begun to change the world. We are a special class taught by a special school. Just ask any of the staff or faculty; we are not your ordinary class, and if you take the time

SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Salutatorian Matthew Karle at Fox Lane High School graduation.

Our class has inspired me and shown me through its accomplishments, talents, pride and community that we are ready to continue our journeys into the next chapter of our lives.

to look at what we have accomplished, you too will see: We are the class whose senior boys would dress up in our finest clothes, on most Tuesdays, looking quite dapper if I do say so myself, and parade around the school as fine gentlemen — formerly known as Gentlemen’s Tuesday. We are the class that enjoyed spending free periods playing boggle, chess, scrabble and words-with-friends and drinking crazy Chinese teas in the library. We are the class that debated fervently about the ratification of the constitution at John Jay’s Homestead. We are the class that snuck in and brought a Christmas tree into the commons, and stirred a school-wide political and religious debate amongst friends and teachers. We are the class that sent singing telegrams to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. We are the class that explored Boston and its history and couldn’t have loved it more even during a nor’easter. We are the class that, instead of becoming distraught over rejections and deferrals from colleges, bonded together and created a rejection wall where students could compliment fellow classmates and disagree with a college’s poor decision. We are the class that has always had the best hallway decorations and the most school spirit. We are the class that played basketball and soccer with teachers before school started. We are the class that loved having Mr. Karrigan teach us about oolong, black, white, green and all sorts of other teas in our very own tea club. We are the school that dedicates an entire week to celebrating and experiencing

cultures from around the globe. We are the school that celebrates and encourages the improvement of our overall well-being and balanced learning on Wellness Day. Where we can listen to Jamie Nabozny’s tragic stories, learn to become a firefighter, pet a wolf, knit a scarf, meditate, cook some food, sing karaoke, belly dance, spin with the dean, play tennis, Frisbee or golf, learn how to arrange flowers or juggle, or anything in between. We are the school that is more accepting of guys cross-dressing and parading and lipsyncing throughout the auditorium wearing wigs, skirts, dresses, spandex, leggings, and other types of emasculating clothing, over any other type of act. We are the school that everyone fears in just about every athletic sport. We have already made such a difference in this school and in this community. In retrospect, our class has inspired me and shown me through its accomplishments, talents, pride and community that we are ready to continue our journeys into the next chapter of our lives. So, if I had to leave us all a piece of advice, I’d say: Keep doing what we are doing! We are already remarkable and making a difference. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazingly talented class. I anxiously wait to see us all build memories, friendships, families, communities, cities, the country and even the world. Everything will be fine, relax, and as trademarked by our stoic Ari— it’s summer. Thank you all. Once again, and congratulations.

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CLASS OF 2011 Connie Abril Alexandra Agins Andrea Alarcon Claudia Rocio Alay Andrew L. Albero Ramusa Alejandro Eileen A. Alejos Gabrielle Faith Alleyne Marvin E. Almazan Lopez Muriel Hyla Andersen Austin Appel Daniel Arboleda Kenneth Alexander Ardon Garcia Jordan L. Armstrong Kelby D. Austrie Maria Jose Aveiga Varela Tatiana Ingrid Baez Robert L. Baldanza Elizabeth Ann Balter Julia M. Baronti Jonathan Morgan Barry Rebecca E. Baruc Frances Vrana Belau Sophia Tamou Benhammou Amit Bidichandani Jacob Farwell Blau Caroline C. Bowers Ari Benjamin Brenner Deanna Brown Jennifer Brown Alissa Nicole Bruno Giuseppina Bueti Grazia Bueti Andrew Bunyan Benito Buzzetto Vasco Cabral Olvin Cabrera Stoyanovich Omar Cabrera Claudia Calascione Diego Cambareri Brenda Canosa Samantha L. Canosa Anthony James Carhuayo Donald Castaldo Edgar I. Castillo Matthew Catone Saulo Joel Chang-Hernandez Keith Chason Marc Choa Mark Felix Christiana Eugene Chung Marc Daniel Cianciola Caroline Clark Victoria Clinton Joelle Elizabeth Cohen Laura Cohen Michael Sharpe Cohen Rochelle Ybett Colindres Joseph Stephen Collins James Alexander Conway Joseph Corsi III Max H. Cutler Vanessa Darling Connor D. deJong Molly Delaney Tess I. Delaney Sam DeMagistris Christopher J. Diaz Alexander DiBiase Joseph M. DiGiulio Jennifer Dillane Jarred DiPaola William John DiRago Jamie Susana Discua Maxwell A. Dounn Alison Dowey Alyssa M. Downs Denise Duarte Elena G. Dulguerova Karanja Elliott Laura Elliott Dylan J. Faitell Rachel Emma Farmer Thomas Farrell Julian Faust Melanie Fay

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Rory Silverman was the emcee at Fox Lane High School graduation. Conor Fennessy Danielle Marie Ferguson Erin Fitzgibbons Alyssa Forzano Madeline Free Daniel Bennett Friedman Oliver Brett Friedman Barrie Froehlich Oliver Gabrielson Andrew Gallagher Ryan K. Gallagher Mary Grace Galterio Sean Gayle Samantha Marie Gerold Charles Markley Ghriskey Daniela Antonina Gioffre Brian Gips Melinda Faye Godel Greggory Lee Goldberg Angela H. Goscilo Renna Sophia Gottlieb Timothy John Gove Kristina M. Graham Alexandra Grasso Jonathan Ronald Grecco Rebecca Green Kyle J. Nikolski Griffith Peter Grippi Juan C. Guerra Soto Katherine Eve Hardiman Cassidy R. Harris Matthew David Harris John Andrew Hayworth Carmen Hegglin Miriam Hegglin Mynor E. Hernandez Katherine Hill Emily Ann Hoffman Robert John Hogan, Jr. John S. Horner Cameron Hunter Arden Ivens-Anderson Haley Jakobson Amanda Jeffers Janice Johnson Jeffrey J. Johnson Kenneth J. Jones Julia Michele Jordan Samantha Kaplan

Matthew Karle Mayuka Joy Kawachi Michelle K. Kelly Philip Chanfrau Kenney Jenna Mae Key Carson Mireille Kiel Elena Isabel Kilcullen Diane Kim Brian Kirshenbaum Michelle Kowalski Jessica Koziol Matthew Thomas Krouch William Robert Kucharczyk Erik Kuusisto Brian Walter Lada Victor Laino David Lakin Steven Lamorte Francis Vincent Lattanzi Lauren Lattanzi Alexandra Lerner Allison Liang ToniAnn Rose Licata

George C. Lodge III Frank Lofaro Christopher Lonigro Daniel R. Lopez Madeline Loucas Carmelo T. Luppino Caterina Luppino Kyle MacDonald Vincent Michael Maggio Kyra Danielle Matsil Michael Ryan Maurer Jacob B. McGrath Lauren McLean Reid H. Mechanick Karina Jesenia Mejia Nolvin Noel Mejia Ventura Madison G. Melinek Yessica Mendez Emily Rose Menken Josephine Milicaj Anthony Milite Samantha Nicole Miller Cornelia Ryan Mitchell Steven Michael Montalvo Jesus Elder Homar Morales Salazar Caitlin Rose Murphy Ryan Patrick Nemnom Vishnu Neppala Fitzwilliam E. Nicholas Corilee C. Nickerson Manuel Rogelio Niño, II Sophia Ohler Nicole Oria Alexandra Elizabeth Oricchio Vlora Osmani George T. Pace Sara Pantel Lauren Pappalardo Vincent M. Parente Deepa Patel James Patrick Allison Lauren Payson Anthony Peralta Taylor Peretz Arthur A. Peterson Ryan Peterson Laura Marcela Piedrahita Caitlin A. Pietrobono Andrea H. Plachter Joshua Policella Jason Poon Michael J. Prince Anthony Procopis Collin H. Proctor David William Purdy Kevin John Quaranta Benjamin L. Quinn Everest Tayman Rainford Fredy V. Ramirez Nilsen Ramirez

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Samantha Gerold helps with a hat at Fox Lane High School graduation.

