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Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Freedom HS Salutes 487 Graduating Seniors

Kristoff Riley and his proud family
Freedom High School said goodbye to its graduating Seniors at a packed Stabler Arena on June 5. Teacher after teacher hugged graduates. Graduates hugged each other. Nearly 5,000 proud family members snapped pictures on cell phones and cameras. Secretaries from the Principal's office - mini-moms - recited the names of just about every one of  the 487 students as they were awarded their diplomas. The theme resonating from each speaker, whether student or faculty, was one of family.

In fact, that was the theme among most of the speakers. 

The ceremony started when Freedom's Fife and Drum Corps presented Valedictorian Alexa S. Curto, who smiled her entire way to the stage. She was followed by the entire class.

Laura Scheirer, John Buchner and Paul Skersis
"We put the riot back in Patriot," announced Class President John T. Buchner. He was referring to the infamous Riot Squad. Also called Freedom Family, they led Freedom Patriots in cheers during this year's basketball season. Nearly 1,000 raucous fans, one of them dressed as Moses, tossed T-shirts in the air as Freedom beat intra-city rival Liberty High School in double OT during an exciting game at the end of the season.

After the graduation ceremony, the Riot Squad led Seniors in a final cheer. This time, instead of T-shirts, the Oxford caps worn at commencement exercises sailed high into the air.

Graduating Senior Courtney L. Barrow, speaking to the audience, claimed something special happened in the last year. A divided class suddenly came together, not just for basketball games, but in everything. AP enrollment soared. A scholastic scrimmage team placed second throughout the state. There were 17 Freddy nominations in musical theater. "The Freedom family feeling was contagious," she stated.

Another graduate, Paul W. Skersis, spoke of a school that was divided among jocks, bandies, cheerleaders and other groups. But this year, "the proverbial walls fell."

Dr. Joseph Roy, Superintendent of Bethlehem's Schools, noticed. He credited Freedom's departing Seniors with exhibiting "more school community spirit than any class I saw."

Joanne Carraghan, one of the "mini moms" in the Principal's office, marveled at the graduating class. She stated there were "no barriers" and that the Seniors "embraced everyone."

Moon Nguyen, with sis Nina and om Queenie
Each of the 487 graduates was individually recognized, learning of his or her individual awards only when his or her name was called. Seth Herndon Watlington, for example, learned of his appointment to the Naval Academy when he was called to the stage. He walked on with his square graduation cap, but left with a Navy baseball cap.

Before leaving, Principal Michael LaPorta recognized the students who will enter military service. They received a standing ovation.

Michael Faccinetto, President of the School Board, stated in his remarks that most people in the workforce are "disengaged." But there appears to be little danger of that from this graduating class.
From Left: Principal Michael LaPorta, Super. Joseph Roy, School Board Prez  Michael  Faccinetto

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wisconsin! Let's do the Gracedale vote over!

Anonymous said...

Why can't people leave good news alone? It's a graduation event. Forget the political crap.

Anonymous said...

Humm... the program book says 486 total # of graduates?

Bernie O'Hare said...

ou are right. 593 was the figure I was given. I'll change my story to play it on the safe side. Thanks you.

Anonymous said...

The difference is most likely those that did "not" graduate...

Bernie O'Hare said...

Or I just relied on the wrong figure without checking it more closely. it was my error, and I honestly doubt that 20% of the class failed to graduate.

Anonymous said...

but can they read...............

Bernie O'Hare said...

Why the nasty shots at a graduating class? Give it a rest already.

Anonymous said...

Good luck Class of '12. You'll need it and we need you.

Mike Faccinetto said...

Thanks for attending and covering graduation. I was surprised to see you there but it was much appreciated!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Mike, It was a real pleasure. That class was a nice group and definitely had its own personality. They are a credit to you, their teachers and their parents. Tonight, I understand it is Liberty.

Mike Faccinetto said...

Oh yeah. 3 more hours of fun! LHS has a completely different personality compared to last night.

Anonymous said...

And just think, most of that achievement was made possible by the dreaded public sector unions.

Bernie O'Hare said...

That's true. I will be the first to admit that presenting teachers or public service workers as bogeymen is wrong. Most of them care very much. I just don't think the public sector needs unions.

Anonymous said...

Parents and relatives can only get a few tickets to go. How the Hell did you get in? You realize you took the space of someone who may have wanted to see a family member.

Anonymous said...

@2:20 anon, most students had extra tickets. Anyone that needed additional seats could ask for them.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"You realize you took the space of someone who may have wanted to see a family member."

Haters gotta' be haters. I took nobody's seat. I spent my entire time there on my feet, and would never interfere with someone who anted to see a loved one. You are just looking for an excuse to hate.

Anonymous said...

most of these people have no future. unions will be shutting down

Mike Faccinetto said...

There were plenty of extra seats. No one was turned away.

Anonymous said...

Most of these people graduated for a reason, and will make something out of their life.