Graduates Urged to Remain True to Taconic Spirit
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Nothing could deter the 233 graduating seniors — not the long, awkward pause before the valedictorian was to deliver the speech her teacher forgot backstage, not the raucous fight in the audience that saw officers escorting out spectators and definitely not the beach ball that bobbed around in a sea of green and gold.
In her speech, valedictorian Allison R. Comeau explained the importance of remaining true to the Taconic spirit as she and her classmates "move forward in their journey."
"We took advantage of the numerous paths Taconic offers us in order to pursue our interests and goals. It is within this accepting atmosphere that we have come together to be the class that we are, one that came together so strongly at the beginning of this senior year that we were victorious at the fall pep rally. But it is more than just volume of our voices yelling the 'Whose house? Braves' house!" chant together that shows our true strength as a class; it is our collective spirit that distinguishes who we are," Comeau, an engineering science student, said.
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She went on to say that it is this camaraderie that will see the class into the future.
"The right decision for us may not always be the easy one and we might not always make the best choice but any challenges will hopefully help us to learn and encourage us to grow. It is important to realize that while we cannot be perfect, we must keep moving forward, continue on our paths and welcome any unexpected twists as they might turn out to be wonderful opportunities. The experiences and community of Taconic have helped to prepare us for the decisions we face and the strong bonds we created as a class will be there for support while we turn our great potential into reality," Comeau said.
As hundreds of parents, friends and well-wishers used the programs as fans, co-salutatorian Jessica Ziemek followed through with her pre-speech promise to keep it short.
"In a world where nothing is definite and things do not always work out, we have to learn how to move forward and how to make things better for our generation and generations to come," Ziemek, before reciting the graduation staple "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.
The impact this year's graduates will have on the future — and their obligation to pass on their knowledge — was a theme that Principal Douglas McNally also noted in his address to the outgoing senior class.
"Hopefully, your generation can put an end to the question of whether a woman or people of color can lead the country or a corporation. There are students who are not letting the prejudices of past generations stand in their way ... they are pursuing their dreams," said McNally, who added that Taconic's education prepared them for "a new world in which tolerance rules."
Co-salutatorian Jessica Blasioli told the students sitting before her in the school gymnasium that what lies ahead will determine what kind of legacy the THS class leaves behind.
"As we gather here for the last time as the class of 2008, I want to leave you with some advice. No matter where life takes you, always stay true to yourself. Never let anyone tell you who you are or what you're capable of," Blasioli said. "Only you can decide those things."