Steven M. Ramirez Carolina Ramon Sandra I. Ramon Roxanne Rappaport Mourgan Ashelee Reed Kassandra Reillo Christopher John Reinhardt Esteban Xavier Reyes Stephen Rivera Samuel Viktor Robinson Steven A. Rodrigues Juan Manuel Rodriguez Benjamin Romski Andrew Rosenbaum Haley Ross Tyler E. Ross Tiffany Ruff Veton Rugova Samuel Safranek Melissa A. Salazar Nestor Ivan Salazar Linares Stephanie Santoro Alexander M. Sarnoff Benjamin A. Sarnoff William Dennis Saucci Haley Elizabeth Scallon Brittany Schartner Jeremy Michael Scheer Michael Alexander Schemmel Lorre Schneer Kevin C. Sears Briggs Sgaglio Rory Silverman Oliver Louis Silzer Xavier Simmons Dena Helen Skeadas Troi Monae Smalls-Gray Jevon Tyrell Smith Carlie Speno Christopher M. Stanley Cameron Stephens Darien L. Stephens Steven Thomas Still Daniel Frederic Guy Storfer Caitlin Bridget Strange Chad David Stroud Nora Lillian Sullivan Samantha Swanko Matthew J. Swensen Jireh Hathaway Swift Matthew R. Swoyer Alison Chloe Tai Claire Julina Talty Maricela Tapia Natalie Thompson James T. Tipa Jr. Lindsay Caroline Toppe Melissa Trail Mauricio Trigueros Sofia Troy Jacqueline Elizabeth Troyer Patricia A. Tueme Carl A. Turner Renato Ujkaj Ross Daly Vandenhoeck Jessica Vasquez Lauren Ashley Vena Daphne A. Vitsara-Holmes Joshua Wagner Devon J. Warren Peyton T. Watson Ava Rachel Weibman David Matthew Weiss Jared Hunter Weiss Graham Richard Werner James M. White III Katrina Wilhelm Joshua R. Wollman Devon Wright Kristin Zaccari Alexandra Zamora Jean Pierre Zamora Michael Andrew Ziminsky Faith M. Zimmel

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Today is both the end and the beginning By JOEL ADELBERG, Ed.D.

t is with pleasure and pride that I address the Class of 2011. You are a class that will, without question, leave an indelible mark on Fox Lane High School. Academically, you’re a class of high achievers. You’re a class of superstars on the athletic field, on the stage, and your artwork dons the walls of our school. Among you are published poets and writers, ConEd scholar athletes and National Merit semi-finalists. You will be remembered as a class that entered our school in 2007 as individuals. Today, you graduate as a class that found its collective voice and that leaves as one, the Fox Lane High School Class of 2011. Congratulations to all of you. I want to share the story of an extraordinary woman featured in one our local newspapers earlier this month, a grandmother who earned two college degrees in two weeks, after overcoming tremendous adversity throughout her life. Randi Weiner profiled the accomplishments of Margaret “Peggy” Reilly, a 77-year-old Irish grandmother, who received her master’s degree in public administration from Pace University this May and her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State earlier this month. Reilly graduated high school in Yonkers in 1951. She had to give up her own plans to attend college; first, when her father became ill, and then, again, after the births of her five children. She worked a variety of jobs to help support her family. She passed her Civil Service exam to qualify as a probation assistant and enforcement officer, but was told by her union representative that she could not get the job because she would potentially earn a salary that was meant for a man, not a woman. She fought the system, and was ultimately given the job of investigation and enforcement officer. She went on to a distinguished career in volunteerism and advocacy for victims of domestic violence. While traveling to Ireland

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Molly Delaney gets diploma from principal Dr. Joel Adelberg at Fox Lane High School graduation.

in 1997, Reilly fell down some stairs, hit her head and suffered severe brain damage. Surgery was performed to remove a piece of her brain. Still determined to get a college degree, Reilly first went to Westchester Community College, and then to SUNY Empire College. Her youngest daughter, Kathleen Hymes, quoted in this article, states that her “strength, determination, opti-

mism and unconditional love are family legend.” At the age of 77, Peggy Reilly finally achieved what she sought to earn but could not 60 years earlier: not one, but two college degrees. I want to introduce you to another woman I recently learned about, a little more celebrated perhaps, but not an individual I had studied before: Dorothy Irene Height, profiled in an education journal article written by Lea Williams. Height passed away in 2010, at the age of 98. She was an activist for the causes of civil rights and women’s rights. Upon her death, President Obama proclaimed that our nation’s flags be flown at half-staff. In his eulogy for Dorothy Height, President Obama acknowledged her fight “to make us see the drive for civil rights and women’s rights not as a separate struggle, but as part of a larger movement to secure the rights of all humanity, regardless of gender, regardless of race, regardless of ethnicity.” Over the course of her life, Height was awarded 37 honorary doctorates from schools all over the country, as the author of this article noted, “from Howard to Harvard.” Much like Reilly, family mattered tremendously to Height. She was raised by educated, hardworking parents, who were limited in their opportunities due to the racial laws and bigotry of the times. For instance, when Dorothy was a young child, her mother, a nurse, had to work as a domestic, because hospitals in Pennsylvania, where they lived at that time, would not hire her because she was African-American. Height graduated high school during the depression and her family could not afford to send her to college. To attend, she entered a national public speaking contest and won a fouryear scholarship by speaking about the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, those ending slavery, and protecting citizenship and voting rights to all regardless of race. She chose to study psychology and social work and tried to enroll in Barnard College, though she was denied admission because Barnard had filled its quota of two African-American continued on page

The Katonah Tutoring Club congratulates the 2011 graduates and offers our best wishes for a happy and successful future. 20

Fran 10 of th chise e Ye ar

Dr. Patricia A. Wagner

173 Katonah Avenue, Katonah • 914-232-2317 • katonahtutoringclub@hotmail.com • www.tutoringclub.com

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AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS ACES — Outstanding Student: Jamie Discua

Jenna’s Dream Performing Arts: Catarina Luppino

American Legion & Sons of American Legion, Post 1575, Katonah: Samantha Canosa

Jenna’s Dream Performing Arts: Tyler Ross Jenna’s Dream Performing Arts: Chad Stroud

American Legion & Sons of American Legion, Post 1575, Katonah: Brenda Canosa

Joseph Fancher Memorial: Everest Rainford

American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: James Tipa Jr.

Kai Brouard Memorial: Rebecca Green Karen Amuso-Clifford Memorial Art: Samantha Kaplan

American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: Matthew Karle

Kim Knowles Memorial: Daniel Storfer

American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: Miriam Hegglin American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: Carmen Hegglin American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: Keith Chason American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: Janice Johnson American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post #136: Faith Zimmel American Legion, Post #136 Ladies Auxiliary: Rose McGrath, Madison Melinek Amy Plump Memorial Scholarship: William Kucharczyk Bedford Hills Chamber of Commerce Business Scholarship: Brenda Canosa Bedford Hills Elementary School Association — John Billy Cullam Memorial: Steven Still Bedford Hills Elementary School Association — John Billy Cullam Memorial: Ava Weibman Bedford Hills Woman’s Club Nursing Scholarship: Claudia Alay Bedford Hills Woman’s Club Nursing Scholarship: Kristina Graham Bedford Hills Woman’s Club Scholarship: David Weiss Bedford Hills Woman’s Club Scholarship: Keith Chason Bedford Hills Woman’s Club Scholarship: Kristin Zaccari Bedford Police Benevolent Association Scholarship: Frank Lattanzi Bedford Presbyterian Church Christa Kuusisto Honorary: Andrea Mishel Alarcon Bedford Teachers Association Scholarship: Carolina Ramon Bedford Village Chowder and Marching Club: Eileen Alejos Bedford Village Chowder and Marching Club: Joshua Wollman Bedford Village Chowder and Marching Club Vocational: Nestor Salazar-Linares Bedford Village Elementary School Parent Association — Kay Bowen Smith: Allison Payson

Lizabeth Freeman Memorial: Andrea Mishel Alarcon Lucie Bigelow Rosen Music: Daniel Arboleda Martha Connor Memorial: Kyle MacDonald Martha Connor Memorial: Joshua Wagner Martha Connor Memorial: Patricia Tueme Mauro Family’s NY Stock Exchange Members Children’s Fund: Sam DeMagistris Modern Foreign Language Scholarship of Manhattan College: Maria Aveiga SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Steven Lamorte is all smiles at graduation. Bedford Village Elementary School Parent Association — Joanne Vale: Sophia Ohler Bedford Village Lions Club — Donald S. Bayley Memorial: Alison Dowey Bedford Village Lions Club — Peter Vincent Memorial: Alexandra Grasso Bedford Village Lions Club: Carson Kiel Bedford Village Volunteer Fire Department: Emily Menken Bedford Village Volunteer Fire Department: Jessica Koziol Bedford Village Volunteer Fire Department: Dena Skeadas Bedford Village Volunteer Fire Department: Gregory Goldberg Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester — Marsha Brady Tucker Memorial: Andrea Mishel Alarcon Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester — Marsha Brady Tucker Memorial: Molly Delaney Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester — Marsha Brady Tucker Memorial: Janice Johnson Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester — Marsha Brady Tucker Memorial: Lauren Lattanzi Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester — Marsha Brady Tucker Memorial: Caitlin Murphy Bruce L. Dennis Scholarship: Katherine Hardiman

