Hilton High School graduates (l-r) Maria Jackson, Carleen Rutherford and Hannah Cliff are also candidates to receive International Baccalaureate diplomas, possibly the most distinguished academic credential a high school student can earn. Jennifer Lohrmann, Taylor McHenry and Elena Quigley are also IB diploma candidates. Candidates for graduation walked across the stage at the SERC on The College at Brockport campus June 22 during Hilton High School’s 114th Commencement Ceremony.
“We’re now flying on our own guided by all of the people around us,” said Mikael Pelkey, Senior Class co-president.
Co-President Maria Jackson told her classmates, “My words may get lost in your head today, but you will remember this day for the rest of your life.”
Valedictorian Carleen Rutherford looked out over the sea of caps and gowns and told her fellow graduates that she could see the potential in every student sitting before her.
“The process of reinventing oneself happens at a gradual pace and over time,” said Salutatorian Ashley Shtoyko. “We can’t forget who we were. Use every piece of yourself to shape who you will become.”
The Class of 2013 selected Social Studies Teacher Annette Wattie to deliver their commencement address. She provided the graduates with “some handy dandy tools” to use as they embark on their adult lives. “Learn to communicate clearly,” she advised them. “Look in someone’s face and read their expressions and body language.” Wattie also told students to create a sense of value for their lives and to get to know themselves. “Look back to where you started for the moral compass that will guide you … trust your heart … live your dreams – don’t lose sight of them,” she said.
Post graduate plans for the Hilton Class of 2013 include 46 percent attending four-year colleges; 35 percent attending two-year colleges; two percent heading to other post-secondary schools; three percent entering the military; and 14 percent entering the workforce.
The Hilton Commencement Ceremony will be shown on Cable 12 at 7 p.m. on July 15 and 20, August 12 and 17, and at www.hilton.k12.ny.us.
