GRADUATION 2015 Rivertowns Enterprise

A Special Section of The Rivertowns Enterprise July 3, 2015

CLASS OF

2015

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Field. before heading to Reynolds

p with his classmates outside Hastings, wearing 2012 sun-

Casey Foley receives her diploma at the Ardsley High School graduation.

PAGE 2A — JULY 3, 2015

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GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2015

Irvington Brokerage 914.591.2700 | Ardsley Brokerage 914.674.4144

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GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 3A

ARDSLEY HIGH SCHOOL

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Trey Davis receives his diploma.

Guidance for grads ranges from Klingon to Portuguese

T

BY ILANA GOLDSTEIN

he Ardsley High School Class of 2015 celebrated the school’s 99th commencement on Wednesday, June 24, on the school’s football field. With heat and humidity absent from the ceremony, the graduates and attendees enjoyed a pleasant evening under clear skies.

Courtesy of the band and orchestra, the seniors walked in to “Pomp and Circumstance” and to a huge, overjoyed crowd with flashing cameras and cell phones. Student Council president Stephanie Reda and vice president Jessica Siegel began the ceremony with the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the Select Chorus sang the national anthem.

Senior class president Madison Thompson started the evening’s addresses. She mentioned a few of the graduates’ many academic and athletic achievements, particularly victories by the football, track and volleyball teams. Thompson focused on the sense of community among the students, saying “Whether it’s a drama production or a sporting event, you can always expect a ‘pack’ of us to be there.”

Afterwards, the Select Chorus performed

a heartfelt version of “I Believe” from the musical “Spring Awakening.”

Salutatorian Emily Choi offered guidance on appreciating the present. She advised her classmates to “live for and live in the present moment. Don’t strive for something that you think will make you happy in the future.” She later urged them to live with passion because “With passion, whatever you encounter — even if it’s quantum physics or multivariable calculus — will be exciting and inspiring.”

Choi’s third point was for her peers to push themselves out of their comfort zones.

She suggested having “a long conversation with that person who intimidates you, but seems really cool. Try out slam poetry if you’ve only ever played soccer. Take a course on vampires in literature or the philosophical implications in the Simpsons. Learn to speak Klingon.” Although she got a lot of laughs for her last comment, her words resonated with the audience.

Valedictorian Mauricio Pinto followed and redefined the Portuguese term “saudade” — a feeling that best resembles nostalgia — for the Class of 2015. He discussed that saudade “gives meaning to any transition, any meaningful change” and makes senior year important.

“As we near the end of 13 years of routinely seeing the same faces, we begin to feel an urgency to enjoy what little time remains to us,” Pinto said. “We feel an impetus to ensure that the last year is memorable, that it sticks in our minds. Why do we do this? It is because we begin to fear the change that comes, we begin to mourn what we will lose, and thus feel a desire to ensure that we squeeze out every drop of enjoyment we can.”

Pinto then talked about the growing freedoms senior year brought to his life in and out of school, particularly after college application season. From advanced Math Topics to 700-man musical chairs in Bryant Park, Pinto reflected on the fun he experienced during the school year. He concluded with saudade, and an appreciation for the classmates with whom he shared 14 years.

Lauren Allan, superintendent of schools, emphasized the values the graduates should take with them from Ardsley. She insisted that students develop the necessary skills to enter the professional world, but to also be the best humans possible. Allan called upon the graduates to remember their roots in Ardsley and to visit once in a while to improve the community.

Retiring Principal Jim Haubner centered

his last address around Mark Twain’s quote “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” He told students that however long it takes to find their purpose, they should pursue it by looking beyond themselves, enjoying their lives, and learning as much as possible.

Haubner then called upon Board of Education president Frank Hariton, who announced that the students completed all of their requirements and declared the class graduated. One by one, the students walked up to a school board member to receive their diploma and then to shake hands with Allan and Haubner.

When 178 Ardsley students returned to their seats, they tossed their mortarboards into the air and many jumped in the style of “High School Musical”, a staple in their childhoods. Family, friends and other loved ones then mobbed the graduates with hugs, kisses and flowers. Blue robes intertwined as parents took pictures, many of which were uploaded to social media. As one door closed, another one opened for the Ardsley Class of 2015. 

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PAGE 4A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Ardsley High School

CLASS OF 2015 Evan Aaron Sam Aaron Eitan Barkow Ashley Bernhardt Gabriel Biolos Kristin Bova Reginald Bradnock Marielle Bremer Julia Bretts Skyler Brivic Jesse Brown Danielle Burrowes Jonas Cabaret-Mertel Megan Canfield Adonis Carrasco-Caba Celia Castellano Emily Choi Caitlyn Chu Samuel Closter Ava Ackerly Cobleigh

Samantha Cohen Ron Cohen Selena Colon Gisel Cortes Avila Emily Corwin Paul Donato Damiano Kaya Das Riya Dave Darwin Davis, III Erica DeCicco Joseph DeGuardia Isabella De Pasquale Jesse Deutchman Raissa Di Caterina Emilie Dorn Anastasia Efremkina Katelyn Ferguson Alexandra Fischgrund Casey Foley Alexander Friedman

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Noah Kanwal smiles as he walks onto the field.

Melanie Friedman Stephanie Garrido Samuel Geiger Jesse Gentzsch Ilana Goldstein Jonathan Goldstein Mary Goldstein Raina Gorman Lane Gottfried Philip Gotthelf Rene Grisanti Matthew Gross Ayaka Hasegawa Cole Asher Hudson Andrew Hurd Kirstyn Iovino Sabrina Jacobellis Adam Jacobson Vidhya Jayaraman Sinju Joseph Noah Kanwal Jake Kapnick Ashna Kapoor Jessica Kastin Rachel Katz George Kazazis Joy Kelly Bethany Kelly Nessa Kiernan Ashley Kim Christopher Kim Dukhyun Kim Francine Klarsfeld Scott Klein Hayley Kmetz

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Jusnimrat Kohli Gundeep Kohli Sophia Kosman Levon Kostandyan Mayumi Kurihara Adam Levine Lauren Levine Naomi Liptak Tyler Loccisano Brian Loomba Miranda Lopez Thomas Lyons Ashley Macri Michael Maher Taylor Margolies Zachary Marji Donald Mattos Madeleine May Melissa Mazarakes Brendan McNerney

Robert Mendelson Alexis Miller Alex Miller Casey Montgomery Colleen Muldoon Miki Nabetani Jennifer Oberlander Michael O’Callaghan Erin O’Connell Andrew Oks Julian Oks Sara Oraee Joseph Pace, Jr. Mark Palij Caleb Palley Taj-Malik Parkinson Mona Patel Priyanka Patel Shina Patel Mauricio Pinto

Noah Polayes Daniella Porcelli Krista Marie Raciti Amir Rahman Stephanie Reda Nikita Reddy Jason Reid Dylan Resk Ariella Richardson Malyke Robinson Phillip Rokkas Callie Rosenberg Lisa Rovenpor Jonathan Rusoff Samuel Rusoff Adam Samolsky Lauren Sanfilippo Andre Sayegh Michael Scaperrotta Ilyssa Schneidman

Ellen Schoder Sam Schunk Marlo Seskin Sam Shapiro Fallon Sheridan Evan Shlom Jessica Siegel Darius Simmons Adelina Sinanaj Alexa Singer Jonathan Sklar Caitlin Smith Brendan Smith Dalton Smith Joseph Soares Zoe Solomon Adam Sommer Marc Spadaccini Dean Spilka Lamont Stansbury Amanda Stein Cody Stern David Sumague Daniel Alexander Sydor Kelcey Talbi Madison Thompson Nicholas Tong Andrew Torres Alya Toruner Dyan Verzola Amanda Wang Melvin Ward-Johns Jessica Wise Jayde Xu Julie Yang Charles Yee Leon Yu Amanda Zacchio Maira Zafar Dion Zapata Andrew Ziemer Alia Zukerman

Congratulations!

Knowing so many of the Seniors in the Rivertowns makes this graduating class even more special.

Congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2015.

Love, The Tarricones and Everyone at Equalize Fitness

equalizefitness.com • 914-751-6655 • One Odell Plaza • Yonkers, NY 10701 (off of Executive Blvd, at the Hastings/Yonkers Border)

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 5A

Ardsley High School

AWARDS & HONORS Jostens Medals Sam Closter, Alia Zuckerman

Ardsley Little League Ashley Macri, Dylan Resk

2015 RiverArts Annual Art Award Jayde Xu

Shirley Madonick Memorial Francine Klarsfeld

Excellence in Mathematics Mauricio Pinto

Fred J. Maier (Rotary) Taylor Margolies

Edwin and Thelma Zimmer Memorial Jesse Brown, Emily Choi, Andrew Hurd, Dalton Smith

Excellence in French Language Casey Montgomery

JFK Memorial Scholarship Fallon Sheridan

Excellence in Spanish Language Fallon Sheridan

Excellence in Social Studies Ilana Goldstein, Callie Rosenberg

Excellence in Latin Emily Choi

Excellence in History Robert Mendelson, Ellen Schoder

Outstanding Achievement in Italian Eitan Barkow

Achievement in Social Studies Philip Gotthelf

Roderick Baird Memorial Scholarship Ilana Goldstein Lorraine Lombardi Drake Memorial Riya Dave Lisa Marie Fellis Memorial Scholarship Samantha Cohen, Casey Montgomery, Erin O’Connell Coaches Award Selena Colon, Evan Shlom McCartney “Good Call” Sportsmanship Colleen Muldoon Panther Scholar Athlete of the Year Joseph DeGuardia, Casey Foley Panther Association Award Megan Canfield, Celia Castellano, Raina Gorman, Amanda Wang Panther Association Tom Lindgren Memorial Mauricio Pinto Stephen O’Connell Panther Association Award Adonis Carrasco-Caba

NYS Theatre Education Association Awards Trey Davis, Erica DeCicco, TJ Lyons, Adam Sommer Senior Leadership in Drama TJ Lyons Senior Leadership in Band Ilana Goldstein Woody Herman Jazz Band Ilana Goldstein, Sam Rusoff, Ellen Schoder, Evan Shlom Senior Leadership Orchestra Leon Yu Senior Leadership Chorus Adam Sommer

Ardsley Garden Club Sam Schunk

Achievement in Art Caitlyn Chu

Cristin Ann Bambino NYSIR Scholarship Miki Nabetani

Excellence in Art Adam Levine

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Ariella Richardson, Alexa Singer, Julia Bretts and Rene Grisanti

JFK Physical Education Achievement Colleen Muldoon, Jonathan Sklar Senior Leadership in Academic Challenge Callie Rosenberg Excellence in English Mauricio Pinto Outstanding Achievement in English Eitan Barkow, Sam Geiger, Callie Rosenberg American Association of University Women Outstanding Student Award Ilana Goldstein American Association of University Women Excellence in Writing Award Lauren Sanfilippo Mildred L. Schlacter Writer’s Award Skyler Brivic CONTINUED ON PAGE 6A

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Melanie Friedman receives her diploma.

