Wallkill Valley students march into future

HAMBURG — “Pomp and Circumstance,” proud parents, and young smiles gathered, June 19, at the 2017 Wallkill Valley Regional High School commencement as 167 graduating seniors proceeded into the packed auditorium as friends and family cheered their achievement.
The commencement involved many of the graduating Seniors and Wallkill Valley students. Tyler Small, Student Council Secretary, led the auditorium in the Pledge of Allegiance; the Wallkill Valley Choir beautifully sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” a cappella; and Senior Class Vice President Megan Mamarella welcomed and thanked faculty, family, friends, and congratulated her fellow 2017 classmates.
The crowd recognized Valedictorian Gabriella Ciasullo and Salutatorian Randi Lyn Hornyak with applause and cheers.
Senior Class President Scott Mueller spoke of “The Past,” highlighting gratitude and successes. Mueller said the 2017 graduates received over $4 million in scholarship offers; track athletes set nine school records; the boys' and girls' teams went undefeated; soccer players went to the division championship for the first time; the class helped raise over $70,000 for the March of Dimes; the choir received numerous superior ratings; artists earned scholarships; and they started the school's first Gamers Club.
Salutatorian Hornyak spoke about “The Present.” She thanked everyone in the audience for what they had done for the class of 2017, in helping them grow. She reminded the audience to cherish this last gathering before going on “our separate paths,” and to be present in these moments, not just living to share on social media. She included, “Admire what is right in front of you.”
Valedictorian Ciasullo talked about “The Future.” She spoke of beginning a new chapter, whether college, work force, serving in the military, or as of yet, undetermined. Ciasullo said, the class will use careers, paths, and passions to make a difference.
She added, “Right now, all of our families are proud of us and are experiencing the sense of relief that we're all actually graduating.”
Assistant Principal Vito A. Morgese recognized eight graduates who will serve “our country as members of the U.S. Military;” and 35 students who were selected as local scholarship recipients by a committee of faculty representing all subject areas.