Marcellus Senior High School Commencement Ceremony 2010

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”. With those words from Dr. Seuss, John Durkee, Marcellus Senior High School Principal, summed up the spirit of celebration that prevailed at the 2010 Marcellus Central School District Commencement Ceremony. The event was held on June 27th in the newly renovated Groeling Auditorium. The Class of 2010 was greeted by the cheers of family and friends as they entered the auditorium to the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” by the Marcellus Senior High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Michael Cirmo. Kaitlyn Colle opened the ceremony as she led the Pledge of Allegiance which was followed by the Alma Mater sung by the high school select choir, True Sound, directed by Brian Ackles. Senior Class president Jodi Just was next on the agenda with a speech that was punctuated by passion, love, and a tear or two. She urged her classmates to “find their own success and place in the world”. Just’s comments took both students and audience members on a journey that began in Kindergarten and culminated on the graduation stage. She reminded the Class of 2010 that, “We have the power to change the world, and we can definitely change our local communities.” A special highlight of graduation in Marcellus has always been the senior class slide show, and this year’s presentation provided an exceptional look at the character of this class. Slide show creator Francesca Tangredi, Class of 2010, mixed photos and music with a touch of tenderness as she presented a poignant photographic essay that filled the auditorium with heartfelt memories spanning the years from Kindergarten to graduation. Following the slide show the Marcellus High School Symphonic Band performed “Finale from the Firebird Suite”. In what has become a Marcellus commencement ceremony tradition, Durkee introduced the military service recognition segment of the program. The Class of 2010 along with the audience expressed their enthusiastic appreciation as Durkee announced the following military service recognitions:

• Derek Belvito – United States Air Force
• Ian McMahon – United States Marines
• Anthony Lapczynski III – Drexel University ROTC Scholarship

Marcellus Senior High School has long had a tradition of recognizing its Honors Graduates (90 or better GPA) at the Commencement Ceremony and Principal Durkee called each honored graduate for recognition. The “Honors Address” speaker Victoria Peryea focused on a theme of looking forward to the future, “ As you reflect on times past and look to the future, resolve right now that you will have an impact…….With each success celebrate, but also push yourself ……. We have humanitarians in this class who will, and already have, changed the world.” Peryea’s words were a beautiful blend of reflection and anticipation. The presentation of honors and awards was next on the agenda as Durkee and Dr. Craig Tice, Superintendent of Schools, made the following presentations:

Chester S. Driver & Lucy M. Sweet Scholarship Awards – These awards are in memory of Chester S. Driver, first administrator of the Marcellus Central School, and for 25 years, its District Principal & Lucy M. Sweet, a former teacher with the Marcellus School District.
Joseph Garrant, Nathan Heath, Jodi Just, Mary Kate Kelley, Keith Shields

Donald Kilcoyne Award for Occupational Education Students – An award donated by the Marcellus Optimist Club to this year’s most outstanding BOCES graduate.
Lindsay Malek

Richard Fetterman/Reginald Durant Science Award – An outstanding Science student, with all-around abilities given in memory of Mr. Richard Fetterman, long-time Chairperson of the Science Department.
Matthew Coon

Malcolm Memorial Award – An award donated by the daughters of John R. Malcolm who, for 38 years, served as President of the Marcellus Board of Education.
Megan Blackmer

Stephen E. Phillips Writing Award – This award is given to seniors who have exhibited outstanding writing talent.
Writing Effort, Improvement & Excellence – Mary Whitehead
Outstanding Writing – Daniel Poorman

Mulroy Scholarship Fund – An award established by Mildred R. Mulroy pursuant to the provisions of her last will and testament. This award is given to students pursuing an education in the field of mathematics and/or science.
Kaitlyn Colle and Michael Tao

Rotary Scholarship Award – An award given to a senior for outstanding achievement in business and information systems.
Kara Curtis-Edwards

Robert Earl Baker Memorial Scholarship – A four-year scholarship given to a student meeting the criteria of Mr. Baker’s will.
William Nolan