Congratulations and Much Success to the Ardsley Graduating Class of 2015 from the Ardsley PTA Evan Aaron Sam Aaron Eitan Barkow Ashley Bernhardt Gabriel Biolos Kristin Bova Reginald Bradnock Marielle Bremer Julia Jean Bretts Skyler Brivic Jesse Matthew Brown Danielle Rae Burrowes Jonas L. Cabaret-Mertel Megan Jane Canfield Adonis M. Carrasco-Caba Celia Castellano Emily Eun-Soo Choi Caitlyn Chu Samuel Closter Ava Ackerly Cobleigh Samantha Cohen Ron Cohen Selena Colon Gisel Cortes Avila Emily Corwin Paul Donato Damiano Kaya Das Riya Dave Darwin N. Davis, III Erica DeCicco Joseph DeGuardia Isabella De Pasquale Jesse Deutchman Raissa Di Caterina Emilie Skye Dorn Anastasia Efremkina Katelyn Ferguson Alexandra Fischgrund Casey Foley Alexander Daniel Friedman Melanie Friedman Stephanie Garrido Samuel Geiger

Jesse Gentzsch Ilana Meira Goldstein Jonathan H. Goldstein Mary Goldstein Raina Ann Gorman Lane Rachel Gottfried Philip Gotthelf Rene Grisanti Matthew Gross Ayaka Hasegawa Cole Asher Hudson Andrew Hurd Kirstyn Iovino Sabrina Jacobellis Adam Jacobson Vidhya Jayaraman Sinju Joseph Noah Kanwal Jake Kapnick Ashna Kapoor Jessica Kastin Rachel Katz George Kazazis Joy Kelly Bethany Nicole Kelly Nessa Kiernan Ashley Kim Christopher Kim Dukhyun Kim Francine Klarsfeld Scott Klein Hayley Kmetz Jusnimrat Kohli Gundeep Kohli Sophia Kosman Levon Kostandyan Mayumi Kurihara Adam Levine Lauren Anna Coren Levine Naomi Liptak Tyler J. Loccisano Brian Loomba Miranda C. Lopez

Thomas Lyons Ashley Macri Michael Virgil Maher Taylor Margolies Zachary Marji Donald Mattos Madeleine May Melissa Mazarakes Brendan McNerney Robert Mendelson Alexis Miller Alex Miller Casey Montgomery Colleen Muldoon Miki Nabetani Jennifer Clare Oberlander Michael O’Callaghan Erin O’Connell Andrew Eli Oks Julian Aaron Oks Sara Oraee Joseph Pace, Jr. Mark Palij

Caleb Palley Taj-Malik Nikeyah Parkinson Mona Patel Priyanka Patel Shina Patel Mauricio Pinto Noah Polayes Daniella Porcelli Krista Marie Raciti Amir Rahman Stephanie Reda Nikita Reddy Jason Gary Reid Dylan Patrick Resk Ariella Richardson Malyke Robinson Phillip Elias Rokkas Callie Rosenberg Lisa Rovenpor Jonathan Rusoff Samuel Rusoff Adam Benjamin Samolsky Lauren Sanfilippo

Andre Naseem Sayegh Michael Phillips Scaperrotta Ilyssa Schneidman Ellen Schoder Sam Schunk Marlo Seskin Sam Shapiro Fallon Sheila Sheridan Evan Shlom Jessica Siegel Darius Robert Simmons Adelina Sinanaj Alexa Singer Jonathan David Sklar Caitlin Smith Brendan Smith Dalton Smith Joseph Soares Zoe Solomon Adam Sommer Marc Spadaccini Dean Michael Spilka Lamont Stansbury

Amanda Stein Cody Stern David Sumague Daniel Alexander Sydor Kelcey Talbi Madison Thompson Nicholas Tong Andrew Torres Alya Toruner Dyan Esabelle Verzola Amanda H. Wang Melvin A. Ward-Johns Jessica K.Wise Jayde Xu Julie Ann Yang Charles Yee Leon C. Yu Amanda Zacchio Maira Zafar Dion T. Zapata Andrew Charles Ziemer Alia Zukerman

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PAGE 6A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

AHS AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5A

MSG Varsity Evan Aaron Girl Scouts Troop 1680: Ashley Bernhardt, Kristin Bova, Emily Corwin, Alexandra Fischgrund, Mary Goldstein, Rachel Katz, Francine Klarsfeld, Priyanka Patel, Stephanie Reda, Jessica Wise Troop 2890: Samantha Cohen, Isabella DePasquale, Emilie Dorn, Anastasia Efremkina, Lane Gottfried, Joy Kelly, Sophia Kosman, Colleen Muldoon, Jennifer Oberlander, Alia Zuckerman Ardsley Congress of Teachers (ACT) Callie Rosenberg, Marlo Seskin

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Miranda Lopez hugs two of her classmates.

Reginald Bradnock celebrates with classmates.

Claudette Monaco Memorial Caitlyn Chu AHS Class of ’59 Spirit Award Bethany Kelly AHS Class of 1974 Scholarship Alexandra Fischgrund, Andrew Ziemer Rensselaer Medal Philip Gotthelf Bausch & Lomb Alexandra Fischgrund Passion for Science Andrew Ziemer Devi Nampiaparampil Award Christopher Kim Ardsley School Staff Melanie Friedman, Ayaka Hasegawa, Robert Mendelson, Priyanka Patel, Shina Patel, Madison Thompson New York Blood Center Scholarship Jessica Siegel Rivertown Lions Past Presidents’ Award for Best Community Service Mayumi Kurihara Buddy Awards: Challenger Teams Emily Choi, Sam Closter, Ilana Goldstein, Adam Levine, Sam Shapiro, Amanda Stein

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Sabrina Jacobellis, Nessa Kiernan, Madison Thompson, Dylan Resk, Jessica Kastin and Ava Cobleigh

ASVAC Award

PTA Art

Ardsley Education Foundation Jessica Siegel, Dyan Verzola

Andrew Torres

Kristin Bova

PTA Community Service Kirstyn Iovino, Ellen Schoder

PTA Elaine Taweel Memorial Lamont Stansbury

Marie Stimpfl Memorial Award (Volunteer Ambulance) Jonathan Goldstein

James T. Noone Memorial (Ardsley Fire Department)

PTA Fine Art Jayde Xu

PTA Tenacity Erica DeCicco

PTA Music Dukhyun Kim

PTA “Renaissance Student” TJ Lyons

PTA Athlete Reginald Bradnock, Jennifer Oberlander

PTA Drama Trey Davis

PTA Computer Science/Math Anastasia Efremkina

Reina Greenwald Memorial Award (Volunteer Ambulance) Jason Reid

Jonathan Goldstein, Philip Gotthelf, Madison Thompson PTA Teaching Julia Bretts

National Merit Scholarship Winner Mauricio Pinto Valedictorian & Salutatorian Awards Mauricio Pinto, Emily Choi

CLASS OF 2015 COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CHOICES Albany College of Pharmacy Asbury University Barnard College Binghamton University Brown University Clark University Colby College College of New Jersey College of Westchester Cornell University Denison University Eckerd College Elon University Emerson College Fairfield University Fashion Institute of Technology Florida Atlantic University Florida State University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College

Furman University George Washington University Goucher College Hampshire College Harvard University Haverford College High Point University Hunter College of the CUNY Iona College Ithaca College John Jay College of Criminal Justice Lafayette College Lasell College Lehigh University Lehman College Manhattanville College Maryland Institute of College Art Monmouth University Muhlenberg College New York Institute of Technology

New York University Northeastern University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Princeton University Purdue University Queens College Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Sacred Heart University San Diego State University Savannah College of Art and Design Seton Hall University Siena College Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Springfield College St. Lawrence University Stony Brook University SUNY Albany

SUNY Buffalo SUNY Brockport SUNY Cobleskill SUNY Cortland SUNY Delhi SUNY Geneseo SUNY Oswego SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Purchase College Syracuse University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Cincinnati University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Hartford University of Iowa University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst

University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Rochester University of Scranton University of Texas, Austin University of Wisconsin Towson University Tulane University Vassar College Virginia Tech Washington University in St. Louis Westchester Community College Western New England University Yale University

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

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GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 7A

DOBBS FERRY HIGH SCHOOL Caps and spirits soar as rain shifts ceremony indoors

O

By Julian Caldwell

n Saturday, June 20, the Dobbs Ferry High School Class of 2015 expected to enjoy their graduation outdoors, at the newly renovated Waterfront Park, which had reopened the previous weekend, but a forecast of rain relegated the ceremony to the high school gymnasium.

Still, the spirit was festive as “Pomp & Circumstance” sounded on the speakers and the graduating seniors’ family and friends stood to take pictures as the class filed into the gym.

Senior Bailey McGillian, who Principal John Falino said had sung the national anthem at nearly every Dobbs Ferry High School event that called for the song over the past four years, serenaded the crowd with the “Star-Spangled Banner” one last time in her cap and gown.

Dobbs Ferry School Board president Tracy Baron told the crowd that she celebrated her high school graduation in 1982, the year that David Letterman began hosting his late night talk show. So in honor of his recent retirement from television, she began her speech with a top 10 list, as Letterman was famous for doing on his show.

Baron’s “Top 10 Signs You’re A Member of the Dobbs Ferry High School Graduating Class of 2015” included jokes about advanced classes and countless metaphors using Dobbs Ferry’s eagle mascot, and was capped off with the evening’s most relevant sign.

“You’re sitting in a gym right now even though the Village rebuilt a beautiful Waterfront Park just in time for your graduation,” Baron said, drawing laughs from the crowd.

With the comedy out of her system, Baron turned to praising the graduating class, as would be the theme throughout the night.

“You have made our world brighter just by being here and we can’t wait to see what you do next,” Baron said. “So for now, take a deep breath, look around and savor this moment.

You’ve earned it.”

Before finishing, Baron extended her compliments to another member of the Dobbs Ferry school community moving on following the graduation. Fellow board of education member Lynne Black, whose daughter Laura Glynn is part of the class of 2015, has stepped down from the board after 15 years of lauded service.

Falino then began his address by recognizing 1970 Dobbs Ferry High School graduate Jim Lindsay, who has retired after teaching in the Dobbs Ferry school district for 26 years and spending the past 11 years as athletic director in the high school. Both Black and Lindsay, by now familiar faces to the majority of the community, received rousing rounds of applause.

For Falino, the Class of 2015 is unique — the first Dobbs Ferry class that Falino watched grow from freshmen to seniors since becoming principal in 2011.

“As we walked the same halls for the first time, and continued to do so for the past four years, I have been honored to watch all of you grow from a group of wide-eyed kids to a collection of truly wonderful and capable adults,” Falino said. “I’d be lying if I said that this class will not always hold a special place for me.”

