Our Pine Bush High School Class of 2024 is now complete! Congratulations to Derek A. Bermudez, Nicole DesJardins, Jason H. Jervis Jr., William Russell Jr., Juaon Brandon and Yehudit Laryea who earned their diplomas on Wednesday, Aug. 21. They were enthusiastically cheered by their family and friends as well as school and district officials.
These seniors were greeted by their family members and friends at the graduation ceremony in the high school library. They walked in to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance, wearing their blue caps and gowns.
Pine Bush High School Assistant Principal Anna-Marisa Estep greeted them and congratulated them on their accomplishment this summer.
“The August graduation ceremony is always a special one for me because these graduates you see on the stage here today are students who never gave up ,” she said. “They continued to persevere and overcome obstacles to make it to graduation. That perseverance will serve them well throughout their lives.”
Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer enthusiastically praised the students for their efforts.
“I couldn’t be prouder of you,” said Mr. Hopmayer. “It’s a big deal to graduate high school, I don’t care if it’s August or June. My truest congratulations on a job well done. You earned this day!”
Their principal also reminded them that this isn’t an end, but a beginning for them, whatever they choose to do in the future. And, he reminded them, the door here at PBHS is always open to them.
Interim Superintendent Amy Brockner added her congratulations to the new graduates.
“Today marks a celebration of your journey and growth,” she said. “Let’s reflect on two key themes: perseverance and resilience.
“Your path to this day wasn’t always easy,” Ms. Brockner continued. “You faced challenges and obstacles, but through perseverance – getting back up after each fall – you’ve reached this milestone.”
Resilience, she added, is the ability to bounce back and grow stronger from setbacks.
“Each challenge you encountered was an opportunity to learn and adapt. And because you did, you’ve earned your high school diploma.”
Board of education Vice President Kristi Kheiralla spoke with her own message as well as that of board President Gretchen Meier, who could not attend the graduation.
“This is such an important occasion,” she said. “We are all incredibly proud of each one of you.”
On behalf of Ms. Meier, she said “Today is the first day of your next adventure. You’ve proven you are capable and strong. Use that to make your dreams come true. Celebrate yourselves today! You’ve earned it!”
That they did! The students and their families and friends celebrated with cupcakes afterward, taking pictures together, soaking in the moment!
“Embrace future challenges with the same determination and strength that brought you here today,” Ms. Brockner told the group. “The skills you’ve developed will help you face whatever comes next. Here’s to your bright future!”
Congratulations to our Pine Bush High School Class of 2024 – in total! Great things await!