Civil Service Employee Association: Timothy Gove Civil Service Employee Association: Stephen Rivera Civil Service Employee Association: Carlie Speno Class of 1996 Most Outstanding Dedicated Senior: Angela Goscilo Eva Leilani Gunnefelt Art Memorial: Emily Hoffman Fox Lane Association Grant: Alison Tai Fox Lane Association Grant: Cameron Hunter Fox Lane Music Association — Band: Tyler Ross Fox Lane Music Association — Chorus: Brian Gips Fox Lane Music Association — Chorus: Melanie Fay Fox Lane Teachers Association: Taylor Peretz Fox Lane Teachers Association: Lindsay Toppe Friends of Music and the Arts — Art: Elie Andersen Friends of Music and the Arts — Drama: Keith Chason Friends of Music and the Arts — Music: Sophia Benhammou Ernest A. “Bill” Gray Memorial: Jesus Elder Morales Salazar Hillside Outstanding Senior: Jordan Armstrong Independent Fire Company of Mt. Kisco in memory of John Mackey: James Tipa Jr. Jenna’s Dream Performing Arts: Daniel Arboleda

Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce Future Entrepreneur: Kevin Quaranta Mount Kisco Elementary School Association — George Pagliaro Memorial: Rochelle Colindres Mount Kisco Elementary School Association — George Pagliaro Memorial: Karanja Elliott Mount Kisco Lions Club — Herbert Howe Memorial in Memory of James Barnes: Brian Lada Mount Kisco Lions Club — Herman Fox Grant: Sandra Ramon Mount Kisco Lions Club — Herman Fox Grant: Daniel Arboleda Mount Kisco Police Benevolent: Michael Ziminsky

Mount Kisco Police Benevolent: Samantha Miller Mount Kisco Rotary Club Memorial: David Weiss Mount Kisco Rotary Club Memorial: Emily Menken Mount Kisco Rotary Club Memorial: Keith Chason Nathan Gabriel — French: Alison Dowey Nathan Gabriel — Italian: Josephine Milicaj Nathan Gabriel — Spanish: Oliver Friedman Nathan Gabriel — Latin: Allison Payson Patricia Anderson ESL Memorial: Nolvin Mejia Ventura Patricia Anderson ESL Memorial II: Juan Carlos Guerra Soto Pound Ridge Elementary School PTA — Morris Ottman Memorial: Sara Pantel Pound Ridge Historical Society: Roxanne Rappaport Pound Ridge Historical Society: Marc Cianciola Pound Ridge Lions Club Nathan Glassman Memorial Community Service: Melissa Trail Pound Ridge Lions Club Pat Palmiotto Memorial Community Service: Barrie Froehlich Pound Ridge Lions Club Julius Goodman Memorial Community Service: Michelle Kowalski Pound Ridge Police Benevolent Association: Melissa Trail Pound Ridge Police Benevolent Association: Jennifer Dillane Samuel Smilkstein Scholarship: Veton Rugova Sons of the American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post 136: Joseph Corsi Sons of the American Legion, Moses Taylor Jr. Post 136: Frank Lattanzi

Spanish Native Arts Language: Carmen Hegglin Spanish Native Arts Language: Miriam Hegglin Stuart Soffer Memorial: Sara Pantel Tingley Senior Scholarship — Finalist: Samantha Kaplan Tingley Senior Scholarship — First Place: Katherine Hardiman Tingley Senior Scholarship — Finalist: Alison Tai Tingley Senior Scholarship — Second Place: Keith Chason Tingley Senior Scholarship — Third Place: Jessica Koziol Tingley Senior Scholarship — Finalist: Miriam Hegglin Tingley Senior Scholarship — Finalist: Allison Payson Tingley Senior Scholarship — Finalist: Daniel Arboleda Tingley Senior Scholarship — Finalist: Sara Pantel Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Matthew Karle Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Carmen Hegglin Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Miriam Hegglin Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Brian Gips Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Cameron Hunter Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Allison Payson Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Jacob Blau Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Alison Tai Tingley Underclass Scholarship: Claire Talty Triumph I: Jevon Smith Triumph II: Billy DiRago West Patent Elementary School Association — June E. VonEiff Memorial: Diane Kim Women’s Civic Club of Katonah Nursing: Claudia Alay ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS Jay Alﬁeri Memorial Football: Phil Kenney Elaine Biza Memorial: Janice Johnson Andrew J. Brunco Memorial Football: Frank Lattanzi Thomas V. Caione Athletic: Mourgan Reed Michael E. Mergardt Memorial: Phil Kenney Craig Johnson Foundation Memorial Athletic: Carolina Ramon John McLaughlin Memorial Ice Hockey: Kyle MacDonald Richard Tegtmeier Memorial Athletic Service: Alison Dowey

SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Sophia Benhammou performed the song “Every Time We Say Goodbye.”

Richard Tegtmeier Memorial Athletic Service: Kevin Sears

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F o x L a n e S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ’s S p e e c h

Create ‘the world the way it oughta be’ By JERE HOCHMAN

would like begin by introducing our board of education members. Students, these board members and those who preceded them over the decades are responsible for the policies, the high academic standards and the experiences and opportunities afforded to you in the Bedford schools over the past 13 years. Some of you have had the opportunity to speak with the board or be honored by them for your accomplishments at their meetings. They volunteer countless hours to support your learning and activities and the high expectations of our community, and I know they are proud of you. I am pleased to introduce to you Mrs. Susan Elion Wollin, president of the board of education; Mr. Mark Chernis, vice president; Mr. Graham Anderson; Ms. Jennifer Gerken; Ms. Suzanne Grant; Dr. Eric Karle; and Ms Erika Long. Seniors, there are so many who share in the pride of your graduation tonight. Look around you. They let go of your hands entering kindergarten, they held their breath all through middle school, and they watched you mature to become the young men and women that you are, seniors — your parents and guardians, even when it may have seemed like they weren’t, have been with you

For over two centuries, the Constitution of the United States — a document you have studied in depth — has fulfilled, protected and reflected the struggle and the dream for freedom and justice of citizens and the struggle and the dream aspiring citizens alike. every step of the way. Across the community, in the parks, the libraries and playing fields where you grew up, at the Boys & Girls Club, Neighbors Link, the little leagues and the field trip destinations — with the support of local businesses, the firefighters, the police, intern mentors and community volunteers — and the array of houses of worship — yes, in this entire village you have grown with remarkable opportunities to explore and nurture your interests. And, of course, your schools — they made sure you knew your math facts and the three branches of government, and they inspired you to write, to draw, to read, to compute, to explore, inquire, run, compose, sing, research, debate, climb, compete, investigate and — to think. From that first diorama and soda-bottle terrarium to your last research paper — your teachers and those in your schools cared for you, guided you,

Congratulations to the 2011

Graduates!

coached you and taught you well. And, as you think back on all of those experiences — those teachable moments — and the lessons — each is as unique as are each of you. That was on purpose. If there is one thing Bedford is not, it is one-size-fits-all. Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to see many of you at celebrations of your talents and hard work. The Putnam/ Westchester BOCES graduation ceremony, the senior sports banquet, the senior recognition ceremony at Hillside and the ACES celebration were moments of pride. Throughout the year we have celebrated your artwork, your music and dramatic performances and your scholarly work shared in so many venues. Supported by your family and friends, your community and your schools — each of you has found your niche, your trump card, in what we like to call “school the way it oughta be.”

So, before you go off in 300 directions to pursue and create “the world the way it oughta be” — instead of advice, we offer you a gift. Included in your envelope with your diploma is an insurance policy — the most valuable insurance policy you will ever acquire or for which you will aspire. What does it insure? It promotes domestic tranquility. It establishes justice. And, it protects you — your freedom in this country — and your rights. And like your education, it offers no absolutes — no apps that do the work for you — and no single right answers. It requires thinking — learning — figuring things out — and showing up. For over two centuries, the Constitution of the United States — a document you have studied in depth — has fulfilled, protected and reflected the struggle and the dream for freedom and justice of citizens and the struggle and the dream aspiring citizens alike. Just as your talents were nurtured and your curiosities piqued for the past 13 years — just as you leave the daily embrace of Fox Lane and your towns — as you enter a world of opportunities and a future of unknowns — no matter what road you travel, hold on to this insurance policy that establishes your rights — and presumes your responsibility — while you continue to find yourself, your voice and your dreams. Congratulations.

Soundview

Preparatory School

Congratulates its Class of 2011!