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Isabel Grossman, Nicolette Sabot, Laura Glynn and Isabella Romano exchange hugs.

He applauded them for being the class with the most International Baccalaureate diploma recipients in the history of the high school, and encouraged the students to hold their character in as high regard as their scholastic accomplishments going forward.

“When you leave here, don’t just find good people to ask advice of,” Falino said. “Instead, be the person that others come to for good advice. When you go on to your next steps, be someone who is trustworthy, take smart risks, be open-minded in all you do, and above all, demonstrate kindness and humanity.

“The future title on your business card or LinkedIn profile is not the definer of success,” he continued. “When you are a good person, a good friend, and a good daughter or son, you become someone others wish to know — not because you get everything right, but because you do what is right. That’s a successful individual.”

Senior class adviser Michael Hanley was brief in his speech to students, praising their reliability and taking a line from a classic film to sum up life after high school.

“Life moves pretty fast; if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” Hanley said, quoting the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” “Never have truer words been spoken,” he continued, in his own words. “Embrace this sentiment. Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and maybe one day while giving a commencement speech to a group of seniors, you’ll look out upon them and remember how it seemed like just yesterday you were once sitting in those chairs.”

Salutatorian Jacob Ascher followed Hanley, delivering accolades to his teachers.

“I hope that in college we’ll have profes-

sors that are as friendly, caring and invested as the teachers at this school are,” said Ascher, who will attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut in the fall. “As much as we liked to say we hate school, we didn’t. The embarrassing truth is most of us actually loved it. To us Dobbs wasn’t all about the work; it was and will always be about the people, the traditions and the community.”

Ascher addressed a recent controversy in which a senior class prank to skip out on part of a school day resulted in the administration canceling the traditional senior “Academy Awards” ceremony in the high school auditorium. Upset, but determined to still make the event happen, the class fundraised and put on its own ceremony at the Dobbs Ferry Embassy Club, which Ascher co-hosted.

“Even in a time of high tension we were able to come together and turn a negative into a truly positive moment,” Ascher said. “To all my fellow graduates, thank you for being so funny, smart, weird, fun and making these past four years so enjoyable. Congrats to everyone in the Class of 2015 — we did it, guys.”

During an evening filled with practical advice about scholastic and professional endeavors, Schools Superintendent Lisa Brady’s suggestion was simple.

“In the midst of the graduation discourse — college aspirations realized, career paths being charted, and defining success — be happy,” Brady said. “Bring happiness to your goal, speak it out and share it with others, even when life takes you in places where happiness seems far away.”

Valedictorian Sasha Clarick reminded her peers that they weren’t celebrating their accomplishment alone, but alongside longtime classmates, many of whom have known each

other since kindergarten at Springhurst Elementary School.

“These are the people we’ve seen every day for almost three quarters of our lives,” said Clarick, who is going on to Middlebury College in Vermont. “We have been able to help each other develop into the people we are today.

“Today is a celebration of how far we’ve come, and the realization of how much longer we still have to go,” she continued. “It’s emotional, it’s exciting, it’s terrifying, but looking out in the crowd we see how many people there are to support us in that process.”

Before receiving diplomas, the class of 2015 was treated with a “Final Farewell” from Assistant Superintendent Douglas Berry, who formerly served as principal to many of the graduating seniors while they were at Springhurst.

“I can find all the quotes and wise words that Google can provide me on what success is supposed to be, but they really don’t matter,” Berry said. “Success is a uniquely personal thing and only you should stand in judgment of where you are in your journey to succeed.

Others should not define your success. Build you own definition of what it means, and as you build that definition, be flexible, for indicators of success change as you change.”

The eager 109 students then individually picked up their diplomas to the camera flashes and cheers of their friends and family until the last one was handed out and Falino delivered the much-anticipated finale: “I now pronounce all of you graduates.” 

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PAGE 8A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Dobbs Ferry High School

CLASS OF 2015 Alison Abbatiello Neil Abbatiello Anna Acocella David Acocella Jacqueline Addona Victoria Agostino Molly Altholz Yiorgos Argyros Jacob Ascher Noah Baron Mia Becerra Arjun Behal Mohammad Boozarjomehri

Alba Borici Austin Brea Hunter Brea August Brosnahan Evan Cain Anders Carlton Rohan Cherian-Ashe Alexander Chuang Sasha Clarick Kayla Coache Cara Colao Mia Colao Molly Connett

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Alex Chuang, Ariel Goldszmidt and Grant Sheely pose for a photo.

Julianne Cornell Chloe Cottineau Matthew Crowe Irene Cruz Cara Culhane William Daly Donoven DeAbreu Niamh Deane Thomas DiRusso Juliet Dooz Daniel Foresti Caleigh Fortunato Jeffrey Garcia Maria Garganourakis Sandro Gerber Arshia Ghodsi Laura Glynn Ariel Goldszmidt Daniella Granata Isabel Grossman Zoe Halatyn Sarah Halvorsen Harrison Harmon Lauren Itkowitz Grace Kim Juliette Kost Kevin Kudelka Vincent Laino Elena Sanchez LaPlante Sandra Larson Nathan Manongi Pablo Maria Elizabeth Mejia Gabrielle McCarthy Bailey McGillian

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Elizabeth Mejia, Victoria Agostino, Caleigh Fortunato and Ariana Santizo pose for a selfie.

Kayleen McGovern Andrew McWhirter Vjollca Ramaxhiku (Ilda Meshi) Jarret Middleton Husnain Mir Ryan Mitchell Philip Monteiro Michael Moore Christopher (KaHei) Moores Beckett Morris

Gabriel Natale Pablo Nunez Tara O’Brien Joshua Odrich Takanori Okkotsu Simeon Park Michelle Perri Caitlin Perry Kyle Ramos Camille Rapay George Roca Joseph Rocchio

Ariana Rolev Isabella Romano Gabrielle Rossillo Andrew Ruiz Nicolette Sabot Maxim Sadvakas Dorel (Paul) Serban Arooj Shabbir Sean Sheely Bridget Sheridan Max Shermet Diego Smith

Olivia Smith Shannon Stout Brian Tacij Henry Tashman Paloma Thoen Tanner Turco James Turken Alejandra Villanueva Salas Lila Walsh Daniel Ward Catherine White Collin Wisniewski

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 9A

Dobbs Ferry High School

AWARDS & HONORS Dobbs Ferry H.S. Scholastic Honor Plaque Sasha Clarick Dobbs Ferry H.S. Scholastic Medals Valedictorian Sasha Clarick Salutatorian Jacob Ascher Martha Corey-Ochoa Memorial Scholarship Sasha Clarick Dobbs Ferry H.S. Scholastic Honor Medals Top Ten Students of the Class of 2015 Sasha Clarick, Jacob Ascher, Ariel Goldszmidt, Evan Cain, Joshua Odrich, Harrison Harmon, Beckett Morris, Bridget Sheridan, Collin Wisniewski, Camille Rapay National Merit Scholarship Competition Finalist Ariel Goldszmidt Commended Noah Baron, Sasha Clarick, Evan Cain National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalist Rohan Cherian-Ashe Bradley and Katherine C. Bolke Humor Award Daniel Ward Neil Reich Memorial Scholarship Jeffery Garcia Dobbs Ferry United Teachers’ Michael Wood Memorial Award Beckett Morris Chief Edward J. Doyle Memorial Scholarship Michael Moore

Lieutenant Raymond Malara Memorial Scholarship Kyle Ramos

Rachel Posner Memorial Scholarship Award Cara Colao

Police Officer “Ricky” White Memorial Scholarship Jacqueline Addona

American Legion Post No. 1048 Award: Excellence in American History Jacob Ascher

Thomas C. Hennessey Memorial Award Molly Connett

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Social Studies Award: Highest Average Over Four Years Jacob Ascher

Youth Service Council Award Ariana Santizo Congressional Certificate of Merit (Nita Lowey) Shannon Stout Rotary Club Fred J. Maier Memorial Scholarship Arjun Behal PTSA Zatkovich Incentive Award Diego Smith New York Blood Drive Scholarship Maria Garganourakis, Juliette Kost Lions Past President Award Vincent Laino The Class of 1964 School Fund Jacqueline Addona Ilissa Schoenberg Memorial Scholarship Vincent Laino, Ilda Meshi SPRING Community Partners Award Noah Baron

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Advanced History Award: Highest Average in IB History Ariel Goldszmidt Dobbs Ferry Youth Lacrosse Program Jacqueline Addona, Olivia Smith Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Most Improved in Social Studies Donoven DeAbreu Dobbs Ferry H.S. Government/Economics Award: Highest Average in 12th Grade Government/Economics Sandro Gerber Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Distinguished Effort Award in Social Studies Jacqueline Addona, Molly Altholz, Chloe Cottineau, Elena LaPlante, Camille Rapay Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Highest Average Over Four Years in English Sasha Clarick

SPRINGboard Award Jeffery Garcia

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Most Improved in English David Acocella

Children’s Village Service Award Evan Cain, Alejandra Villanueva

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: IB Writing Award Ariel Goldszmidt

Victor Ridder Memorial Scholarship Award Vincent Laino

John Yozzo Memorial Scholarship Kyle Ramos

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

IB diploma candidates receive an ovation.

Embassy Club Robert A. Collins Memorial Award Daniel Foresti, Kayleen McGovern

Dobbs Ferry Women’s Club Award for Performing Arts Grace Kim

Antoinette L. Tisi Memorial Award Sasha Clarick

DFUT Scholarship Award Camille Rapay

Dobbs Ferry Touchdown Club Award Molly Connett, Thomas DiRusso, Daniel Foresti, Bailey McGillian

The Diamond Club Neil Abbatiello, Caitlin Perry

Ward K. Jones Memorial Award Caitlin Perry PTSA High School Community Service Award Julianne Cornell Dobbs Ferry United Teachers’ George Blaha Memorial Award: Excellence in Music Bailey McGillian Joan Epstein Memorial Award in Theatre Arts Chloe Cottineau

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Excellence in Mathematics Sasha Clarick, Ariel Goldszmidt Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Most Improved in Mathematics Ryan Mitchell Dobbs Ferry H.S. Periauger Award (Yearbook) Molly Connett, Chloe Cottineau, Shannon Stout CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A

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PAGE 10A — JULY 3, 2015

DFHS AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Excellence in a Foreign Language French Chloe Cottineau, Max Shermet

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Dobbs Ferry Personnel Association Josephine Anderson Memorial Award Best High School Attendance Austin Brea

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Excellence in Art William Daly, Camille Rapay RiverArts Senior Art Award William Daly, Camille Rapay

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Outstanding Athletes Juliet Dooz, Daniel Foresti

George A. Delmerico Art Scholarship William Daly Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award in Physical Education Anna Acocella, David Acocella

Italian Sandra Larson Spanish Caitlin Perry, Beckett Morris Vitale & James Ricciardi Memorial Scholarship Award: Excellence in a Foreign Language

United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Molly Altholz, Gabriel Natale

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Excellence in Science Sasha Clarick

Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Gabriel Natale, Olivia Smith

Dobbs Ferry H.S. Award: Outstanding Achievement in Science Ariel Goldszmidt

AAUW-Westchester Branch Award: Outstanding Student Award Jacqueline Addona AAUW-Westchester Branch Award: Excellence in Writing Camille Rapay

Italian Sandra Larson

Dobbs Ferry H. Award: Excellence Effort in Science Joseph Rocchio – Science Research Kayleen McGovern – Forensic Science David Acocella – IB Biology

Spanish Gabrielle Rossillo, Collin Wisniewski

Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award Sasha Clarick

French Jacqueline Addona, Christopher Moores

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Graduates toss their mortarboards toward the ceiling.

