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