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Pa g e 1 0 a — J u ly 1 , 2 0 1 1

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the reCord-reVieW

John JayHigh School

CLASS OF 2011

Graduates celebrate with ceremony at Caramoor By JOAN GAyLORD

mid the joy and the nostalgia, the tradition and the novelty, John Jay High School held its 55th annual commencement in Caramoor’s Venetian Theater. As the seniors took to the stage as multiple choruses of “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the sound system, friends and family members cheered and called out their names. “This is the last class I taught,” said assistant superintendent Alice Cronin, recalling when the smiling teenagers were her third-grade students. That was 2001, and among other challenges of that year, Ms. Cronin recalled helping them process the events of 9/11. Now they stood onstage as young men and women, while Ms. Cronin stood off to the side with a wistful smile on her face. Interim superintendent Michael Jumper encouraged the graduates to think back to their years in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, from their first day of kindergarten to the first time they entered the high school. He noted how the community had helped to define them and how they probably had defined one another. Now they would be leaving the district for college and careers. “You are on the threshold of being able to define yourselves,” he said. The co-presidents of the class of 2011, Kelsey Beaty and Sophie Hasson, continued the tradition of passing along the “Key of Knowledge” to the next class. Before doing so, however, they gave a quick shout-out to John Jay principal Ellen Doherty — it was her birthday. They congratulated their classmates on the many skills they had learned during their years together. So what if they sometimes exercised their budding creativity to fabricate excuses. It was time to leave behind the good as well as

SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

John Jay’ senior Kevin Duffy gets a hug.

the bad, including such things as their “meaningless” Facebook fights, and go out into the world. To the class of 2012 they gave a puzzle piece as a reminder to complete their own puzzles. The traditions continued with speeches from the salutatorian, William Dingee, and

the valedictorian, Jeremy Zitomer, who wondered aloud if the school mascot was the politically incorrect Indian or the Founding Father John Jay. Continuing the traditions, younger classmates joined with the seniors and provided musical interludes by the a capella groups the Noteables and the Rolling Tones.

John Jay teacher Jason Mahlke provided the keynote address and immediately turned the podium to face the students rather than the audience filled with their friends and families. “This speech is dedicated to you,” he said. “Sad is the man who asks for a story and can’t come up with one,” said Mr. Mahlke, reciting a portion of the AP English exam taken by many of the students in this class. He recalled how several of them had left the exam and sought him out to discuss the poem, able to recite it to him despite having only read it as part of the exam. It was just one of the glimpses into this class that he said he would keep with him. “Each moment offers you the potential to accomplish,” he reminded the students who had already chalked up an impressive list of accomplishments during their four years at John Jay. “You are the disturbance in the universe.” As Mr. Mahlke addressed the graduates, some listened intently, while a couple fidgeted. A boy leaned forward and focused, while his classmate yawned. For all their maturity and accomplishments, in so many ways the graduates resembled the third-graders Ms. Cronin remembered. As Mr. Mahlke brought his speech to a close and applauded the graduates, they stood to applaud him as well. Ellen Doherty took her turn congratulating the seniors and telling them it may be the end of their 13 years of education at KatonahLewisboro, but it was the beginning of everything else they were going to do. And for a class that had competed and performed “with your whole hearts” she was confident in what lay ahead for them. “I can tell you now: we quietly admired you when you questioned us,” she said, adding, “Never take more than you leave behind. Seize every opportunity to do the right thing. Be safe. Be kind.”

Joh n Jay Se n ior cL a SS a ddr e SS

Live dynamically ‘off paper’, three dimensionally By JULIA STEIN

hile writing this speech, I didn’t do much more than move my mouse and type a few letters: “F-A-C-E” — you know the rest. No, not to stalk pre-prom pictures or to post a random video on someone’s wall, maybe featuring my cats, a harmonica and a rolling pin, but to go through my inbox of sent messages. If anyone has had the experience of trolling around my Facebook, you’ll know that I’ve never deleted a single message. Perhaps that’s reflective of my future as an old cat lady, you know, keeping plastic bags and old newspapers, but let’s ignore that warning sign for now. A glance at a couple subject lines over the past few years reads, “Red Velvet Cupcakes Tomorrow,” “We Need Your Senior Quote,” “Save a life. Sign Up For the Blood Drive,” “Cardboard Needed for Homecoming Floats.” They go on forever (728 messages, to be ex-

SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Senior Class address by Julia Stein.

act). Raise your hand if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of any of the aforementioned messages. What am I trying to do with these messages, besides drag everyone down cyber-memory lane? They might seem a little random and silly, but they mean more than the megabytes of memory they take up in my inbox. These are my memories of the past four years, of the

largest class ever in John Jay history. So what would a John Jay High School Class of 2011 Facebook page look like? Would a status in 2007 read “lost an orange L.L. Bean backpack in the move to the middle school during bomb threat, return.” Maybe some wall photos would include tee-shirt designs for the “Save the Arts” campaign or screen shots of completed sporcle games (7 minutes and 39 seconds to complete the world map). Tagged videos of variety show cello quartets and the water balloon prank would clog up the news feed. What about a wall post to the Class of 2010, right after homecoming last year? “Remember that time when you came in second place?” As much as we might try to dispute the fact that we rely on Facebook so much, we do. But it has done more than just update us on the latest gossip, homework and happenings around town. It’s allowed us to stay connected as a class. Although our schedules from this point on will be different, inbox recipients will change and carpools will be left for commuter rail and subway stops, we can turn to our “inboxes,” both literal and figurative, to guide us,

and to ground us. I think we’ve learned that technology is less about the Internet and more about each other. Remember, also, the chats with friends, laughter, late-night phone calls, early morning teacher meetings and all those arguments with our parents (sorry, Mom). These conversations, these connections with those who have helped us develop into inquisitive adults will guide us through the world we are about to enter. We are going to be more than okay. But my last message to you (and I won’t send it to your Facebook) is to live your life dynamically “off paper,” three dimensionally, not in the way of 3D glasses that make some of us nauseous, but in a way that echoes and reflects your true capabilities and individuality. We’re clearly very adept at navigating the complexity of the Internet, and we need to harness these talents to master the complexity of life “offline.” Be something. Do something. And stay connected. Congratulations, John Jay High School Class of 2011. I’ll be seeing you — on my news feed.

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J o h n J a y Va l e d i c t o r i a n

It’s time to accomplish extraordinary feats By JEREMY ZITOMER

ongratulations, Class of 2011. We’ve done it. We’ve cracked the codes, beaten the system, navigated a world where we were told to run on a treadmill for 30 minutes after school if we missed an archery class (clearly a fair tradeoff in terms of physical exertion); a world where Q building toilets seemed to spontaneously combust around us, a world where we were never entirely sure if our school mascot was an unintimidating statesman or a politically incorrect Indian. But we have climbed our way to the top of this world; let’s look around, and enjoy the scenery. And prepare to climb again; this is but the beginning of what will surely be a long yet extraordinary trek for us all. But let’s not be foolish; let’s not begin this trek on our own. It’s sometimes difficult at times like these, when our teachers, friends and relatives are all celebrating our tremendous accomplishments and seemingly infinite potential, for us to fall back into reality, for us to realize that, despite all of the promise we hold as individuals, we can’t handle life’s challenges by ourselves, without support from our friends and loved ones. And we can’t rely solely on what we’ve learned in the classroom to seek out that support either; it takes a little something more. It takes not only academic but also emotional intelligence to read the road map of life, because chances are, there are pieces scrambled and distorted that only those who know us well can decode. But how do we seek out these decoders, those who we might even venture to call friends? Ahh well, it seems we’ve stumbled upon the million-dollar question, haven’t we? And the answer is surprisingly simple — through bribery or shameless blackmail, of course! (Hey, it’s worked for me.) But seriously, aren’t we all guilty of this to some degree? After all, who here can honestly say that, when they were younger, they never asked a favor of someone else in exchange

SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Valedictory address by Jeremy Zitomer.

It takes not only academic but also emotional intelligence to read the road map of life, because chances are, there are pieces scrambled and distorted that only those who know us well can decode.

for the opportunity to “be his/her best friend?” (when it was really a win-win deal in the first place — I mean, a favor and a best friend?)? I can just think back to fourth grade, when I was still a guinea pig in the emotional rollercoaster of a social experiment we call elementary school. Every day at recess a close friend and I would set up an ‘ice cream stand’ on the playground (and by the way, what outstanding ice cream it was — we had 30 flavors, and we planned to expand into a global franchise, but as soon as we added a 31st flavor, these two guys named Baskin and Robbins bought us out, and the rest was history). I digress. Anyway, we had an ‘ice cream stand’ where we’d mix up only the finest woodchips and dir — (I’m sorry, ice cream) — to be sold to our juvenile clientele. Unfortunately, however, many customers could only afford to pay us in lint, or imaginary money (as if we didn’t notice), leading to many consolatory offers of ‘I’ll be your best friend forever’ when we were visibly dismayed at our dwindling revenues. But I’ll tell you, what a list of best friends I racked up! However, for those of us for whom bribery and blackmail don’t cut it, try making a genuine attempt to get in touch with others on a deeper level. I find that kindness is usually a surprisingly effective approach in that regard, one that even fourth graders know rather well. Especially at this point in our lives, we spend a great deal of time worrying about how the world perceives us, trying to become smarter, to develop a talent, to begin working toward a nice car, a big house, to make our physical selves more attractive. And these aren’t necessarily superficial goals in life. After all, we can try to impress those around us with intelligence, talents, wealth or beauty, but at the end of the day, kindness is the only way to leave our mark on another person, because it is the one feature we need not develop, but only find within ourselves. And the process of finding it is the continued on page

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2011!