The State Education Department Scholarship for Academic Excellence Yiorgos Argyros, Noah Baron, Evan Cain, Sasha Clarick

Dobbs Ferry Democratic Committee Public Policy Award Jacob Ascher, Alexander Chuang Thomas DiNapoli New York State Comptroller Bridget Sheridan Judy Blackwell Konowitch Personal Achievement Award Cara Culhane, Vincent Laino, Husnain Mir, Max Shermet Melissa Malara Memorial Scholarship Award Lila Walsh Dobbs Ferry United Teachers’ Luke Colasuonno Memorial Scholarship Award Sandra Larson OC21 Award for Excellence in Online Learning Jacob Ascher, Joshua Odrich Erik J. Legath Memorial Scholarship Award Cara Colao CONTINUED ON PAGE 20A

CLASS OF 2015 COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CHOICES Binghamton University Boston College Boston University Broome Community College Bucknell University City College of New York CUNY Coastal Carolina University Colby College Elon University Emerson College Fashion Institute of Technology George Washington University Georgetown University Hampshire College

Ithaca College John Jay College of Criminal Justice Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Mercy College Middlebury College New York University Northeastern University Oberlin College Ohio State University Pace University Providence College Purchase College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Roger Williams University Sacred Heart University Salisbury University School of the Art Institute of Chicago Siena College Skidmore College Southern Vermont College Springfield College Stetson University SUNY Albany SUNY Buffalo SUNY Cortland SUNY Geneseo

SUNY Oneonta SUNY Fredonia SUNY Oswego SUNY Stony Brook Syracuse University Tufts University Universal Technical Institute Universidad Dominicana O&M University of Alabama University of California, Santa Barbara University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Florida

University of Hong Kong University of Pennsylvania University of Rhode Island University of Rhode Island University of Virginia University of Wisconsin, Madison Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Tech Wagner College Wesleyan University West Virginia University Westchester Community College

Congratulations to The Masters School Class of 2015!

Best wishes to our graduates – a stellar class that comes from the Rivertowns, 10 states and 13 countries!

The Masters School 49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-479-6400 • www.mastersny.org

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE



GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 11A

HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL Grads celebrate their fulfillment of a chance to change

O

BY JULIAN CALDWELL

n Thursday, June 25, with the scoreboard lit up to read “2015” in their honor, the Hastings High School Class of 2015 descended down a hill onto Reynolds Fields to a standing ovation from family and friends. After all settled in their seats, the class was first addressed by their principal, Louis Adipietro.

He started by warning the students that their time leaving high school would be much more difficult than it was for him and their parents.

“The mountains we climbed are not as great as those that are facing you,” Adipietro said, adding that he graduated high school exactly 30 years earlier. “The obstacles in our way when we graduated high school pale in comparison to those that are awaiting you.”

Despite that, Adipietro said he would trade places with the graduating seniors so that he could again have his youth, which he advised the class not to waste.

“You are about to embark on one of the greatest runs of your lives,” he said. “Time is on your side, youth is on your side. Attack life and savor life. Experiment and make mistakes, then start over if necessary.

Change your mind and then change it back again. Find your interests, find your inspiration. Don’t waste a minute.”

Senior class president Hannah Stein reminded her classmates of how in their youth, they had already made mistakes, faced challenges and overcame them.

“As middle schoolers aspiring to be in high school, our class earned the reputation that was the worst of any incoming freshman class ever,” Stein said. “[The principal] Mr. A gave us the chance to change. He gave us a clean slate if we promised to get our act together, and so we did.

We changed. We became like any other class — nice, considerate.”

Stein recalled how the high school teachers not only tolerated the class, but enjoyed their company. The feeling was mutual from the students. She was proud that they had made it to graduation in better shape than four years ago.

“Thank you for not hating each other and not imploding,” Stein said to her peers.

“Thank you for doing your best to welcome people in. Thank you for reaching outside your cliques, but also remembering who your friends are.”

Hastings High School class of 1969 alum Jeanne Newman served as commencement speaker, 46 years after filling the same shoes as the graduating seniors. Since leaving the high school as a student, Newman went on to teach art and photography for 34 years, including 23 years at her alma mater. She also founded the community service organization Project SHARE in 1988, which has run the popular Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless for 25 years.

The theme of her address was from the 1989 film “Dead Poet’s Society,” starring the late Robin Williams. To the graduates, she posed the same question Williams’ character John Keating posed to his English class in the movie.

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Gabriella Wan, Lauren Weiner and Billie White walk to their seats.

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Rhys Perih and Lucas Pereira flank Xavier Perez as he ties his shoes.

“Class of 2015, what will your verse be?”

Newman asked. “What contribution to this life, to this identity — what will your verse be? Clearly there are times where we wonder what our purpose in this world must be.”

Newman encouraged the class to include helping others and the world in their visions of their purpose.

“It appears to me that in our frantic desire to excel and climb over each other — to achieve and compete — we may have lost the focus and purpose of the one life we’ve been given,” Newman said.

“Truly regard time, as you will soon find out the years grow shorter as you grow older. Make magic in what your heart guides you to do. Try not to allow fear and failure to do anything but be part of the measure in which you see your success.”

Salutatorian Nicholas Wilt echoed the senior class president’s pride in his classmates’ camaraderie. He also recognized their individual accomplishments as athletes, musicians and students, and their impact on him.

“Without my classmates, without my friends, I would’ve lost sight of my goals,” Wilt said. “Each individual’s pursuit of excellence has been a defining feature of our class’s collective character. But what I will remember most is the way our class has come together as a whole. This class has encouraged a culture in Hastings in which conventional social cliques are dissolved by acceptance and friendship.”

Valedictorian Julia Morriss took her classmates down memory lane by running off a string of events and inside jokes from elementary through high school that her peers laughed about as she reminisced.

“Many of you will share some of these memories, and I will share some of yours, but no two people sitting here today have had quite the same experience,” Morriss said. “So really this is not a 118-way fork in the road because there is no road to begin with. We have not all been treading on some carefully planned, smooth tarmac.

We’ve been bushwhacking, forging our own paths.”

Morriss recognized that while blazing their own trails, the journey was bound to be far from perfect, but urged her peers to attack it without fear.

“If you are going to remember anything I say here today, I hope this is it,” she said. “Be young and crazy. Now is the time to make mistakes. Have fun, try something new.”

Hastings Superintendent of Schools Roy Montesano told students to let their passions guide them as they move on from

high school. Following what both challenges them and satisfies them would bring them more happiness in the long run than chasing money and power.

“Choose your destinations well, but do not hurry there,” Montesano said. “Wander the back roads and forgotten paths, keeping your destination in your heart like the fixed point of a compass. And if upon arrival you find your destination is not exactly as you had dreamed, do not be disappointed. Think of all you would have missed but for the journey there, and know that the true worth of your travels lies not where you come to be at journey’s end, but in who you came to be along the way.”

Hastings Board of Education vice president Jodie Meyer was thrilled to be the last speaker to address the class of 2015.

“I’ve known many of you for so many years, some of you when your parents were pregnant with you,” Meyer began.

Like Montesano, Meyer advised the class to not let all their decisions rest solely on getting a high-paying job, but on what is most personally fulfilling as well.

“Find that part of your life where you do things, not for the sake of being remembered, but for what it gives to others, to the world, and ultimately fills you up too,” Meyer said.

Stein returned to the podium to read off the 117 names off her classmates as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, leaving Adipietro the duty of calling her name to round out the class. Then at the instruction of Adipietro, the graduates moved their tassels off then launched their mortarboards in jubilation. 

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PAGE 12A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Hastings High School

CLASS OF 2015 Annabelle Allen

Leilah Fuller

Adam Manson

Katya Rudnik

Jordan Alligood

Jeremiah Gallagher

Sarah Markley

Hattie Schnorr

Zachary Armacost

Miles Gencarelli

Sophia May

Anthony Scioscia

Juliana Baldassarre

Annelise Gentile

Justin Mayers

Olivia Selemon

Ashley Bannon

Andrew Goldbloom

Noah Mazer

Kerri-Ann

Hayley Bennett

Jacob Gorn

Michael Merolle

Seredinsky

Jonathan Berger

Sofia Griff

Jacquin Mininger

Nicholas Sestito

Elza Bouhassira

Alyssa Gunther

Lucy Mondello

Faith Shaeffer

Evie Brandford-Altsher

Bryan Gunther

Julia Morriss

Joshua Shin

Maximilian Bratescu

Justin Gunther

Michelle Mullen

Arianne Siegel

Emily Broude

Matthew Hays

Madeline Murphy

Campbell Silverstein

Ciaran Burke

Isabel Hidalgo

Mohamed Nassar

Jenna Solomon

Hannah Cafagna

Leila Hirschfeld

Christopher Nielsen

Matthew Stanger

John Campson

Tahira James

George Nolan

Hannah Stein

Alexis Carozza

Daniel Jones

Samuel Osband

Lia Stephens

Rachel Chang

Avery Kaplan

Thomas Pearson

Andrew Swiderski

Jessica Cheng

Anna Karmel

Lucas Pereira

Angela Talbot

Ava Chun

Cailin Kenehan

Xavier Perez

Nicholas Tarricone

Alexander Constantine

Alison Knispel

Rhys Perih

Dante Tester

Charles Costello

Andrew Knispel

Joseph Perry

Yamil Vazquez Rodriguez

Matthew Cursio

Amber LaCourt

Conor Pochna

Lyra Walsh Fuchs

Connor de Courcey

Gina Leoncavallo

Jackson Provet

Gabriella Wan

Lauren DeSouza

Robert Lesser

Samuel Provet

Lauren Weiner

Adam Deutsch

Maxine Lim

Haley Rappaport

Billie White

Gabriel Diaz

Matthew Linder

Andrew Ravitch

Adam Willson

Ava Dishian

Michael Lorenzo

Thomas Reid

Nicholas Wilt

Max Elias

James Macaluso

Joshua Rieck

Matthew Ye

Matthew Elliott

Andrew Madigan

Katerina Rojas

Lara Feder

Eamonn Maher

Moise Romano

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Lara Feder and her classmates descend toward Reynolds Field.