Marcellus Faculty Association Scholar Incentive Award - given by the faculty of Marcellus presented by Mr.Durkee. Victoria Peryea

Marcellus High School Character Award – To two students who embody Marcellus High School’s value traits in and out of school.
Victoria Peryea

Rotary Achievement Award – Cash Award by the Marcellus Rotary for a student who has demonstrated high achievement in scholastic and community involvement and leadership.
Daniel Isgar

Michael Cogswell Memorial Scholarship – Given in memory of Michael Cogswell to a student who has combined English and musical talent.
Daniel Poorman

Dorothy Long Scholarship Fund – Given by the Class of 1936 to honor their class advisor Dorothy Long.
Samantha Vulcano

Michael Carlson Memorial Student/Athlete Scholarship Award – To the student/athlete who best exemplified the qualities Michael brought to Marcellus High School; a love for sports, a love for participating in the game, a love for teammates and friends, and a love for life itself.
John Drapikowski

Dee & Harold Thrippleton Memorial Scholarship Award – Given by the Marcellus Booster Club for academic and athletic achievement in memory of Dee & Harold Thrippleton.
Leea Sinay

Tom Kuss Memorial Scholarship Award – Given in memory of Tom Kuss to a student with a proven record of academic & athletic accomplishments.
Michael Tao

Jonathan T. Hardenberg Scholarship – Given in memory by his family to a Marcellus High School senior planning to pursue a career in the medical field.
Kyle Johnson

Linda Kronen Memorial Scholarship – Given in memory of Linda Kronen to a student who has a positive attitude and strong leadership qualities.
Samantha Vulcano

Marcellus Booster Club Scholarship – Given by the Marcellus Booster Club for academic and athletic achievement.
Kerry Boyle, Steven Brissette, Elizabeth Canne, Meghan Connors, Molly Decker, Kimberly Duck, William Fiacchi, William Nolan, Rebecca Rake, Suzanne Swierczek

Jonathan Clark Memorial Scholarship – Given in memory of Jon Clark, a 1986 MCS graduate. Jon was active in the MCS Band and Jazz Ensemble. He also played in the Cobleskill Jazz Ensemble.
Elizabeth Canne

Michael Sheridan Memorial Scholarship Award – The family and friends of Michael Sheridan, a 1997 graduate, have established this scholarship to be awarded to the student/athlete who exemplifies similar characteristics to Michael – an average student who works hard and competitive in both the classroom and on the athletic field. This student must have that strong desire to achieve in both areas.
Gregory Ramsden and Jenna Rodolico

Nicole Seaman Memorial Humanitarian Award – This award is given in memory of Nicole Seaman, a member of the Class of 1998.
Nikolaus Wagner

Jodi Tanner Karla Scholarship –Given in memory of our friend, mentor, and math teacher by her family and colleagues as well as a generous donation from Welch Allyn, to recognize a senior who has plans to pursue a degree in education and displays Jody’s characteristics of perseverance, determination, versatility, loyalty, honesty, compassion and commitment throughout his/her high school career.
Francesca Tangredi

Marcellus Academic Club Awards – These awards are provided by the Marcellus Academic Club to the three graduating seniors with the highest Grade Point Average.
Caitlin Henderson, Nikolaus Wagner, John Krantz

Martisco Lions Club Memorial Scholarship – Given in memory of Seward F. Hoxie to a graduating senior based on community involvement, exemplary work ethic and financial need.
Kimberly Duck and Lindsay Malek

John Joseph LaManche Memorial Scholarship – Given in memory of John Joseph LaManche to a graduating senior based on academics and espouses the principles of respect, kindness and compassion for every person.
Daniel Rudy and Will Nolan

Holly Prentice Memorial Scholarship – Awarded annually to a graduating senior who best exemplified the qualities, values and morals that Holly stood for and lived by.
Amanda Valletta

