Congratulations to the three Class of 2025 seniors who graduated today, Aug. 21, during a ceremony honoring and celebrating their accomplishments to earn their high school diplomas.
Receiving their diplomas were:
Natalie Cunningham
Thomas Leichliter III
Lukas Wilke
Perseverance, tenacity and resilience were important themes stressed by commencement speakers, including by guest speaker Steven Neuhaus, Orange County executive.
“Today is a game changer for the three of you,” he said, citing author J. K. Rowling and entrepreneur Walt Disney as examples. “You wouldn’t be able to work for me, or wear a military uniform without the diploma you received today. You all have dreams, hopes and ambitions. The diploma you are receiving today will open the doors to whatever you want to do. Your education, it doesn’t end today. I want you to push for more.”
Mr. Neuhaus noted that he is continuing with his own education via his recent acceptance into the Army War College.
“The important thing is that you did not give up,” he added. “The important thing is to keep pushing ahead. Whatever you do, keep education – whatever that education is – on your ‘to do’ list.”
Summer School Principal Carolyn Russell reminded students of a quote by Albert Einstein: “Persistence is the most powerful force on Earth, it can move mountains.”
“Whether your next step after Minisink is to attend college or trade school, join the military or enter the workforce, your achievement today has tremendously increased your opportunities,” she said. “I think I speak for everyone in this room when I say we are proud of you for embracing this second chance and making the commitment to yourself to succeed. I hope that when you leave here today, you feel a sense of pride that will enable you to preserve and continue to go after what you want and that you always embrace opportunities in front of you.”
Superintendent Brian Monahan emphasized that success in life is oftentimes more meaningful when it takes longer to achieve.
“In June, I told graduates 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,” he said. “I reminded them, and I’m doing the same to you now as well…that you want to stand out because success won’t be handed to you. You’ll have to earn it, time and time again. Sometimes it’s much harder than you thought, and sometimes it may take longer than you thought. But an important takeaway from today is simply this: You didn’t give up or give in. You did what you needed to do to earn your high school diploma. And for that, everyone is tremendously proud of you and honored to be part of this very important day.”
Principal Kenneth Hauck also praised graduates for their summer work.
“You have heard all the reasons why today is important,” he said. “We want you to always remember those reasons.”
Afterward, he presented Natalie Cunningham with a scholarship award from the Association of Minisink Valley Administrators (AMVA).
Diplomas were presented to graduates by Board of Education President William Cooper, Board Vice President Anthony Monaco and Board member Malorie Yourman.
After the ceremony concluded, graduates, their guests and district officials celebrated at a reception in their honor.
See more photos on the district's Facebook page.