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 13A

Hastings High School

AWARDS & HONORS High Honor Roll Juliana Baldassarre, Hayley Bennett, Jonathan Berger, Elza Bouhassira, Evie Brandford-Altsher, Emily Broude, Alexis Carozza, Rachel Chang, Jessica Cheng, Ava Chun, Ava Dishian, Max Elias, Lara Feder, Leilah Fuller, Sofia Griff, Leila Hirschfeld, Anna Karmel, Matthew Linder, Andrew Madigan, Adam Manson, Sarah Markley, Sophia May, Julia Morriss, Madeline Murphy, Mohamed Nassar, George Nolan, Joseph Perry, Samuel Provet, Haley Rappaport, Joshua Rieck, Olivia Selemon, Faith Shaeffer, Joshua Shin, Arianne Siegel, Campbell Silverstein, Hannah Stein, Lia Stephens, Lyra Walsh

Fuchs, Gabriella Wan, Lauren Weiner, Billie White, Adam Willson, Nicholas Wilt, Matthew Ye Honor Roll Annabelle Allen, Zachary Armacost, Lauren DeSouza, Jeremiah Gallagher, Annelise Gentile, Andrew Knispel, Jacquin Mininger, Katerina Rojas, Moise Romano, Katya Rudnik, Jenna Solomon Book Awards Evie Brandford-Altsher, Isabel Hidalgo, Leila Hirschfeld, Anna Karmel, Andrew Madigan, Julia Morriss, Katya Rudnik, Lyra Walsh Fuchs, Billie White, Nicholas Wilt

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Max Blicker, Nick Tarricone and Zak Armacost sing “(Civilization) Bongo Bongo Bongo” by the Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye.

Journalism Award Emily Broude, Rachel Chang Anthropology Adam Manson AP European History Leila Hirschfeld, Julia Morriss College Learning Studies Kerri-Ann Seredinsky Economics Julia Morriss, Olivia Selemon, Billie White Psychology Lara Feder AP Psychology Sofia Griff Sociology Hayley Bennett Model UN Jonathan Berger, Elza Bouhassira, Billie White Esther Lieberman Plaque Hayley Bennett Karen Ural Plaque Hayley Bennett, Robert Lesser Math Department Medallions Lara Feder, Sofia Griff, Andrew Madigan, Jacquin Mininger, Adam Willson Math Department Plaques Emily Broude, Robert Lesser, Julia Morriss Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry Adam Willson Outstanding Achievement in Physics Julia Morriss

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Lia Stephens and Hannah Stein play with their National Art Honor Society tassels.

Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Science Lara Feder Outstanding Achievement in Biology Gabriella Wan Outstanding Achievement in Advanced Geology Hayley Bennett Outstanding Achievement in Science Research Faith Shaeffer Outstanding Achievement in Science Sofia Griff, Olivia Selemon Science Department Plaque Nicholas Wilt Spanish Plaque Lia Stephens Spanish Medallion Hayley Bennett, Billie White Spanish Academic Certificate of Excellence Evie Brandford-Altsher, Emily Broude,

Sophia May, Mohamed Nassar French Plaque Leila Hirschfeld French Medallion Ava Chun French Academic Certificate of Excellence Joseph Perry Latin Plaque Billie White Latin Medallion Leila Hirschfeld Latin Academic Certificate of Excellence Julia Morriss Chorus Emily Broude, Campbell Silverstein Jazz Ensemble Andrew Knispel, Adam Manson Band Matthew Stanger CONTINUED ON PAGE 14A

30 MAIN STREET • HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON • NY 10706

478-1400

Congratulations and best wishes to the class of

2015 FROM THE HASTINGS PTSA

The unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life, is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective.

- Jon Stewart

CONGRATULATIONS and

BEST WISHES to

THE CLASS OF 2015



PAGE 14A — JULY 3, 2015

HHS AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A

Madrigal Evie Brandford-Altsher, Isabel Hidalgo Orchestra Adam Willson Exemplary Personal Vision in the Studio Lauren Weiner Exemplary Personal Vision in Photography Ava Chun Range of High Quality Work in the Studio Conor Pochna Range of High Quality Work in Photography Andrew Knispel Scholastic National Medal Winners in Art Printmaking Lyra Walsh Fuchs Mixed Media Hannah Stein

Physical Education Zachary Armacost, Hayley Bennett, Elza Bouhassira, Max Bratescu, Alexander Constantine, Lauren DeSouza, Justin Mayers, Conor Pochna, Andrew Ravitch, Joshua Shin Student Union Award Ashley Bannon, Ava Dishian, Katerina Rojas HASP Community Service Plaque Thomas Reid Quest Plaque Amber LaCourt Senior Class Officers Service Awards President: Hannah Stein Vice President: Gabriella Wan Secretary: Sophia May Treasurer: Anna Karmel Plaques for Student Union President: Zachary Armacost Vice President: Thomas Pearson Secretary: Jonathan Berger Treasurer: Adam Willson

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Valedictorian Julia Morriss

National Achievement Scholarship Program Finalist: Evie Brandford-Altsher

Salutatorian Nicholas Wilt

Semi-Finalist: Jordan Alligood Outstanding Participant: Campbell Silverstein

BOCES Southern Westchester Recognition Education Foundation Annual Scholarship Justin Gunther

College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Honorable Mention Noah Mazer, Andrew Ravitch

Outstanding Student Award – Auto Collision Program Justin Gunther US Presidential Scholars Competition Semifinalist Emily Broude National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists Emily Broude, Anna Karmel, Julia Morriss, Gabriella Wan

Hastings Fire Department Scholarship Annelise Gentile, Alyssa Gunther, Bryan Gunther, Justin Gunther, Isabel Hidalgo, Gabriella Wan, Nicholas Wilt Yem Club Thomas Reid, Anthony Scioscia Stuart Cohen Memorial Scholarship Lauren DeSouza, Katerina Rojas

Letter of Commendation Zachary Armacost, Max Elias, Lara Feder, Leila Hirschfeld, Robert Lesser, Adam Manson, Faith Shaeffer, Lyra Walsh Fuchs, Lauren Weiner

Vinod Dabral Memorial Award Adam Deutsch, Lauren DeSouza, KerriAnn Seredinsky Hastings Southside Club Memorial Scholarship Ashley Bannon, Andrew Madigan

Kay Coltoff Hastings Youth Council Scholarship Katya Rudnik Alumni Association Class of 1964 Scholarship Alexis Carozza Alumni Association Richard M. Thomas Music Scholarship Adam Willson Alumni Association E. Phelps Scholarship for Excellence Gabriella Wan Alumni Association Dr. Raymond E. Smith Scholarship Leila Hirschfeld Alumni Association Philip S. Klipp Scholarship Anthony Scioscia Alumni Association Music Scholarship in Honor of HHS Music Teachers Past & Present Max Elias CONTINUED ON PAGE 20A

CLASS OF 2015 COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CHOICES Barnard College Baruch College of the CUNY Bates College Binghamton University Boston University Bucknell University Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Catholic University of America Clark University Colby College Colorado College Columbia University Connecticut College Dickinson College

Dowling College Dutchess Community College Emerson College Farleigh Dickinson University Florida State University Georgetown University Harvard University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Indiana University at Bloomington Ithaca College John Jay College of Criminal Justice Juniata College Lincoln Technical Institute Loyola Marymount University Loyola University New Orleans

Manhattan College Marist College Mercy College Middlebury College Muhlenberg College New York University Oberlin College Ohio State University Oregon State University Pace University Pratt Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Rosemont College Rhode Island School of Design

Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College St. John’s University Stony Brook University SUNY Albany SUNY New Paltz SUNY Cobleskill SUNY Cortland SUNY Geneseo Swarthmore College Towson University Tufts University Tulane University Union College Universal Technical Institute

University of the Arts University of Colorado at Boulder University of Delaware University of Maryland, College Park University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Santo Tomas University of Scranton University of Vermont Utica College Villanova University Wesleyan University Westchester Community College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 15A

IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Skies clear up in time for uplifting commencement

BY JULIAN CALDWELL

R

a in threatened to put a damper on the Saturday morning Irvington High School graduation at Matthiessen Park on June 20. Family and friends of the graduating seniors became concerned when raindrops began to fall 25 minutes before the ceremony, but their worries cleared up with the skies just more than a minute before the 11 a.m. start time.

The 142 students from the Class of 2015 stayed dry as they strolled, two at a time, through the center of the crowd with the high school orchestra belting out “Pomp & Circumstance.” Principal David Cohen was the first to gush about the graduating class, who he had gotten to know for two years, since becoming principal just before their junior year.

“Throughout the past four years, they have helped mold the culture of Irvington High School with their remarkable talents, leadership, wisdom and empathy,” Cohen said.

He raved about the diverse accomplishments of the class, congratulating them on being National Merit scholars, and awardwinning scientists, musicians and athletes, among other roles.

“One of the joys of being an educator is the ability to impart wisdom and inspiration in our students, but it is often the students themselves that motivate the students,” he said. “Before us is a group of students who have moved others in the school community in classrooms, on athletic fields, on the stage of our theater, and throughout our hallways on a daily basis.”

Superintendent Kristopher Harrison began his speech by piggybacking on Cohen’s recognition of the diversity of talents that the Class of 2015 has to offer. Harrison predicted that many of the students would go on to fulfill the exact careers they have in mind, and have begun to map out. He commended them for their preparation while also offering a caveat.

“Ultimately, alignment of your plans to realize your passions is what the next phase of your journey is all about,” Harrison said.

“But as we place a premium on our ability to calculate and make pragmatic decisions that shape our futures, I’m reminded that we must not ignore those unique experiences that will present themselves when we are not expecting them. So my advice to you is to not be blinded by your plan. Be ready to embrace what you don’t know and celebrate the possibilities of the unknown.”

Irvington School Board president Paul Whitney let the students know that he could relate to them as a 1981 graduate of IHS himself. However, he couldn’t relate to having access to social media outlets like Facebook to stay in touch with classmates online throughout high school.

“Take a look around you. It may not seem like it right now, but this is not just your social network, but your professional network,” Whitney said. “Now that all of the fun and learning of the past four years is done, and you turn your focus to college and beyond that to your career, this will be one of your most important and valuable assets.”

After encouraging the students to always

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Graduates walk to their seats.

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Catherine Hoy holds an umbrella.

keep in touch with that network, Whitney had a couple more suggestions for the Class of 2015.

“Travel as much as possible,” Whitney said.

“Travel is one of the best learning experiences life provides. It’s also one of the best ways to expand your professional network.”

“Be kind to people,” was his second piece of advice, which he emphasized as his most important. “Wherever you go, be kind. Kindness is, and has always been, the building block for all meaningful and useful networks.”

Finally, he said, “Now get out of here and go make the world a better place.”