Art Purchase Award – Given by the Board of Education.
James Oldaker

Hugh Dawson Military Service Award – An award donated by the Marcellus Optimist Club to a graduating senior entering the military service.
Brendan Carey

Kristine Parrish Nursing Scholarship – An award presented to a graduating senior pursuing a career in the medical field.
Mary Whitehead

Distinguished Leader of Character Award – Given to a senior athlete who, in the estimation of coaches and administration, demonstrates superb leadership and outstanding character.
Jonathan Quick and Chelsea Tarolli

Marcellus Central School District Bus Drivers’ Association Award –An award funded by our bus drivers. It is given to the seniors for perseverance and effort in achieving their education.
Alivia Caldwell and John Drapikowski

Ida Gleason Award – An award given in memory of Ida Gleason by the County South Resource Center to a graduating senior based on community service and financial need.
Morgan Ryan

Rebound Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Award – This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is planning to pursue a career in health community service.
Jonathan Quick

Anthony Niles DeCapio Scholarship – Presented to graduating seniors who are pursuing photography at the college level whose passion for his/her work shows in the finished product.
Zachary Finkle and Michelle Martin


Katherine Golden Scholarship – This award is given in memory of Kathy Golden, a Marcellus graduate who was a highly decorated athlete both here and at the University of Vermont. In later life, she became a NASA scientist. It is given to a graduating senior who emulated Kathy by excelling in the classroom and on the field of play.
Kimberly Duck

Nancy Fichera Memorial Scholarship – An award given in memory of Nancy Fichera who spent over 30 years as a trusted employee of the Marcellus Central School District to a student pursuing a career in business and/or finance.
Caitlin Henderson

Also, this year Marcellus High School had one student who placed in the top 5% of the nation in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Over one million students participated in this program nationally. Matt Coon has been recognized as a commended student by the Merit Scholarship Program.

The commencement speaker for the graduation ceremony, chosen by the Class of 2010, was Heidi Busa, Marcellus Senior High School science teacher. Busa set the tone for her speech as she turned the podium toward the Class of 2010, “I am here to speak to you, they (the audience) can listen, but I am here for you.” The theme for Busa’s comments was drawn from Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” as she touched upon community expectations, parent/family expectations, and personal expectations. Citing her own expectations for the Class of 2010 Busa shared these words, “My expectation for you is that you will always have high expectations for yourself, I would expect nothing less from all of you.” Quoting Glinda, the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz, Busa shared, “You don’t need to be helped, you have always had the power.” Following Busa, the Marcellus High School Select Choir, True Sound, sang the very fitting “Moving On” which was composed and arranged by 1996 Marcellus Graduate Robert Laird. Brian Ackles, choir director and Michael Cirmo, band director joined True Sound on guitar and percussion respectively. The Class of 2010 was then called forward for the presentation of diplomas to the excitement and prideful cheers of family and friends.

Commencement 2010 also brought with it a very special dedication. Dr. Tice continued the theme of reflecting back and looking forward as he introduced former BOE member Susan Mezey. Mezey presided over the original 1978 Groeling Auditorium dedication and as she spoke at the 2010 Commencement ceremony she reflected upon the financial challenges that faced the original project. The completion of the current Groeling Auditorium renovation project, which was a component of the Marcellus Central School District Expanding Children’s Education and Learning Facilities Project (EXCEL), brings to fruition the dreams of a previous generation. The newly renovated auditorium includes new theatrical lighting, a new sound system, new seating, a new control booth, and new heating and air conditioning systems. As Mezey so elegantly told the class of 2010, “We had a dream in the 70s and now it is completed. Pursue your dreams, be patient, because dreams really do come true.” Tice then graciously acknowledged the contributions of Board of Education members Brian McNaney and Jeff Crysler before announcing the re-establishment of the William Groeling Scholarship. Contributions from Marcellus Clerk of the Works Max Beggs supported the re-establishment of the scholarship which was awarded to Daniel Isgar. Tice then asked all to stand as he formally re-dedicated the auditorium in memory of William Groeling, former Marcellus Band Director and Driver Middle School Principal.

