by Bea Peterson (all graduation photos by Bea Peterson)
Every high school graduation is special. It is special for the graduates, for their families and for the community. The Class of 2009 graduation at HFCS was special for many reasons, particularly for the changes that took place. The graduation, in a sense, went on for three evenings. (The parties will go on for weeks!) The Hoosick Area Church Association Baccalaureate Service took place at the First United Church, Presbyterian on Wednesday, June 24. The program included prayers, scripture readings, songs and words of strength and encouragement from Pastor Jonathan Youngmann. Each senior who attended the ceremony received a copy of the new testament of the Bible.
On Thursday the school’s First Annual Senior Awards Night was held in the refurbished auditorium. Extensive renovations were completed during the 2008 summer break. Air conditioning and comfortable seats added to the pleasure of the program. Many of the awards were presented to the seniors by community and family members who had a special connection to the award. The first Coach Ken Baker Memorial Scholarship was presented. The program concluded with a video presentation of the Class of 2009, from their first school days to their last, and a Candle Lighting ceremony during which each senior passed the light of learning on to a younger sibling or friend.
Pending rain Friday evening forced the move of graduation ceremonies from outdoors into the auditorium. The move limited the number of people each student could have in attendance. The overflow crowd watched the ceremony in the gymnasium via a remote setup.
This year the teachers, wearing black gowns, preceded the graduating class into the auditorium. David Coffey, the faculty speaker selected by the class, told the graduates that he learned as much from them as they learned from him. “Thank you for teaching me,” he said. He told them they face many roads and many choices. “There is nothing you can’t do,” he said. “Don’t deprive the world of your talents.” Take what you have learned here and apply it, he said. Schools are an expansion of your community. Reflect on the past and present and use it for the future.
The ceremony ended with a brilliant display of fireworks.
The Presentation of Gifts
It’s that special time in the graduation ceremony when the graduates present a rose to those they love in appreciation for their support through the years. For Margaret Stickney (below) and all the students, it’s an emotional moment