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J o h n J a y S a l u t at o r i a n

School’s out! By WILL DINGEE

t’s something of an uncomfortable position to be asked to speak at an event when you know almost no one in the audience wants to be there. Graduation strikes me as similar to high school in that way: it’s terribly awkward, and people attend it mostly out of compulsion and obligation. So much of the rhetoric which traditionally surrounds a graduation; this sort of great send-off for the rest of our lives inevitably concerns the tremendous change, the great metamorphosis, the death of the past and birth of the future which this ceremony tries to capture. I, for one, am not sure I buy it. It’s a tempting conceit, but it ignores the simple fact that each of us will wake up tomorrow morning no different than we awoke this morning. For as much as we would like it to, life does not progress at our command, in neatly planned ceremonies, marked by diplomas. No, life progresses in unexpected twists and turns, sometimes at a dizzying pace, sometimes seemingly grinding to a halt, and, always, in ways entirely mysterious to us. The real changes in our lives are as unpredictable as they are inevitable. They do not await our ceremonies, hold back until the cameras are out and all eyes are open. They occur before we even recognize them. Changes in ourselves, by contrast, are almost as a rule very slow. There is rarely an instant in which one can truly appreciate the metamorphosis of the self. In fact, I think we change far slower than our lives do, which leaves us perpetually a step or two behind. This moment, I think, is largely artificial then. A time to take pictures, it represents another of man’s attempts to pin down with symbolism a life which drags us along with so little regard for our own poetic satisfaction. In fact, what this ceremony boils down to is the dreariest jailbreak ever conceived of. Shouldn’t we be shouting and running? Where are the torches? And the makeshift projectiles? No, this is all wrong. I call it a jailbreak because it is the end of what was, in effect, a dozen years of state-sponsored compulsory servitude. Sure, we didn’t have to wear the zebra stripes, the ball-andchain was usually metaphorical, and we rarely used cartons of cigarettes as currency, at least in my circles, but the bulk

SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Salutatory address by William Dingee Jr.

For as much as we would like it to, life does not progress at our command, in neatly planned ceremonies, marked by diplomas. of it was the same: the early rise, the strict work schedule, the sense of confinement, the occasional bout of claustrophobic insanity, the gang violence, even the prison architecture; it was all there. But it’s not all been so terrible. I, for one, have done quite handsomely under captivity. I’ve found that by fitting and playing to the prevailing institutional values, I was able, in the end, to buy myself a measure of precious intellectual freedom. I don’t think I can claim any real regrets there.

Not that this should or would work for all of us. Some probably feel like they’ve been passively pushed on through along a conveyor. Some spent all four years pushing back, struggling to stretch beyond that which would fit within John Jay’s walls. Some probably felt like they were being ground up in the cogs of some sinister machine. And some, certainly, even enjoyed their sentences. We all had some advantage in that we each had, and still have: our youth. Ultimately though, most of us, in our own ways, have gained quite a bit from the deal, even if we didn’t always appreciate it at the time. We should never lose sight of what a great privilege it is to be educated at all, and especially, if your experience was like mine, to have worked with some truly fantastic teachers and mentors. If there is a path to freedom, it lies in enlightenment, and it was ultimately our education here that I think mattered the most. And you meet such nice people in the pen! Sure, we’ve all had our conflicts, but I think every one of us has had the opportunity to form some truly invaluable relationships here. That is something never to be understated. But now we’ve all outgrown this enclosure, and I’m tiring of this analogy, as, I’m sure, are you. We’re pressed up against the bars, and the hinges are just rusting away. Time to bust on out of the old cellblock, stretch out our longcramped limbs and set out into the world beyond. I indulge to offer a few pieces of advice to my fellow soonto-be escapees. Know that, wherever you end up, as oppressive as it may seem, there is always room for the most precious things we individuals have: creativity and intellectual inquiry. If there isn’t room, make it or move on. Remember to find joy and solace in the company of those around you, and never, ever lose sight of the humor in your life. Beware of cynicism: in the long run, it will only leave you embittered and alone. And if you can, find what you love, and do it. That’s the only way to really escape from the oppression. Well, by now I’ve quite over-extended my 18 years of limited authority on such matters, haven’t I? You are all my ironic captives at a ceremony commemorating the end this captivity. Being merciful, I will now do my best to expedite the release. Congratulations. Somehow, we all made it out alive.

Va l e d i c t o r i a n : It’s time to accomplish extraordinary feats continued from page

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process of developing genuine relationships with the ones we love and care about. When I think about the friends who matter most to me today, I realize that I didn’t become their friend by being smart, but by being kind, not by sharing my brain, but rather my soul. In recent years, I’ve been privileged to be part of John Jay’s Peer Group Leadership course, which includes programs designed for both incoming freshmen and upperclassman student leaders. One of the culminating programs for the leaders in Peer Group is known as ‘Straight Talk,’ where a group of roughly 10 to 14 upperclassmen and one faculty advisor, who have worked together for the duration of the school year, go around and heave copious amounts of love and positive energy at each other as they tell every person in the group something they love or appreciate about him/her. It was in Straight Talk last year that I discovered an exercise in genuine kindness, and an immense appreciation for the wise minds and gentle hearts of those other leaders. They would reveal to me positive aspects about myself I had never even recognized, and I reciprocated with equal compassion. One year later, when half of that group has

already graduated and the second half sits on this stage today ready to follow suit, we’re all still planning a reunion, because the aftermath of that humanity has not worn off. See what I mean when I say kindness leaves a mark? It doesn’t even have to be a physical act of benevolence or goodwill; oftentimes, recognizing kindheartedness in others is just as good as being kind ourselves. And in this extraordinary trek of life, we’ll likely find that carrying someone on our backs only makes us stronger. ‘But is this really practical?,’ you’re probably asking yourself. After all, it’s easy to talk about kindness and get wrapped up in coulds and shoulds without once considering the obvious realities of human nature. We’ve been taught to not only value competition, but to thrive on it, which has instilled in us a now-deeply-ingrained desire to beat out others and expose their flaws. Must we suddenly abandon those behaviors? And what about precious revenge? Is that off-limits to us from now on as well? What if someone or something threatens us? Are we no longer allowed to respond? We are taught from a young age that the only ways to deal with threats are fight and flight, and nothing more. But what if we dare to ruin the rhyme and abandon the alliteration and put peace-

making on the list as well? Indulge me for a minute as I recount an arguably sappy moment from my high school years. It was the end of my sophomore year, and I was days away from a four-week summer trip to Israel, where I would join several of my friends in trekking across deserts, touring ruins and exploring Israeli culture. As excited as I was, due to severe instability in the Middle East, my parents were, shall we say, unenthused about the idea. And by unenthused, I mean almost violently worried for my safety, which inevitably raised the tension levels in my house a good deal. One day, the tension broke during a car ride, and my mother and I erupted into a verbal battle royale, arguing about topics beyond my nearing Israel trip and touching rather on what each of us saw as the glaring problems with the other’s character. We had just pulled over to a gas station, and were on the verge of an utter meltdown, when in a moment of sudden desperation, I screamed out, “I love you.” Just as I intended, my unexpected bout of vulnerability completely disabled my mother’s madness. An awkward pause followed. After 60 seconds of silence, my mother muttered, “I love you too,” and, without another word, pulled back onto the road. In that moment, I learned that it is

during the most toxic times of our lives that genuine kindness is at its most potent. So what do we make of all of this? Just be nice; that’s it? I should offer a caveat — I’m not asking you all to go out and hug that policemen who caught you speeding on the highway, that barber who gave you a bad haircut or that kid who stole your bike when you were five. But let’s just try a little harder to use compassion, especially when our friends and loved ones least expect it. Because if we really put in the effort, we’ll find that that effort is all it takes to seek out those decoders, those friends, those who will love us later on in life. So Class of 2011, as we go out into the world and accomplish extraordinary feats with the gifts we’ve been given, I urge us all — let’s continue to develop our intellect, continue to develop our spirit, but above all, continue to develop our ability to lend ourselves to someone else. And in the process, we just might change a life. So let’s go home today, and thank our families, our friends — let them know how much we love and appreciate them, because we certainly didn’t get to where we are now without their support. And of course, congratulations once again, Class of 2011. We did it. It’s time to show this world what we can do.