2010 Marcellus Senior High School Graduates (*denotes Honors Graduate)

Zachary Amidon*
Samantha Anderson
Meghan Annable
Linda Annan*
Yakov Bandura
Taylor Bean
Sahara Beaulieu
Benjamin Bednarski
Derek Belvito
Katie Bishop
Christopher Bittel
Megan Blackmer*
Natalie Block
Peter Bowhall
Kerry Boyle
Adam Breuer*
Carmen Brienza
Steven Brissette
Dominique Burkhammer
Andrea Burrows
Alivia Caldwell*
Elizabeth Canne*
Brendan Carey
Jesse Carney
Kaitlyn Colle*
Meghan Connors*
Matthew Coon*
Andrew Corey*
Kara Curtis-Edwards
Kevin Daily
Kristopher Danielson
Owen Dean*
Molly Decker
Alexis Despirito
Amanda DeSantis
Kyle DeShaies
Ronald Dillabough
Brennen Dooley*
John Drapikowski
Kimberly Duck*
Cassandra Dunner
David Eberle
Rebecca Eddy
Michael Fallon
William Fiacchi
Nathan Fichera
Lauren Fike
Zachary Finkle*
Damian Frisch
Joseph Garrant*
Zachary Garrison
Michael Gates
Thomas Glose*
Heather Goebel
Benjamin Griffith
Katherine Halloran
Sarah Haney
Jessica Hartford
Makenzie Hayes
Nathan Heath*
Caitlin Henderson*
Kelly Hennigan*
Colin Hewitt
Shawn Hodgson
Kassandra Holbrook
Jason Howard
John Howard
Kelly Hughes
Daniel Isgar*
Kyle Johnson*
Jodi Just*
Mary Kelley*
Kenneth Kimpel
James Kinney
Megann Kotash
Yekaterina Kozachuk
John Krantz*
Nathan Labourdette*
Kyle Ladd
Anthony Lapczynski III*
Carol LaPointe-Knickerbocker
Kathleen LaRose
Brittany Lopez
Sarah Lyons
Olivia Maitland
Lindsay Malek
Samuel Mallore
Melinda Malloy*
Mathew Marcheterre
Michelle Martin
Gregory Massara
Allen Masters
Matthew McCaffer
Kathleen McCarthy
John McDonough
Ian McMahon
Drew Merritt
Rachael Meyers
Amanda Millier
Michael Muscato
William Nolan*
Nicolette Nugent
James Oldaker
Victoria Peryea*
Timothy Pinkowski
Bianca Pitonzo
Daniel Poorman
Brian Popov
Daniel Porter
Laura Quercia
Michael Quercia
Jonathan Quick*
Thomas Quinlan*
Rebecca Rake*
Gregory Ramsden
Peter Rapple
Thomas Riccardi*
Suzanne Rice
Christa Rockburn
Jenna Rodolico
Jose Rodriguez Doran
Daniel Rudy*
Lilian Rudy*
Kelly Ryan*
Morgan Ryan
Rebecca Ryan
Alyssa Santoferrara*
Dennis Scanlon
Mark Schmidt
Zackary Schmidt
Samuel Schneider
Jonathan Schoonmaker
Rachel Sears
Keith Shields*
Anthony Shoff
Leea Sinay
Adam Smith
Melissa Sotelo
Bradley Stowell
Emilie Sturm
Emily Sugrue
Suzanne Swierczek*
Francesca Tangredi*
Michael Tao*
Chelsea Tarolli*
Heather Taylor
Kaylee Taylor
Megan Tice*
Megan Tock*
Margaret Tone
Roger Trombley
Joshua Tucker*
Amanda Valletta
Brett Vergara
Olivia Volcko
Samantha Vulcano*
Nikolaus Wagner*
Matthew Walsh
Erin Walter*
Kelly Welch
Gregory Wellenc
Travis Wheeler
Keith White
Mary Whitehead
Frank Witkowski
Nina Yevseyev*