Kiana Lee, the senior class president and an accomplished track and field runner who won silver in the 300-meter race at the New York State Public High School State Indoor Track and Field Championship, spoke to her classmates about perseverance.

“Personally, I’ve fallen many more times than I’ve succeeded in my life, and that is what I attribute my success to,” Lee said.

“How I look at life is that we can either learn from it or run from it, and Class of 2015, trust me when I tell you, my track season is over, and I’m tired of running.”

After letting the laughter from the crowd die down, she stressed how much more difficult life outside of IHS has the potential to be, and defined success as “the product of the many times that you’ve fallen and chosen to get back up.”

“Spend your days filled with certainty that every moment is what you make of it,” Lee said. “Fight for your dream until it is the very reality that you see amongst you.

And never, Class of 2015, under any circumstance, give up.”

Salutatorian Grace Richter used her speech to shed light on those less fortunate than her and her classmates, who unlike herself didn’t begin ninth grade thinking that graduation in four years was “inevitable.”

“Think of all the people who aren’t lucky enough to make it to graduation day,” Richter said. “Think of those who are forced to drop out of school to support their families and those who are never afforded access to an education at all. With them in mind, all of us graduating today should take with humility, enormous pride in everything we have done to get here.”

Richter went on to share advice that she described as the most important lesson she picked up from her parents.

“You can be humble and gracious while still having pride in what you’ve done,” Richter said. “However, in my opinion, having pride in your accomplishments, no matter

how great they are, does not give you the right to look down upon anyone else. No matter where you come from, what school you go to, what job you have, or what your high school rank is, you are no better or worse than anyone else. Everyone can teach you something and you should be open to learn from others.”

Valedictorian Wendy Cohen, who has no relation to the principal, but shared graduation day with her twin sister Madeline, was the last to address the students before they were officially graduates.

“I have lived in Irvington my entire life, so this town carries on its shoulders the best and worst memories of my 18 years,” Cohen began.

She went on to reminisce about separating from her twin sister for the first time in kindergarten when they had different classes, getting caught passing notes to a friend during class in second grade, and the art program being her “safe haven” in high school.

“Going to school in a small town meant we went through most of these experiences together,” Cohen said. “Maybe not holding hands and singing ‘Kumbaya,’ but as familiar faces who played on the same swing sets and read the same books and painted the same murals. I can’t say I’m best friends with everyone here today, but I still think there’s something special about graduating alongside kids I’ve shared the halls with for most of my life.”

At last, senior class adviser Carleen Julian stepped to the podium to call the names of all 142 students to get their diplomas. With diplomas in hand, the Class of 2015 was lead in the singing of the alma mater by their principal.

Then, like the first lyric in the song, “high above the mighty Hudson” flew the graduates’ caps in celebration. 

PAGE 16A — JULY 3, 2015

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GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 17A

Irvington High School

CLASS OF 2015 Sean Abarca Ibrahim Ahmed Joao Barreto Katrina Bauermeister John Belloise Bryant Benzant-Ortiz Andrew Berenson Daniel Berge Gideon Bernstein Rachel Binney Alec Black Tiara Borneman Marcus Boykin

Gaige Bandon Alexander Brandt Andrew Brennan Michael Bundrick Matthew Busel Arvid Bushati Amanda Cappello Victoria Capra Maya Carmosino Matthew Casadei Sophia Cerrito Natalia Chraim Joseph Ciccio, III

Tobias Clarke Taylor Clewell Madeline Cohen Spencer Cohen Wendy Cohen Bryan Colucci Julia Correa Salvatore Croce Kei Davey Laura DiCampli Nicholas Dinielli Amanda Drath Lallina El-Saieh

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Graduates pose for a photo.

Samuel Farman Thomas Farrell Samantha Ferraro Jolie Fisher Maggie Flynn Un Hee Fontaine Phoebe Forlenza Hope Fourie Amy Friedlander Matthew Friedlander Hikaru Funakoshi Harrison Goldfarb Maggie Gutman Havanna Hall Moona Hamad Ryan Havdala Lucas Heisler-Roman Kevin Hemmer Jack Herte Catherine Hoy Emily Jackowitz Peter Jones Amity KaminskiFrankel Maxwell Kandler Chae Young Kang Alyson Kanusher Nathaniel Kaplan Yoonkwan Kim Abigail Kingsberg Adam Krieger Edward Kuo Carly Kurland Constantine Lambros

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Posing for a photo alongside the Hudson.

Kiana Lee Rebecca Leibowitz Daniel Lorusso Molly Madden Stephen Marcellino Michael Marsh Leonardo Martinez Justin Martins Zachary Martinson Kelly Mellon Milana Miller Michael Minieri Brendan Molloy Alec Moskowitz Amanda Murray Joseph Newbury

Kristiana Nogalo Myles Novick Elizabeth Orlando David Pak Mark Paparo Ariel Pekelis Adam Pesce Kyle Pfeffer Aaron Pickar Kyle Picone Caleigh Plaut Elliot Plaut Pavithra Prabhakar Athena Quinn Joseph Ricciardella Grace Richter

Elizabeth Riley Mariano Ring Dennis Rodriguez Victor Rodriguez, III Pascale Romain Olivia Rose Gabriel Rosenblum Brian Ross Matthew Rubin Gavin Rudolph Trevor Rudolph Noah Rutkovsky Anisha Sabharwal Andrew Schieffelin Isabelle Schneider Caleb Schwartz Sierra Scott Benjamin Seltzer Bali Seyler Angela Sforza Zachary Silverhardt David Silvestre Christopher Sindoni Francesca Speiss Brianna Stangarone Sydney Stein Brandon Swersey Benjamin Tamarin Ethan Tardio Kevin Tierney Mitchell Toolan Meg Tousey-Wyatt Roxanne Trama Emma Rose Turett Tatiana Wilson Benjamin Wojnar Vivian Yan Harley Zeldes Ariadne Leah Zias Jason Ziess

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PAGE 18A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Irvington High School

AWARDS & HONORS Community Service Awards Christina Baulch, Tiara Borneman, Joseph Ciccio, Spencer Cohen, Julia Correa, Amanda Drath, Hope Fourie, Amy Friedlander, Moona Hamad, Jack Herte, Catherine Hoy, Yoon Kwan Kim, Carly Kurland, Daniel Lorusso, Molly Madden, Kristiana Nogalo, Elizabeth Orlando, Ariel Pekelis, Kyle Pfeffer, Pavithra Prabhakar, Grace Richter, Elizabeth Riley, Matthew Rubin, Anisha Sabharwal, Caleb Schwartz, Sierra Scott, Zachary Silverhadt, David Silvestre, Brandon Swersey, Benjamin Tamarin, Ethan Tardio, Kevin Tierney, Emma Rose Turett, Tatiana Wilson, Benjamin Wojnar Academic/Personal Growth Carly Kurland, Angela Sforza

Triumph Award Amanda Cappello, Taylor Clewell

Senior English Award Caleb Schwartz Margot Weiss SUPA Award Ethan Tardio Special Recognition Awards Pavithra Prabhakar, Harley Zeldes Liberty Green Memorial Award (French) Wendy Cohen French 5 Honors Award Matthew Rubin Spanish 5 Honors Award Gaige Brandon, Julia Correa, Peter Jones AP Spanish Award Elizabeth Riley, Sierra Scott, Sydney Stein Latin AP Award Caleigh Plaut, Sierra Scott

Architecture Award- Excellence in Technology Jack Herte, Joseph Ricciardella, David Silvestre

Latin 4 Honors Award Grace Richter, Elizabeth Riley Spanish Merit Award Andrew Brennan, Joao Pedro Barretto, Laura DiCampli

Design Award Joseph Ciccio, Michael Minieri

James Maddaloni Scholarship Caleb Schwartz

Photo Award Jason Ziess

JP Ludington Award Caleigh Plaut

Bulldog Journalism Paw Print Christina Baulch

National Choral Award Chae Young Kang

Art Award Emma Rose Turett

Guidance Award Tatiana Wilson

Graphic Design Award Julia Correa

Donald Robert Award Yoon Kwan Kim

Phil Friedman Achievement Award Wendy Cohen

Orchestra Director’s Award Amanda Cappello

Beethoven Award Julia Correa, Moona Hamad, Aaron Pickar, Addie Zias Leonard Bernstein Award Tiara Borneman, Alexander Brandt Louis Armstrong Jazz Award Spencer Cohen, Nicholas Dinielli, Ethan Tardio

The Natalie Luzzi Determination and Dedication Award Christina Baulch, Joseph Ciccio, Matthew Rubin The Band Director’s Award Nicholas Dinielli, Myles Novick, Brandon Swersey Flag Team Award Anisha Sabharwal

John Phillip Sousa Award Tiara Borneman, Ryan Havdala, Catherine Hoy, Mark Paparo, Caleb Schwartz Excellence in Physical Education Award Julia Correa, Peter Jones PGC Margot Weiss Memorial Award Matthew Casadei, Andrew Schieffelin James Power Award Matt Casadei

Science Achievement Award Elizabeth Riley Science Award Amanda Drath

Social Studies Award Grace Richter, Sierra Scott, Benjamin Wojnar Economics Award Caleigh Plaut

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Thomas Farrell hugs assistant principal Deborah Mariniello.

Drama Award Hope Fourie, Chae Young Kang Andrew Huzinec Award Maya Carmosino, Benjamin Tamarin Soravilla Award Samuel Farman Schrader Award Mitchell Toolan Paul Cocozza II Award Nathaniel Kaplan Jessie Ian Nursing Award Moona Hamad Kathleen Downey Nursing Award Julia Correa, Yoon Kwan Kim Vladimir Cale Memorial Award Meg Tousey-Wyatt Tamawa Yoshida Award Chae Young Kang Chris Massa Memorial Award Katrina Bauermeister Hajek Award Nicholas Dinielli

Herms Scholarship Peter Jones, Caleb Schwartz Frank McShane Award Anisha Sabharwal

Richard S. Philips Award Myles Novick, Elizabeth Riley

O’Hara Family Memorial Award Rachel Binney, Hope Fourie

Nannina Rasulo Memorial Award Hope Fourie, Sierra Scott

David Scott Altman Memorial Award Peter Jones, Meg Tousey-Wyatt Ali Nilsson Speechley Award Olivia Rose

Billy Starr Memorial Award Carly Kurland, Myles Novick

Irvington Faculty Association Christina Baulch, Mitchell Toolan Retirees of the Irvington Faculty Association Scholarship Award Nicholas Dinielli

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19A

Congratulations Graduates!

260 Jay Street • Katonah, NY 10536 • 914.232.3161 • admissions@harveyschool.org • www.harveyschool.org A coeducational college preparatory school enrolling students in grades 6–12 for day and in grades 9–12 for five-day boarding.