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John JayHigh School

CLASS OF 2011 Julia Accorsini Daniella Rachel Acker Meera Aiyagari Sarah Averi Albala Lisa Albano Lauren Dowden Allen Seth Alterman Renny Thomas Altman Giancarlo Anastasio Christopher John William Anderson Alessandra Concetta Angelino Molly Aya Apton Nicole Patrice Arena Stephen William Aronson Matthew John Assumma Sophie J. Attwell Caitlin Barasch Richard John Barry IV Lauren V. Batten Kelsey Rose Beaty Alexander Bond Bennett Daniel L. Berman Nicholas Joseph Bestany Veronica Leonid Bilenkin Rosalee Meshika Blacker Mason Phillip Bladis Briana Blaney Daniel Jeremy Bloch Casey Songer Bocklet Peter Lawrence Bonfantini Zoe Margaret Boyd Veronica Freeborn Brady William Brady Jacob Evan Breslin Miriam Brito Roman C. Broberg Connor Andrew Brogan Mario Buccellati III Samuel Alexander Budoff Natalie Burns Timothy James Bustle Hunter Lowell Camps Joseph T. Candelaria Christopher James Capozzi Martha Rose Cascio Rachel Catanese Trevor Charles Caviola Evan Chen Troy Donald Chryssos Taylor Clark Elizabeth Eillene Clyde Pamela Co Aaron Russell Cohen Brian Scott Cohen Elena Cohen John Cooley Ivana Corrado Jacob Cotumaccio Eliot Lehnerd Cowley Natasha Cucullo Christopher Papandrea Curro Milena M. Czaczkowska Michael J. Daniello Matthew Davitz Chelsea Marie Decaminada Lindsay Paige Deitchman Chelsey Leigh Dente Stephanie Mary Dillane William R. Dingee, Jr. Reema Doany Thacher Longstreth Dodge Alec Cavanaugh Donkin Patrick James Donnery William Donovan Jillian Ariana Douglass Michele Dressler Kevin Charles Duffy Katherine Grace Dunn Nicholas Dyar David James Egeler Alexander Eichner Laura Kathryn Eidam Karie Eng Taylor Theresa Engert Justin Michael Ennis

Eric Richard Eppich Molly Erlanger Vince A. Escriva Amanda Hayley Esposito Holly Estrow Darragh Patricia Evarts Matteo Antonio Fabbri Nicholas Fagan Emily Ruth Feierman Casey Sloane Feinberg Kevin Feinstein Christie Alexa Feldman Jared Feldman Kristi Rose Femia Christopher Ferrara Olivia Rose Ferreiro Alexa Fields Gary Figler Lauren Filauro Ryan Fischer Thomas Gary Fischetti Zachary Craig Fischman Catherine Anne Fleming Katherine Elizabeth Flynn Sarah Fontana Jacob Daniel Fox Brennan Franco Elias Frank Jacqueline Friedman Joshua Fromm Timothy Gaglio Kimberly Gagnon Luisa Maria Gayosso Nicholas D. Gengo-Lehr Wyatt Oliver Gilchrist Leo D. Giraldo Maxwell Duncan Gold Jake Goldstein John A. Goncalves Emma Jessie Goodman Kathryn Gramigna Katherine Conlan Grant Mallory Spicer Grimm Zoe Gross Joseph E. Haberny Matthew Connor Hamilton Zachary Hanson Tori Dana Hapoienu Olivia Tayler Harvey Alexander John Hasapidis Sophie Hasson Marcus Alexander Hausler Margarita Henao Diana Hentschel Tania Hernandez-Delgadillo Madison Herring Amanda Marie Hills Maxwell Evan Hirsch Zachary Horwitz Shannon Marie Houlihan Robert Christopher Hunt Anthony James Imperato Lari Isenaj Samuel Isler Laura Elizabeth Jahn Michael Gabriel Jasper Marc A. Johnson Emily Johnston Alyssa Renee Jones Christopher Robert Jones Tyler Sarcone Joseph Ian Jurman Andrew Jurson Brian Kass Daniel Steven Katz Samuel Bradford Katz Shannon Keane Connor Morgan Keech Tess Audrey Ruth Keegan James Kelly Michael Kelly Ermira Kelmendi Baria Xhenet Këndezi Melissa Kenealy Richard B. Kesten

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Beltino Goncalves getting diploma from principal Dr. Joel Adelberg. Jay Paul Kineke Valerie Kommer Scott Koren Madeline Alice Kronfeld Alexander Lance LaLone Jackson Lambert Alexander Lanza Nathalie C. Lavelanet Dylan A. Leitner Sarah Leitner Nathan Katzin Levinson Johanna Alison Lewis Karen Lilly Brian Lindley Richard Michael Lipari Genevieve Elinita Lipinsky de Orlov Warren Lockwood Katherine Stuart Loesch Emily Furo Lopkin Jake M. Lovitz Kristen Alexandra Lowe Tess Lowth Grace Ludmer Robin Riley Luongo Michael Vincent Lupinacci Ryan John Lynch Robert William Mac Kenna Jillian Maggi Julia Mahony Emily Malamet Jordan Hope Malmed Nicholas Stephen Mangione Daniel Evan Manson Leanne Marschke Emma Jayne Mason Hayley Gwen Maxwell Bryan McCormick Donald John McLoughlin Ian Christopher McNally Kathleen B. McNamara Michael Medina Kristin Meehan Justin A. Meltzer Rachel Mendelsohn Thomas Mertens Max Meyer Gregory Matthew Mihaley Brendon S. Miller Haley Miller Bradley David Miro Jacob S. Mizrahi Elias Alfredo Monroy Autumn Morowitz Brendan Andrew Morris James Stilwell Morris Madeline Andie Morris

Jesse Mosello Max Mosello Carly Anne Moss Jake Musich Sullivan Lucas Myer Candace Marie Nicoletti Terence Nolan Alexander Normandeau Marianne Noschese John Ross Nouri Adam Joshua November Jenna Rose Novick Sophie Alix Nowak Cornelius Leo O’Callaghan V Steven O’Connell James Francis Orkin Katherine A. Orsenigo William Forsyth Owen Verdiana Rachele Panetta Alexander Parker Emily Jane Parker Elmir Pasalic Jr. Bridget Pavalow Lea Claire Pedersen Florian Philip Perret Erik Andrew Perry Emma Angell Pickett Claudia Julia Piechota Paul A. Pierre-Louis Nina Maria Pious Brittany Rose Pirro Cierra Marie Ponzo Rebecca Brevda Poser Zachary Pozniak Samantha Lee Prato William Pray Stephen Yuan-chang Prescott Allison Primavera Dylan Puglisi Alexandra Isabelle Raman Hannah Restle Alexis Paige Ring Malcolm Rizzutto Clíona Roberts Hime Rraci Hadley Ryser Adam Sadowski Connor Sallaberry Jennifer Salton Liana Kathryn Salzano Marina Laura Salzano Elizabeth Marie Sarlitto Danielle Francesca Scarlato Ariana Schachne Emilie Raines Schattman Jake Schechter

Jordana Schmierer Janelle Schwartzberg Elisabeth Scovotti Frank Secret Vishod Shetty Samuel Shrago Rebecca Nicole Simon Victoria Lynne Simoncini Maxwell Singer Katia Singh Anastasia Sioris Michael Peter Skalaski Dylan Sklar Kailey Erin Slater Jay Smith Victoria M. Smith Zachary Donald Sobel Alexa Eden Sokol Brendon Michael Soto Benjamin Spanier Lindsay Speidell Carly Jean Squires Tyler Gordon St. Denis Gabe Martin Stauber Julia M. Stein John Wheeler Stewart Samuel Stewart Christopher Michael Stoll Melissa Danielle Stoll Austin Stolzenberg Hunter Valentina Stone Marisa Brooke Strauss Robert Kobayashi Sullivan Laina Fae Treyz Sutera Kendall Sweeney Mark Swertfager Elise Symer Benjamin Harris Tillem Nicholas William Tortorici Sydney Dallas Tortorici Michael R. Trapasso Timothy Troiano Matthew Gruen Turner Jon Christian Theodore Vander Werff Jackson Vanderbilt Eric David Veber Robert Charles Vroman Constantin Alexander Vulpescu Julie M. Wagner Jamie Elizabeth Wakeman Zia G. Waldman Olivia Hale Walsh Forrest Logan Walter Joie Rose Waxler Joseph Andrew Webb Jake Bennett Weil Craig B. Weinhaus Michael Weiss Daniel Mark Wekstein Daniel Wertz Brianna Cathryn Whalen Stephanie Rae Williams Malcolm Clyde Winter Travis Dean Winter Emma Wisdom Kelsey Zaccagnino Alexandre Greer Zarookian Edwin Zeller Jr. Rebecca Anne Zidik Zachary Ziemba Jeremy Alexander Zitomer Peter Zweibel

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John JayHigh School

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Suzanne Palazzo Memorial Scholarship: Michael Medina

American Association of University Women, Excellence in Writing Award: Caitlin Barasch

Pound Ridge Police Benevolent Association: Daniel Berman, Daniel Katz

American Association of University Women, Outstanding Student Award: Victoria Smith

Victor Ridder Memorial Scholarship: Elena Cohen, Erik Perry

ArtsAlive! Scholarship: John Vander Werff (music), Shannon Keane (theater), Elise Symer (visual arts) Bedford Police Benevolent Association: Eliot Cowley Lindsay Bates Award: Kristen Meehan, Jared Feldman

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L. Ronald Lyons Scholarship: Zoe Boyd, Jay Smith

Kelsey Beaty at John Jay High School graduation last week.

Robert Schmidt Memorial: Natasha Cucullo

John Jay High School Faculty Association Awards: Casey Bocklet, Ivana Corrado, Kristen Lowe, Ariana Schachne

Martin Todd Memorial Scholarship: Mallory Grimm, Marc Johnson Class of 1977 Scholarship: Alessandra Angelino, Janelle Schwartzberg, Elena Cohen Class of 1989 Scholarship, in memory of Michael Kleinegger, John Lewandowski, Michael Spano and Renee Wyser- Pratte: Jake Goldstein George Collins Scholarship: Alexis Ring, Mark Swertfager Bryan Conway Student Scholarship: Melissa Stoll Richard Corde Scholarship: Brendan Morris Excellence in Accounting Scholarship: Janelle Schwartzberg Antonio and Mary Felice Citizenship Award: Zachary Sobel Friends of John Jay Ice Hockey Scholarship: Thomas Fishetti Goldens Bridge Community Association Social Justice Award: Veronica Brady Charles T. Helmes Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Burns Peggy Helmes-Bower (Candlewood Arts Fund) Scholarship: Kristen Lowe Increase Miller Faculty and Staff Award: Stephanie Williams Increase Miller PTA Scholarships: Alessandra Angelino, Katherine Flynn, Jeremy Zitomer

John Jay High School PTO Scholarship: Rachel Catanese, Jacob Cotumaccio, Alexander Eichner, Jordana Schmeier John Jay Retired Teachers Award: Melissa Stoll John Jay Middle School PTO Scholarship: Chelsea Decaminada, John Goncalves John Jay Youth Lacrosse Student Athlete Scholarship: Katherine Flynn, Jared Feldman Linda Kandel Memorial Scholarship: Johanna Lewis Katonah Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Kimberly Gagnon Katonah Elementary PTO: Alexander Bennett, Katherine Dunn, Jake Lovitz Katonah-Lewisboro District Association of Administrators and Supervisors: Troy Chryssos, Christopher Curro, Frank Secret, Daniel Wekstein Katonah-Lewisboro District Teachers’ Association: Jeremy Zitomer, William Dingee Scholarships are also awarded to students who are planning to pursue a career in Education: Reema Doany, Verdiana Panetta Katonah-Lewisboro Support Staff Scholarship: Ivana Corrado Katonah Lions Ralph Lent Service Award: Madeline Morris

Corporal James Jackowski Marine Memorial Scholarship: Zachary Ziemba

The Katonah Village Improvement Society: Peter Bonfantini

Jazz Award: Terrence Nolan

Sonia Lanman Fine Arts Award: Erik Perry

JEM: Meera Aiyagari John Jay Art Scholarship: Katherine Flynn John Jay FOCUS Journalism Award: Emma Wisdom

Lucy Bigelow Rosen Music Scholarship: Emilie Schattman

Dona Whyte Memorial Scholarship: Kelsey Beaty, Emily Johnston, Nathalie Lavelanet

Judge Susan C. Simon Award: Nathan Levinson

Kenneth Gramas Memorial Scholarship: James Morris

Lewisboro Baseball Association Scholarship: Laura Eidam, Mark Swertfager, Daniel Wertz

Lewisboro Elementary School PTA Scholarship: Lisa Albano, Marcus Hausler Lewisboro Garden Club: Seminar in Environmental Studies Course Scholarship: Karen Lilly AP Environmental Science Scholarship: William Dingee Environmental Club Scholarship: Elena Cohen Lewisboro Horsemen’s Association Scholarship: Emma Mason Lewisboro Land Trust Environmental Stewardship Award: Travis Winter Lewisboro Lions Robert J. Gallo Scholarship: Joseph Haberny Lewisboro Lions Stephen Plevka Scholarship: Emily Parker Lewisboro Police Benevolent Association: Nicholas Fagan, Emma Pickett, Danielle Scarlato Lewisboro Senior Adults Scholarship: Connor Keech Lewisboro Soccer Club Outstanding Youth Award: Natasha Cucullo, Paul PierreLouis Jack Luskay Academic and Community Service Scholarship: Daniel Manson Robert C. McDonald Scholarship: Daniel Bloch Meadow Pond Elementary School PTA Scholarship: Sarah Albala, William Donovan Meadow Pond Spirit Award: Katherine Gramigna Nancy Mongillo Scholarship: Natalie Burns, Karie Eng William Glenn Monti Scholarship: Ryan Lynch New York State Comptroller Achievement Award: Genevieve Lipinsky de Orlov Northeast Westchester Rotary Club Scholarship: Alessandra Angelino, Emily Lopkin

Alison Weingarten Memorial Fund: Kendall Sweeney David Wheeler Memorial Scholarship: Casey Feinberg

Joe Scarsella Memorial Scholarship: Evan Chen

Booster Club Scholarship: Casey Bocklet, Donald McLoughlin

Vista Fire Department, Johnny Lengyel Memorial Scholarship: Carly Moss

Rite of Spring Award: Kimberly Gagnon

Anthony Sakolsky Philanthropic Scholarship: Dylan Sklar

Booster Club Scholarships:

Dr. George Soze Vilakati Memorial Scholarship: Jacqueline Friedman

State Farm Insurance Company “Good Neighbor” Award: James Kelly, Liana Salzano, Melissa Stoll Statesman Award: Alexandra Raman, Hannah Restle, Jennifer Salton, Ariana Schachne, Julia Stein Student Activities Council Scholarship: Seth Alterman, Briana Blaney, Claudia Piechota Student Grant Award: Martha Cascio Provi R. Svensson Memorial Award: Sophie Hasson, Kristen Meehan, Elizabeth Sarlitto Dorothy B. Talmadge Memorial Scholarship: Veronica Brady Triple “C” Awards — Ofﬁce of the Attorney General, State of New York: Bradley Miro, Bridget Pavalow, Kendall Sweeney United States Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award: Lauren Batten, Gabe Stauber

Women’s Civic Club of Katonah: Alessandra Angelino, Samuel Budoff, William Dingee, Emily Feierman, Kimberly Gagnon, Shannon Houlihan, Emily Lopkin, Donald McLoughlin, Erik Perry, Nina Pious, Robert Vroman, Jamie Wakeman Matthew Zeller Memorial Scholarship: Kimberly Gagnon, Emily Parker

Leadership Award: Troy Chryssos Weinstein’s Science Award: Sarah Albala 2011 departMent aWardS Arturo Toscanini Orchestral Studies Award: Evan Chen, Marcus Hausler Director’s Award for Choral Music: Mario Buccellatti, Laura Eidam, Emily Feierman Director’s Award Instrumental Music: Natalie Burns, Nicholas Fagan, Matthew Hamilton Director’s Award for Orchestral Studies: Nina Pious Director’s Award for Technical Theater: Renny Altman, Natalie Burns Excellence in English: William Dingee, Nicholas Fagan

2011 SpeciaL aWardS

Excellence in French: Julia Stein, Jeremy Zitomer

State Education Department 2011 Scholarship for Academic Excellence Award: Alessandra Angelino, Daniel Bloch, William Dingee, William Donovan, Nicholas Fagan, Emily Feierman, Johanna Lewis, Zachary Ziemba, Jeremy Zitomer

Excellence in Physical Education: Richard Lipari, Laina Sutera, Rebecca Zidik

Principal’s Award: Olivia Walsh, Tyler St. Denis Assistant Principal’s Award: Lindsay Deitchman, Adam November Outstanding Leadership to Campus Congress: Elizabeth Sarlitto Outstanding Service to the Class of 2011: Sophie Hasson National Association of Secondary Schools, Principals

Excellence in Science: William Dingee, Tyler St. Denis Excellence in Social Studies: Daniel Manson, Hannah Restle, Zachary Ziemba Excellence in Spanish: Elizabeth Clyde Excellence in Latin: William Dingee Jay Awards: Daniel Berman, Casey Bocklet, Samuel Budoff, Eliot Cowley, Michael Daniello, David Egeler, Darragh Evarts, Lauren Filauro, Joshua Framm, Mallory Grimm, Nathalie Lavelanet, Donald McLoughlin, Hannah Restle, Frank Secret, Jay Smith, Mark Swetfager, Joseph Webb, Daniel Wertz, Emma Wisdom John Phillip Sousa Band Award: Jacob Cotumaccio Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Terrence Nolan National School Choral Award: Daniel Bloch, Jake Goldstein, Carly Moss 2011 National Scholastic Art and Writing Regional ﬁnalist in the Category of Short Story: Katie Barasch Overall Excellence in Math Award, Receiving the Math Association of America Medal for Excellence in Mathematics as well as the winner of the American Math Competition Award: Jeremy Zitomer Outstanding Achievement in Architecture: Donald McLoughlin, Jennifer Salton

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Evan Chen getting diploma from principal Ellen Doherty.

Sanford Meisner Drama Award : Lisa Albano, Maxwell Singer

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Two area residents win awards at Harvey

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GRADUATION

The Harvey School’s Konrad Testwuide of Katonah and Patrick Taylor of Bedford learned Monday that they had both won prestigious end-of-the-year awards. At the special awards ceremony where students and parents gathered, school officials announced that Konrad had earned the rank of the school’s “Top Scholar” and was the recipient of the Scholarship Cup. Konrad, the president of the student council, will deliver the valedictory address at the June 2 commencement. Patrick Taylor, a sophomore, was named the winner of the Performing Arts Prize, given by the faculty to the outstanding student in performing arts.

Class of 2011

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264 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 914-244-0533 www.record-review.com

Patrick Taylor poses with performing arts chairman Vincent Alexander.

PUBLISHER SECTION EDITOR COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION AD DESIGN AD SALES

Deborah G. White R.J. Marx Arlene Petzal Ann Marie Rezen Ann Marie Speruzzi Katherine Potter Francesca Lynch, Thomas O’Halloran, Barbara Yeaker, and Marilyn Petrosa

On the Cover: Madison Herring enjoying the speakers at John Jay High School graduation last week at Caramoor. SCOTT MULLIN PHOTO

Konrad Testwuide receives his award from Upper School head Robert Cook.

Principal’s Speech Today is both the end and the beginning continued from page

students per class. Refusing to give up, she enrolled instead at N.Y.U. Throughout her life, Height confronted racism and sexism. She was refused service at restaurants and rooms at hotels. She was denied membership in organizations and places in colleges she was absolutely qualified to attend. During the 1960’s, Height participated in voter registration drives in the South. She urged all races to come together for the cause of human rights. She fought on, even when her own opportunities were at times held back by her own race or gender. Though seated at the head table during the 1963 March on Washington, famously led by Martin Luther King Jr. and others, she was not allowed to speak, as was the case for black women activists in the civil rights movement at that time. What is remarkable about Dorothy Height is that she never gave up. Nor did she ever use her personal hurt or tribulations to deter her efforts on behalf of the causes for which she believed. When denied membership to whites-only sororities and clubs, she formed her own. When denied admission to her first college of choice, she applied to another. When refused the opportunity to speak, she continued to participate in all efforts on behalf of the greater good, believing better times would come. In his remarks at her memorial service, President Obama stated, “She understood that the movement gathered strength from the bottom up, those unheralded men and women who don’t always make it into the history books but who steadily insisted on their dignity, on

While thankfully, we live in a world with many more opportunities, and with greater protections against injustice, there are still too many causes calling for the wisdom, foresight and initiative that will be expected of each of you as you leave Fox L ane. their manhood and womanhood. She wasn’t interested in credit. What she cared about was the cause. The cause of justice. The cause of equality. The cause of opportunity. Freedom’s cause.” Why was I so moved by these two amazing role models of perseverance and tenacity? I was moved because I see in these two individuals inspirational stories that I believe, having gotten to know the Class of 2011, should resonate for many of you. The ultimate successes of Reilly and Height exemplify for all of us that there is the capacity for what is good and right in our world. Despite personal struggle and growing up in the most difficult historical times, these two women fought on. Not only did they succeed despite racism and prejudice, they dedicated their own lives to speaking out for those who could not advocate for themselves. While thankfully, we live in a world with many more opportunities, and with greater protections against injustice, there are still too many causes calling for the wisdom, foresight and initiative that will be expected of each of you as you leave Fox Lane. Certainly, much in our world and right here at home seems unsettled today. We face chal-

lenges locally, nationally, and globally. But, there is some reason for optimism. At Fox Lane, you’ve taken courses that have taught you to think critically, to challenge the status quo and to think out of the box. In classes, in after school activities, in travel to other parts of the world, you’ve been taught that you can make a difference. You are a class of individuals who have each reached for and realized your own personal best. Some of you came to us, just a few years ago, not speaking a word of English, and today you graduate from an outstanding American high school. So many of you advocated for yourselves and challenged yourselves in college level courses right here at Fox Lane. Among you are students who connected with nationally renowned researchers in our science research program. Some of you found that our alternative schools could better meet your needs and match your learning styles and aspirations. When others around the world or here in the U.S. have suffered the consequences of natural disasters or manmade wars, you came together, raised conscientiousness and funds and made a difference. You’re a class that leaves a legacy. A legacy of standing up for those who are different, a

legacy of a new program to support incoming Fox Lane students, a legacy of not remaining silent when you see something that needs to be challenged, confronted or corrected. I hope that these are some of the lessons and memories you’ll take with you as you leave Fox Lane today. When you each picked up your cap and gown yesterday, you were also given a copy of the U.S. Constitution, a gift from Dr. Hochman. Along with your own copy of the Constitution, I also want you to realize the power in the certificate you’re all receiving today, the high school diploma you have so well earned. The diploma should serve as a reminder to each of you of the hard work you had to complete to get to this important milestone in your lives. In looking at the models of the two women I introduced to you today, understand the value they saw in this piece of paper as their passport to the opportunity and obligation to change the world for the better. See today as both an end and a beginning. We’re so proud of each of you for what you’ve become and for the great potential that today marks in your lives. I join your parents, grandparents, friends, relatives, teachers and everyone gathered here today to tell you how proud we are of each of you. As Dorothy Height and Peggy Reilly ultimately saw their dreams come true, my wish for each of you is that all of your dreams come true, that you go on to great accomplishments, and that each of you finds success, happiness and fulfillment in whatever you do and wherever life takes you. Congratulations, Class of 2011!

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Good luck to the Rippowam Cisqua School

Class of 2011

as they continue on their journey. Congratulations to this year’s ninth graders. The following is a list of schools that our graduating ninth graders and departing eighth graders will be attending this fall: Beacon School Berkshire School (2) Brooks School Brunswick School Calhoun School Cate School (CA) Choate Rosemary Hall (2) Convent of the Sacred Heart Deerfield Academy Ethel Walker School Fox Lane High School Greenwich Academy (3) Groton Hackley School (3) Hotchkiss School (2) Iona Prep Kent School (2)

Lawrenceville School Masters School Middlesex School Miss Porter’s School Northfield Mt. Hermon Pawling High School Rye Country Day School (2) Sage Hill School (CA) School of the Holy Child St. Andrew’s School St. George’s School St. Luke’s School (2) Stanwich School Stockholm International School Taft School (2) Westminster

Congratulations, as well, to the members of the Rippowam Cisqua School Class of 2008 who are preparing to head off to college in the fall. The following is a sample of colleges and universities at which they will matriculate: Bates College Boston University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Colorado College Connecticut College (2) Cornell University (3) Dartmouth College Emory University Gettysburg College Harvard University Lehigh University Macalester College

Middlebury College (2) Oberlin College SUNY Geneseo Trinity College (4) Tulane University (2) Union College (2) University of Chicago (3) University of Colorado at Boulder University of Notre Dame University of St. Andrews Wake Forest College

Rippowam Cisqua School Cisqua Campus (Grades PreK-4): 325 West Patent Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, (914) 244-1205, betsy_carter@rcsny.org Rippowam Campus (Grades 5-9): 439 Cantitoe Street, Bedford, NY 10506, (914) 244-1248, ashley_harrington@rcsny.org For more information, please visit our website www.rcsny.org