The achievements and successes of the Class of 2025 were celebrated on a cool, early summer evening during graduation ceremonies marking the conclusion of their public school education and the beginning of the next steps beyond Minisink Valley.
Thousands of cheering family and friends joined in the celebration, filling the football stands and lining up along perimeter fencing to watch the time-honored tradition of students receiving their diplomas. Those diplomas, and the tossing of graduation caps in the air, signified they are now armed with the knowledge and experiences to guide them on the new journeys in their lives.
Superintendent Brian Monahan reminded graduates of the importance of working hard to achieve success they want while stressing their actions will be defining measures of the leadership skills they’ll need in all they do..
“It’s been said that success comes through hard work, learning from mistakes, being loyal and remaining tenacious and persistent,” he said. “I agree with this. I also believe that Minisink Valley has taught you that working hard, learning from mistakes, being loyal and remaining tenacious and persistent will make you stand out from others. You want to stand out from others because success won’t be handed to you. You’ll have to earn it, time and time again.”
Superintendent Monahan said he knew that the members of the Class of 2025 came from different backgrounds, with different life experiences, different successes and challenges.
“But at the same time, your common Minisink Valley experiences of the last few years have also shaped you into the person you are today,” he said. “These experiences have exposed you to more than just the finer points of Geometry or Chemistry or Mr. Greco’s Physics class or playing music or sports or being involved in drama or community service. These experiences have exposed you to innovative ways of thinking, to different ideas, to different people and cultures to best prepare you for success through your actions, which in turn defines you as a successful leader in life…no matter what you do. Never, ever, underestimate what you can do. And when you have an opportunity to do something, do it. Distinguish yourself from others with humbleness, kindness and honor. Your skills and grit will speak for themselves.”
Principal Kenneth Hauck told students that today is a great day to reflect on their years of hard work and dedication to academics, athletics, music, drama, community service and countless other activities.
"This journey has had its ups and downs, but it has made you who you are," he told them. "Both your successes and failures enabled you to develop the skill necessary to navigate life and continue to move forward. Graduation from high school is an example of how setting goals and being persistent are the keys to success. Staying focused and working through adversity have gotten you to this point and they will continue to serve you well as you start the next chapter of your lives. The process that got you to this day is called 'life' and you will continue to go through this process forever. Keep accepting challenges and overcoming adversity, your perseverance has gotten you to this point and it will carry you the rest of the way."
Student speeches were among the evening’s many highlights.
Class President Jon Bubilo implored students to live their lives to the fullest.
“Go apply for that job position, even if you’re not confident in your resume,” he said. “Go shoot your shot with that girl or guy, even if you think they’ll say no. Go chase that childhood dream, even if it sounds impossible. Go put in all of your effort for that new PR, even if you have failed it again and again. Go start that art piece, try out for that band, walk on to that football team. Go have that hard conversation, make amends with some you cut ties with, or apologize to someone you’ve hurt. Go spend time with your family and friends. But most importantly… go out there and live your life. Go live your life so you can find your purpose.”
Valedictorian Christopher Rickard acknowledged what everyone already knew: This gathering was the final time everyone would be together as a class.
“Looking ahead, whether you are continuing your education, enlisting in the military, or entering the workforce, your life is only going to become more hectic,” he said. “As life progresses, time seems to become more valuable. The easiest way to distinguish yourself from others and to accomplish more than others is through time management. Time is the great equalizer and is a constant factor in everyone’s life. There are 168 hours in a week and how you use those hours determines your outcome.”
Christopher suggested to everyone that they consider the “why” of life to be most important in whatever they do because he believed that provides more motivation, clarity and direction in their actions.
“I will leave you with this: Start with ‘why’ instead of ‘what,’” he said. “Ask yourself ‘why’ you want to achieve a goal or ‘why’ you want to do a specific job instead of what you ‘want’ to do. ‘Why’ is substantially more powerful than ‘what’ and if you start with ‘why’ you will achieve more success.”
In her comments, Salutatorian Mia Abruzzese noted she recognized and appreciated the opportunity she was given via her salutatory address to speak in front of thousands of people and try to reach them through her words. 
“And even if it’s scary, it’s an opportunity that I’m lucky to have,” she said. “An opportunity that not everyone gets. So whatever opportunities come your way, even if they terrify you, take the chance and embrace the fear, because it means something huge is going to come of it. And even if it doesn’t go the way you hope, learn from it, grow from it, and then it will become a lesson, not a failure.”
Mia added: “So to my classmates, and any younger siblings or cousins listening in the crowd, as much as it pains me to say: Our parents were right --- it really is that damn phone! So put it down, engage with your life in front of you. Laugh with the people you love, find a new song that you’ll listen to everyday for the next week, travel to a new city, a new state, a new country. Show grace to others. Experience all the wonderful things that life has to offer. Whatever your plans are after this, whatever you choose to do with your life, appreciate every moment.”
See photo galleries on the district's Facebook page.