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 19A

CLASS OF 2015 COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CHOICES Iona College Ithaca College James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Keene State College Lafayette College Lehman College of the CUNY Loyola University Maryland Manhattan College Manhattanville College McGill University Mercy College Mount Holyoke College Nazareth College New York University Northeastern University Pace University, New York City Pace University, Westchester Pennsylvania State University, University Park Reed College Sacred Heart University Santa Clara University

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

College names and logos decorate graduates’ mortarboards.

Santa Monica College Stony Brook University SUNY Albany SUNY Cortland SUNY Delhi

SUNY Geneseo SUNY Morrisville State College SUNY Purchase College Syracuse University The University of Texas, Austin

IHS AWARDS

Senior Marra Awards 2015 Katrina Bauermeister, Christina Baulch, Bryant Benzant-Ortiz, Joao Barreto, Natalia Chraim, Taylor Clewell, Lana Coffey, Madeline Cohen, Bryan Colucci, Un Hee Fontaine, Maggie Gutman, Moona Hamad, Lucas Heisler-Roman, Jack Herte, Peter Jones, Yoon Kwan Kim, Michael Minieri, Athena Quinn, Elizabeth Riley, Victor Rodriguez, Olivia Rose, Matthew Rubin, Trevor Rudolph, Angela Sforza, Brandon Swersey, Ethan Tardio, Mitchell Toolan

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18A

Lawrence Corio Scholarship Award Brandon Swersey

Dr. Scott Mosenthal Scholarship Award Rachel Binney I.K. Benjamin Scholarship Amy Friedlander, Elizabeth Riley

PTSA Scholarship Award Christina Baulch, Victoria Capra, Hope Fourie, Carly Kurland, Michael Minieri, Pavithra Prabhakar

School Spirit Sam Farman, Carly Kurland, Zachary Silverhardt

Eileen Fisher Foundation PTSA Scholarship Rachel Binney Michele Buell Memorial PTSA Scholarship Caleb Schwartz

American Association of the University of Women: Excellence in Writing Grace Richter American Association of the University of Women: Outstanding Student Wendy Cohen New York State Comptroller Student Achievement Award Catherine Hoy, Sydney Stein Rivertowns Lions Club Award Zachary Silverhardt

Attorney General Triple C Award Bryan Colucci, Thomas Farrell

Award of Special Congressional Recognition Moona Hamad

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Kiana Lee, Rachel Binney, Julia Correa and Lizzie Riley pose for a photo.

Marine Corps: Distinguished Athlete Award Adam Krieger, Kiana Lee Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis Music Award Nicholas Dinielli Marine Corps: Scholastic Excellence Wendy Cohen Fred Maier Rotary Scholarship Award Kiana Lee Rotary Club of the Tarrytowns Dave Bridges Award Nicholas Dinielli, Hope Fourie Taconic Roadrunners “Hooked on Running” Award Elizabeth Riley

Senior Leadership Awards 2015 Joao Pedro Barreto, Rachel Binney, Tiara Borneman, Matthew Casadei, Spencer Cohen, Wendy Cohen, Julia Correa, Amanda Drath, Maggie Flynn, Amy Friedlander, Harrison Goldfarb, Ryan Havdala, Catherine Hoy, Peter Jones, Max Kandler, Aly Kanusher, Nathaniel Kaplan, Carly Kurland, Kiana Lee, Kristiana Nogalo, Myles Novick, Caleigh Plaut, Aaron Pickar, Elizabeth Riley, Olivia Rose, Gabriel Rosenblum, Matthew Rubin, Anisha Sabharwal, Andrew Schiefflin, Caleb Schwartz, Bali Seyler, Meg Tousey-Wyatt, Ben Wojnar, Jason Ziess

Most Improved Athlete Award Matt Casadei, Maggie Flynn, Justin Martins, Olivia Rose

Young Heroine/Hero Award Rachel Binney, Matthew Friedlander, Adam Pesce

Towson University Tulane University Union College University of Arizona University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of Colorado at Boulder University of Maryland, College Park University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Rhode Island University of Wisconsin, Madison Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University West Virginia University Westchester Community College

Scholarship Award John Belloise, Catherine Hoy, Peter Jones Ali Speechley Memorial Scholarship Olivia Rose Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Award Alex Brandt, Elizabeth Riley The Bill Dyer “Gung Ho” Scholarship Laura DiCampli, Mitchell Toolan Peter Oley Scholarship Award Alex Brandt, Mark Paparo, Elizabeth Riley Gina Maher Family Scholarship Laura DiCampli, Havanna Hall, Catherine Hoy, Roxanne Trama Bill Otivich Spirit Award Havanna Hall, Adam Krieger Harold Meszaros Coaches’ Award Peter Jones, Roxanne Trama Athlete of the Year Andrew Brennan, Kiana Lee

Sportsmanship Award Julia Correa, Nick Dinielli U.S. Marine Corps Award Ryan Havdala

Westchester Track Club Scholarship Kiana Lee

Paul Sateriale Memorial Scholarship Harley Zeldes Billy Starr Memorial Scholarship Adam Krieger

Jason Bednarz Memorial Scholarship Mitchell Toolan Leonard C. Balducci Memorial

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Snapping a selfie before the ceremony.

Frank Campo 914-478-4959

572 Warburton Avenue Hastings-on-Hudson frankcampo@allstate.com

Our best wishes to all graduates, class of 2015 © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

137630

Amherst College Barnard College Binghamton University Boston College Brown University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Coastal Carolina University Colgate University Cornell University CUNY-Macaulay Honors College Curry College University of Delaware Emerson College Fordham University Georgetown University Hamilton College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hunter College of the CUNY Husson University Indiana University at Bloomington

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PAGE 20A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Graham P. Arrick of Hastings graduated cum laude from Boston University on May 17 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

Alana M. Barlia of Irvington graduated cum laude from Boston University on May 17 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

Kyra Berasi of Hastings graduated from Boston University on May 17 with a Juris Doctor.

Jacob Bernard of Irvington graduated from the College of Wooster on May 11 with a Bachelor of Arts in communications sciences and disorders.

Nelligan Boff of Irvington graduated from Union College on June 14 with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology.

John B. Boyle of Irvington graduated cum laude from Hamilton College on May 24 with a Bachelor of Arts in classical languages and history.

He received departmental honors in classical languages.

Kleckner Charles II of Ardsley graduated from the Graduate College at the University of Vermont on May 17 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Dominique H. Cheung of Ardsley graduated from Boston University on May 17 with a Master of Arts in psychology.

Nicholas Claps of Hastings graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University on May 16 with a Bachelor of Arts in

HHS AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14A

Alumni Association James V. Harmon Scholarship Kerri-Ann Seredinsky Alumni Association Ronald Lindemann Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship Miles Gencarelli Alumni Association Gulish Family Art Scholarship Lauren DeSouza Alumni Association Kantor Family Math & Engineering Scholarship Nicholas Wilt Alumni Association Julius Chemka Memorial Scholarship Matthew Linder PTSA Scholarship for Academics and Service Rachel Chang, Julia Morriss PTSA R. William Hildebrand Scholarship Adam Willson PTSA Scholarship for Service Ava Dishian, Kerri-Ann Seredinsky So-Yin Hui Chan Foundation Classical Musician Scholarship Adam Willson Skylar Sonn Tancredi Memorial Award Ashley Bannon, George Nolan RiverArts Award Lauren Weiner Dawn Taylor Memorial Art Award Lauren DeSouza

international political economy and minors in economics and political science. He was awarded The Rev. Ferdinand Verbiest, S.J., Award for demonstrating outstanding scholastic achievement in the major in international political economy.

As a student in the top one percent of his class, he was elected early to Phi Beta Kappa as a junior, as well as the honor societies of Alpha Sigma Nu, Phi Kappa Phi, and Omicron Delta Epsilon. He is also the recipient of the Fordham Founder’s Undergraduate Scholarship.

Elizabeth Cornell of Dobbs Ferry graduated from Lehigh University on May 18 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated arts and engineering.

Jeremiah Curtis-Shanley graduated from Purchase College on May 15 with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

For the last year, he developed and funded a chemistry club for students in grades 2-6 at PEARLS Hawthorne School in Yonkers, where he studied how children learn and how they become involved in science. The program became the basis of his senior presentation. He will attend Columbia University in the fall.

Michelle DeLuca of Irvington graduated from the College of Saint Rose on May 9 with a certificate of advanced study degree and a Master of Science in education.

Dakota Kyle Dinaso of Ardsley graduated from Bryant University on May 16 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in finance.

Lisa Dixon of Ardsley graduated from Villanova University on May 16 with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Kaitlin A. Egloff of Irvington received her associate degree at the Culinary Institute of America. She also received the Katherine Angell Academic Achievement Award and the President Award for the highest grade point average. She will return to the Culinary Institute in the fall to earn her bachelor’s degree in food science.

George Fabian Epstein of Dobbs Ferry graduated cum laude from Cornell University on May 24 with a Bachelor of Arts in physics. He minored in education and French.

Karla S. Leon Espinosa of Ardsley graduated from Boston University on May 17 with a Master of Arts in Latin American studies.

Edward R. Fattorini of Dobbs Ferry graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst on May 8 with a Bachelor of Science in public health sciences and a minor in sociology.

Brett Fischler of Ardsley graduated summa cum laude from Tufts

Richard Royster Helping Hand Scholarship Anthony Scioscia

Katherine Hamilton of Dobbs Ferry graduated from Lehigh University on May 18 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.

Laura Heavey of Ardsley graduated from Keene State College on May 9 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Katelyn Hennes of Irvington graduated from Champlain College on May 9 with a Bachelor of Science in early childhood/elementary education.

Helayna Herschkorn of Irvington earned a doctorate in school psychology in January from St. John’s University. She participated in the university’s doctoral hooding ceremony on May 7 and graduation ceremony on May 17.

Julia Hogan of Hastings graduated from Bowdoin College on May 23 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She minored in chemistry.

President’s Award for Academic Excellence Sasha Clarick, Jacob Ascher, Ariel Goldszmidt, Evan Cain, Joshua Odrich, Harrison Harmon, Beckett Morris, Bridget Sheridan, Collin Wisniewski, Camille Rapay

Yellow Jackets Booster Club Scholarship Ashley Bannon, Matthew Linder

President’s Award for Educational Achievement Yiorgos Argyros, Noah Baron, Chloe Cottineau, Elena LaPlante, Jacqueline Addona, Alba Borici, Sandra Larson, Catherine White, Michelle Perri, William Daly, Gabriel Natale, Max Shermet, Sandro Gerber, Rohan Cherian-Ashe, Cara Colao, Alejandra Villanueva

Plocharski Award Adam Willson Fred J. Maier Quad-Village Rotary Scholarship Annabelle Allen Hastings Teachers Association Scholarship Ava Dishian

from the Georgia Institute of Technology on May 1 with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering.

Heng Jin Kim of Dobbs Ferry graduated from the University of New Hampshire on May 16 with a Master of Studies in mathematics.

Stephanie Lane of Dobbs Ferry graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Bowdoin College on May 6 with a Bachelor of Arts in government and legal studies and a minor in English. She received the Government and Legal Studies Department’s 2015 Government and Legal Studies Department Prize for Excellence in Political Theory and the English Department’s 2015 Mary B. Sinkinson Short Story Prize.

Emmett Lewis of Hastings graduated from Vassar College on May 31 with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy.

Jessica Lilling of Dobbs Ferry graduated from Lehigh University on May 18 with a Bachelor of Science in business and economics.

Craig T. Link of Ardsley graduated from SUNY Fredonia on May 16 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and marketing.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21A

Edward Jung of Hastings graduated

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10A

Grace Harlow Athletic Achievement & Sportsmanship Award Lauren DeSouza, Miles Gencarelli

Harmon, Juliette Kost, Bailey McGillian, Andrew Ford James-McWhirter, Christopher Moores, Beckett Moores, Gabriel Natale, Joshua Odrich, Michelle Perri, Caitlin Perry, Camille Rapay, Gabrielle Rossillo, Dorel (Paul) Serban, Sean Sheely, Bridget Sheridan, Max Shermet, Olivia Smith, Henry Tashman, Catherine White IB Learner Award Chloe Cottineau, Ryan Mitchell, Max Shermet IB Certificate Candidate Award for Achievement and Effort Collin Wisniewski IB Diploma Scholars Award Sasha Clarick

President’s Award for Educational Achievement for Growth Molly Altholz, Juliet Dooz, Jeffery Garcia

Dr. Cy Gruberg Scholarship Leila Hirschfeld, Nicholas Wilt Peter Reut Mohamed Nassar

Theodore Myers Alyssa Gunther

Emma Gentile of Hastings graduated from Lehigh University on May 18 with a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral neuroscience.

DFHS AWARDS

Mary Lou Dickinson Academic Achievement & Athletic Ability Award Anthony Scioscia, Hannah Stein

Ruth E. Barton Ashley Bannon

University on May 17. He was salutatorian of the Tufts School of Engineering. In June, he will begin work as a software engineer at Bloomberg in New York City.

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Rohan Cherian-Ashe hugs Dan Foresti.

IB Diploma Candidates Anna Acocella, Jacqueline Addona, Yiorgos Argyros, Jacob Ascher, Noah Baron, Mohammad Boozarjomehri, Alba Borici, Evan Cain, Anders Carlton, Rohan Cherian-Ashe, Alexander Chuang, Sasha Clarick, Julianne Cornell, Chloe Cottineau, William Daly, Maria Garganourakis, Ariel Goldszmidt, Harris

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Chloe Cottineau helps Jacob Ascher with is mortarboard.

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20A

James F. Majeau of Dobbs Ferry graduated from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College on May 17 with a Bachelor of Science in television, radio and media production. He minored in communication studies.

Majeau was a member of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society and he won the 2013 Golden Doorknob Film Award.

Mary McDonald of Hastings graduated from Georgetown University School of Law on May 17.

Upon completion of the bar exam, she will be an associate at Latham & Watkins in New York City.

Emma McGahan of Ardsley graduated cum laude from Muhlenberg College on May 16 with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and a minor in anthropology.

She was also a Dana Scholar. She will participate in the Disney College Program at Disney World this fall.

Sydney Newman of Ardsley graduated with honors from The School of Visual Arts on May 15 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration. She will pursue a career in illustration.

Christopher Ognibene of Dobbs Ferry graduated from Marist College on May 22 with a Bachelor of Science in applied Mathematics.

Meagan O’Toole of Hastings graduated from The University of Scranton on May 31 with a Bachelor of Science in early and primary teacher education.

Brittany E. Paul of Irvington graduated from The University of Scranton on May 31 with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Ashley Riefenhauser of Dobbs Ferry graduated with honors from SUNY New Paltz on May 17 with a Bachelor of Arts in communications/media production. She was inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, SUNYAC All Academic Team for College Basketball, SUNYAC Commissioners List for College Basketball, and Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society.

She was also named to the Strength

GRADUATION

and Conditioning All American Team. She plans to work in film and television production.

Danielle Roberts of Dobbs Ferry graduated from Keene State College on May 9 with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre/acting.

Michael Sacks of Dobbs Ferry graduated from Marist College on May 22 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

Julia Salinaro of Hastings graduated from Dartmouth College on June 14 as one of eight salutatorians.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in biology. She will attend Duke University School of Medicine in August and will pursue a dual MD/MPH degree.

Jared O. Scharf of Hastings graduated from Colby College on May 24 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Spanish.

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 21A

Bachelor of Arts in classics. Since she is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. She received the Herbert Goodman Barrows Prize for the highest standing in Greek language and literature; the Herbert Goodman Barrows Prize for the highest standing in Latin language and literature; and the J. Orin Oliphant Graduation Prize for the highest average among those receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Alison Shlom of Ardsley graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado at Boulder on May 9 with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and minors in dance and French.

Dylan S. Smith of Hastings graduated from Colby College on May 24.

He majored in economics with a concentration in financial markets and mathematical sciences.

Debra Schwartz of Ardsley graduated from the College of Saint Rose on May 9 with a certificate of advanced study degree.

Naomi Smith of Dobbs Ferry graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Vermont on May 17 with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology.

Jamie Shedrofsky of Irvington graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University on May 17 with a

Kristen Stein of Ardsley graduated summa cum laude from Pace University on May 19 with a Bachelor

of Arts in communications. She was accepted to the Pace Honors College, was on the dean’s list every semester, was recognized as among the top 100 scholars in her graduating class, and was inducted into five national honor societies. She studied in Rome for a semester and completed an independent research project on celebrity philanthropy. She will attend Pace’s graduate school this fall.

Matthew Stein of Ardsley graduated from Pace University on May 20 with a Master of Arts in management for public safety and homeland security professionals. He was on the dean’s list, was a member of the Pace Political Action Club, and was the vice president of Alpha Phi Delta, a fraternal organization.

Michael I. Stein of Hastings graduated from American University on May 9 with university honors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Stein was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2014 and spring 2015 semesters. He spent the spring semester studying at University College London. He plans to pursue a career in public policy in Washington, D.C. Mark William Sudak of Dobbs Ferry graduated from SUNY Potsdam on May 17 with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and a double minor in biology and wilderness education.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22A

NEXT SUMMER SESSION STARTS August 3 FALL CLASSES START September 8

It Is An Honor To Study AT WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE You may know that we are the largest and most affordable college in the county. You may also know our award-winning professors teach classes in more than 60 different academic programs. But did you know that more than ninety percent of our Honors Program students go on to their first choice for a four-year college or university?

914-606-6735 ▪ sunywcc.edu

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PAGE 22A — JULY 3, 2015

GRADUATION

Class of 2015

Rachel Wiskind of Ardsley graduated cum laude on from Tufts University on May 17 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic studies. She is now the director of youth engagement at Temple Israel of Westport, Conn.

COLLEGES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21A

Ian Thomas of Hastings graduated from Bucknell University on May 17 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Brie P. Thompson of Irvington graduated from The University of Scranton on May 31 with a Bachelor of Science in counseling and human services.

Matt Wolkowitz of Hastings graduated from Brown University/ Trinity Repertory Company on May 24 with an MFA in acting.

This summer, he will appear in” My Name is Asher Lev” at Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point, N.Y.

Nathan Torda of Hastings graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College on May 23 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Seiichiro Ueda of Irvington graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute on May 16 with a Bachelor of Science in robotics engineering with distinction.

Elizabeth Valenzuela of Hastings graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University on May 12 with a Bachelor of Science in communication.

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

JOHN MEORE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Hastings High School grads Max Elias, Ava Dishian, Gabe Diaz and Adam Deutsch exit the Cochran Gym.

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

Max Shermet, Bridget Sheridan and Grant Sheely join their Dobbs Ferry classmates in applauding for their parents.

Graduation A special section of

The Rivertowns Enterprise 95 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 (914) 478-2787 www.rivertownsenterprise.net

Isabella Young of Dobbs Ferry graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology on May 1 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration.

John van Essche of Ardsley graduated from Union College on June 14 with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

PUBLISHER .......................... Deborah G. White SECTION EDITOR ................... Timothy Lamorte EDITORIAL ASSISTANT............Ilana Goldstein ART DIRECTOR ...................... Ann Marie Rezen AD DESIGN.............................. Suzanne Brown AD SALES ......Marilyn Petrosa, Thomas O’Halloran, Barbara Yeaker, Francesca Lynch COVER PHOTO .......................... John Meore

Hanna Wilson of Irvington graduated from Marist College on May 22 with a Bachelor of Arts in communication.

TIM LAMORTE/RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

©2015 W.H. WHITE PUBLICATIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT THE PUBLISHER’S WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Hastings High School grads mimic a gesture made popular by NBA player James Harden.

Congratulations to our graduating seniors!

Sofia Aklog - Amherst College

Noah Li - Cornell University

Isra Ameen - University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)

Zara Mian - George Washington University

Thomas Brady - Connecticut College

Sueh Ono - SUNY Fredonia in music education and performance

Henry Brooks - Davidson College

John Ostertag - Syracuse University

Jacqueline Brown - Columbia University

Jonathan Rusoff - University of Pittsburgh

Serena Cattau - Smith College

Talia Schulman - The Hartt School

Kirstie Connon - SUNY Oneonta

Justin Shin - Washington University

DiYu Fisher - Yale University

Koji Shiromoto - McGill University

Ezra Gans - University of Michigan

Richard Simonds - Haverford College

Caroline Huh - Smith College

Andrew Starr - Hamilton College

Rebecca Julie - University of Chicago

Evan Suzman - Vanderbilt University

Samantha Kapner - Vanderbilt University

Adam Willson - Oberlin College of Arts & Sciences and Conservatory of Music

Julia Klezl - Technische Universität Wien Vikram Kohli - Northwestern University Sam Koslowsky - Clark University

Seeing andElectronics Hearing Like Never Before Value congratulates theNew graduating class to of 2015 Visit Our Showroom Experience and our special graduate.

4K Ultra HDTV and Hi-Res Audio We wish you success and happiness in your future endeavors.

Ray Zhang - University of Michigan Edwin Zhou - University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)

List incomplete at time of printing.

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THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE

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GRADUATION

JULY 3, 2015— PAGE 23A

2 Months • 6 Camps One Great Summer!

Baseball | Basketball | Football Lacrosse | Soccer Scholar-Athlete (now CO-ED)

Now Enrolling Grades K-12 Schedule a Tour | Call Today Discover & Experience Iona Prep

Iona Preparatory School K-12 Where Leaders Are Made (914) 632-0714 | Admissions@IonaPrep.org | www.IonaPrep.org

PAGE 24A — JULY 3, 2015

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GRADUATION

THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE