BCS Graduation Dedicated To Cooper
by David Flint
The Berlin High School Commencement Ceremony last Friday was dedicated to a member of the class who didn’t make it to graduation. His name was Cooper Hawk Boyle Rieman, but his classmates knew and loved him as just “Cooper.” Valedictorian Rachel Gordon mentioned him in her speech saying, “I speak for all of us when I say, I wish our dear friend Cooper was here to cross the stage with us.” Cooper struggled with a physical disability but showed up every day for school and put forth a remarkable effort that was an inspiration to his classmates. Cooper passed away in February 2009.
Retired seventh grade English teacher Robert C. Miller, the Commencement Speaker that year, said to the graduates, “When you think you don’t want to do it anymore, think of Cooper!”
Miller was chosen by the Class of 2011 to be Commencement Speaker again
this year. In fact it’s the fifth time he has been selected for this honor, which says something about the esteem he has garnered from his students over 40 years of teaching. Miller said he was extremely honored and humble to be asked again to speak to the graduating class. He has accumulated a lot of memories as both a parent and a teacher. With parents he shared some of those memories, such as tucking your child into bed at night with an “I love you,” and hearing, “I need 30 cupcakes for tomorrow.” Forty years of teaching, he said, was wonderful, working every day with the kids on small goals, leading up to the big goal, appearing with pride on the graduating stage. But there was a lot of “humanity” along the way. There was the kid in his stylish long baggy pants who at the end of class got them caught on his shoes causing the stylish pants to fall to his ankles. Seeing him standing there in his boxers, Miller told him, “You’re either going to have to get a belt for those pants, or you’ve got to get boxer shorts that say, ‘I love English!’”.
Miller then went on to mention by first name just about every one of his former students on the stage, recalling how he used to talk with Brandon about horses, with Jere and Ken about the Yankees, the time Kayla asked to use the phone because she’d gone off with her mother’s nursing notebook and her mother had Kayla’s grammar notebook, Rachel with her 92 average saying she just had to work harder, Matt bringing to class an autographed picture of Peyton Manning, Llew a Wheaties box with a picture of Roberto Clemente and Toby the morning paper, how some always had their spelling done while others would give the most beautiful smiles when explaining why they didn’t have their spelling done, eating ice cream after school with Justin while trying to improve his English grades, Tucker with his multicolored hair, Ravyn singing the praises of Kenny Chesney …
Miller said he never hesitated to give his students advice. The advice he got from his parents was, “Whatever you do in life, find something you enjoy.” Miller said he had found it, and he advised his former students that when they find it, “Use passion and put everything of yourself into it.” He also passed on his grandfather’s advice, “If you are ever in a position to help someone, help him!”
Miller recalled that at the end of seventh grade he had given the students a gift, Batman cups and ice cream. Saying “Everyone’s a winner today” he asked them to look under their seats and find an envelope. The students opened the envelopes and each found $2 inside, a parting gift from Miller and his wife Elizabeth, also a retired Berlin teacher and departing School Board Member. Miller said the students could decide on their own or make one more decision as a class what to do with this “small present.”
Miller said this class has been leaders all along and they were ready for the next step. Quoting a famous saying, he said, “It’s not where you come from; it’s what you become. But you get both. You will all be successes, and you come from BCS, which makes it even better. I’m proud of your accomplishment. Have a wonderful life.”
Berlin Scholarships & Awards
The Academy for Information Technology Achievement Award was presented to Christian Muller
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The Albany/Troy Lions Club Citizenship Award was presented to Llewellyn Palmer
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Berlin Central School Alumni Scholarships were awarded to Brandon DeShane, Emily Olson, Llewellyn Palmer and Lydia Shorter
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The Berlin Central School Staff/Student Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Berlin High School graduate who has worked to the best of his/her ability and does not necessarily rank at the top of the graduating class; to a graduate who desires to further his/her education either academically or technically; and to a graduate who has been courteous and considerate of others. The 2011 recipient is Shushana Hanson
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The Berlin Fire Department Frank Jones Memorial Scholarship was presented by Fire Department President Steve Kellar to Amanda Greiner
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The Berlin Jr./Sr. High School Dollars for Scholars Awards were presented by Steven Mellor to Emily Olson and Lydia Shorter
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The Berlin Jr/Sr High School PTO Awards are presented to graduates who have attended Berlin Jr/Sr High School for two years and participated in the Music Program, done community service work within the school or have been involved in the interscholastic sports program. The 2011 recipients are Justin Covell, Rachel Gordon, Shayla Morris, Emily Olson, Llewellyn Palmer, Lydia Shorter and Brittany Spaniol
✥ The Berlin Rescue Squad Wilma Anderson Memorial Scholarship was presented by Captain Tammy Osterhout to Amanda Greiner and Emily Olson
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The Helen Hewitt Brown Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduate who plans to pursue an education in the field of nursing. The 2011 recipient is Kayla Downer
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The Ruth B. Canfield Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a member of the graduating class who has achieved the highest grade point average and who is continuing his/her education. The 2011 recipient is Rachel Gordon
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The Capital District School Boards Association Award was presented to Lydia Shorter
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The Construction Technology Craftsmanship Award was presented to Brandon DeShane
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The Criminal Justice Achievement Award was presented to Justin Covell
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The DAR Good Citizen Scholarship was presented to Llewellyn Palmer
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The Grafton Men’s Club award is given to a graduating Senior from Grafton continuing on to college or military service. The 2011 recipient is Kayla Downer
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The Dorothy I. Gutermuth Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Berlin High School graduate who is continuing his/her education and who demonstrates a strong work ethic. The 2011 recipient is Lydia Shorter
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The Barbara Horton Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a current graduate of Berlin High School pursuing a career in the education field. The 2011 recipient is Emily Olson
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The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship was presented to Shayla Morris
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The William J. Kinn Scholarship is awarded to the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the graduating class. The 2011 recipients are Rachel Gordon and Llewellyn Palmer
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The Kjelsen (Kelson) Trust Fund Scholarship is awarded to a Berlin High School graduate entering a university within the State of New York. The 2011 recipient is Llewellyn Palmer
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The Knights of Pythias Award was presented to Emily Olson
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The John Laws Memorial Scholarship commemorates one of Berlin Central School District’s outstanding faculty members. It is given to a student who is planning a career in teaching or human service. The 2011 recipient is Felicity May
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The Norma Lewis Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Berlin High School graduates who have enrolled in an accredited college program. The 2011 recipients are Angela Kanser and Shayla Morris
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The Licensed Practical Nursing Craftsmanship Award was presented to Kayla Downer
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The NYS Comptroller’s Achievement Award was presented to Rachel Gordon
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The NYS Education Department Scholarships for Academic Excellence are awarded to graduating Seniors attending a New York State college. The 2011 recipients are Lydia Shorter and Matthew Sowycz
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The Fred & Pat Organ Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an exceptional Berlin High School senior enrolled in post high school education. The senior who receives this award exemplifies the interests and values of Fred & Pat Organ as evidenced by concern for others and contribution to the school community. The 2011recipient is Emily Olson
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The Frances Palmer Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a Berlin High School graduate enrolled in a two or four year accredited college entering the education field, especially teaching. The 2011 recipient is Lydia Shorter
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The Petersburgh Fire Department Cindy Harrison Memorial Scholarship was presented by Christina Harrison to Shayla Morris
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The Questar III Automotive Services Craftsmanship Award was presented to Shayne Stevens
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The Questar III Rensselaer Education Center Scholarship was presented to Brandon DeShane
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The Edith Grace Craig Reynolds Scholarship is awarded to a Berlin High School graduate who is pursuing higher education, has performed well academically, has a strong work ethic and is involved in community service. The 2011 recipient is Llewellyn Palmer
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The Lester T. Russell Scholarship is awarded to a graduating Senior living in the Berlin Central School District and enrolled in a two or four year accredited college in the field of engineering and/or business. The 2011 recipient is Rachel Gordon
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The School Systems Federal Credit Union Community Service Award was presented to Lydia Shorter
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The John Phillip Sousa Award was presented to Matthew Matson
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The Spirit of Science Award was presented to Matthew Sowycz
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The Stephentown Memorial Library Scholarship was presented by Erica Bingham Green to Rachel Gordon
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The Taconic Valley Garden Club Scholarship is awarded to a graduate enrolled in a two or four year college with a major in Earth Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation or Environmental Science, Farming or Biology. The 2011 recipient is Brandon DeShane
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The Taylor Trust Fund Scholarship is awarded to a Berlin High School graduate entering a university within the State of New York. The 2011 recipient is Emily Olson
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The United States Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Awards were presented to Christian Muller and Lydia Shorter
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The United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award was presented to Tyler Pomakoy and Brittany Spaniol ✥
The United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award was presented to Rachel Gordon
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The United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence was presented to Llewllyn Palmer
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The Perfect Attendance Award was presented to Angelica Losaw and Llewellyn Palmer
Department Key Awards
Art Department Keys – Shushana Hanson and Nicole Shuhart
Business Department Keys – Jillian Daby, Elizabeth Schatz and Samantha Schmidt
Drama Keys – Krystal Goering, Patrick MacVeigh, Christian Muller, Llewellyn Palmer, Cole Riddering, Lydia Shorter and Aaron Sykes-Gundlach
English Department Key – Rachel Gordon
Family & Consumer Schience Department Key – Kenneth Gardy
Math Department Key – Rachel Gordon
Science Department Key – Rachel Gordon
Music Department Keys – Rachel Gordon and Emily Olson
Physical Education Department Keys – Angela Kanser and Jere Leonard
Social Studies Department Key – Tyler Pomakoy
Technology Department Key – Toby Goodermote
Berlin Class of 2011 Where Are They Going?
Zachary Amuso – Employment
Jessica Babcock – Hudson Valley Community College
Matthew Berish – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Alexander Bink – Employment
Heather Brooks – Technical School
Emma Brown – Hudson Valley Community College
following Volunteer Time in Africa Orphanage
Tucker Connally – Hudson Valley Community College
Jerehmy Cooke – Undecided
Justin Covell – Hudson Valley Community College
Jillian Daby – Hudson Valley Community College
Melissa Dawes – Berkshire Community College
Brandon DeShane – Cornell U. (Equine Farrier 1/2 yr) and HVCC
Ashleigh Dorn – Hudson Valley Community College
Kayla Downer – Hudson Valley Community College
Brandon Drumm – Undecided
Elizabeth Ferris – Austin School of Spa Technology
Kailyn Fourtin – Hudson Valley Community College
Kenneth Gardy – Word of Life Bible Institute
Scott Gates – Employment
Toby Goodermote – Tri-City JATC
Krystal Goering – Hudson Valley Community College
Rachel Gordon – Virginia Tech
Amanda Greiner – Bryant & Stratton
Melinda Hall – Hudson Valley Community College
Shushana Hanson – Hudson Valley Community College
Joseph Harrington – Hudson Valley Community College
Cassandra Horton – Hudson Valley Community College
Keith Jillson – Employment
Katelyn Juliano – Berkshire Community College
Angela Kanser – Hudson Valley Community College
Chelsea Keeler – Employment
Jere Leonard – Hudson Valley Community College
Justin Levsha – Hudson Valley Community College
Lyle Liebenow – Hudson Valley Community College
Angelica Losaw – Undecided
Patrick MacVeigh – Hudson Valley Community College
Matthew Matson – Schenectady Community College
Felicity May – Hudson Valley Community College
Domenique Moon – Undecided
Steven Mooney – Hudson Valley Community College
Shaylah Morris – Hudson Valley Community College
Christian Muller – Employment
Jana Nelson – Russell Sage College
Kaitlin Nicpon – Hudson Valley Community College
Emily Olson – Hudson Valley Community College
Llewellyn Palmer – Alaska
Tyler Pomakoy – SUNY Binghamton
Gabriella Ranellucci – Undecided
Cole Riddering – Hudson Valley Community College
Christopher Rohlman – Employment
Neil Rohlman – Employment
Juan Santana – Hudson Valley Community College
Elizabeth Schatz – Hudson Valley Community College
Samantha Schmidt – Hudson Valley Community College Kirstyn Scully – Employment
Lydia Shorter – Russell Sage College
Nicole Shuhart – Hudson Valley Community College
Matthew Sowycz – SUNY Albany
Brittany Spaniol – Hudson Valley Community College
William Stata – Hudson Valley Community College
Shayne Stevens – University of Northwestern Ohio
Aaron Sykes-Gundlach – Military
Ravyn Thompson – Hudson Valley Community College
Elizabeth Weber – Norwich University
Joseph Wehle – Hudson Valley Community College
Berlin Valedictory
by Rachel Gordon
Principal Allain, members of the School Board, teachers, parents, friends, and fellow graduates, it is an honor to speak to you today.
I stand here tonight, not because of solely my own efforts, but also because of my parents and teachers who have helped along the way. I would like to thank above all, my parents who have stood behind me one hundred percent. They taught me the importance of always trying your best, and pushing through the challenging times in life. Without their constant love and
support, I would not be the person I am today, nor would I have accomplished all that I have. We all have certain people in our lives that we owe gratitude to; people who have left a mark. Whether it is your parents, your favorite Elementary Teacher like Mrs. Nichols, an inspiring 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Miller, a math teacher that deals with your stubbornness at times
like Mr. Cornell, a person that helps you find your talent like Ms. Kirsch, a Global teacher that
always makes you laugh like Mr. Gould, someone who is always there to help you when you’re having mental break-downs like Mr. MelIor, an excellent guidance counselor that helped you on your path to college like Mrs. Harrison, or a best friend who has been there for you all
throughout High School like my boyfriend Tyler, it is important that we realize the impact they have made on our lives. Those special people are part of the reason we will walk across this
stage today, ending one chapter in our lives and beginning a new one.
No matter how we have spent the last four years, a new beginning means a new opportunity for each of us – an opportunity to continue down the same road we have been travelling, or to choose an entirely new one. And, for likely the first time in our lives, it is solely our choice. As we start this new chapter, it is important that we understand that, when we leave this High School tonight, we can go wherever we would like. No longer will a label stick to our names, no longer will we be forced to do work, and no longer do we have to adhere to the status quo. We will be left with our future in our hands, and the freedom and opportunity to make it anything we can imagine. We all will start on level ground, and whether we find ourselves in hard times or good times, we must never let ourselves down, we must never say that we cannot accomplish something, we must never feel inadequate, and we must never be afraid of failure. Fear of failure means that you will not try, and without making attempts how will you ever find what brings you joy or what you have to offer the world. Failure should never be only a negative, but instead an incentive to try again. Remember, sometimes you have to lose until you win.
As cliché as it sounds, we are the future, and we must keep pushing for greatness. If we cannot believe in ourselves, what will the future become? We all have goals and we must do anything and everything to reach them. And, while we are on the paths to reaching our goals we must soak up everything we can. We must educate ourselves in any opportunity that comes our way. To do this, we must simply enjoy life. Take the time to find what brings you happiness, meet new people, and try new things. Never regret anything that makes you smile.
I will keep this short and sweet because I know it’s already past my grandfather’s bedtime, and it must be getting hot out there in the audience! But, before we walk the stage to complete our time at Berlin High School, I would like to thank all of you for coming to support us. I speak for all of us when I say, I wish our dear friend Cooper was here to cross the stage with us. To the Class of 2011, good luck in all that you do and remember we still have a few years before we have to give up all childhood for adulthood! So work hard, but don’t forget to have fun.
Thank you and good night.
Berlin Salutatory
by Llewellyn Palmer
I was always taught that hard work would take you far. Our years at Berlin reinforced that idea and showed us how to achieve and reach our goals. Some of us started out in Nursery school together with Mrs.
McClave and then some of us had Mrs. Allain in first grade. Both were great examples of hard working individuals. That same Mrs. Allain, or Dr. Allain, is now our principal. Our hard work in elementary got us ready for middle school and that dreaded leaf project with Mrs. Vanderhoef. In high school, the long hours spent on honors classes, and falling asleep doing all of those spectacular English papers for Mrs. Kabir, Mrs. L and then back to Mrs. Kabir got me ready for the reality of late night shifts on Commercial Salmon fishing in Alaska. Along with our classes many of us spent a lot of long hours on sports, drama and music. The sport of Cross Country, coached by Mr. Ingraham taught me immense perseverance. I was told that you could work hard and still have fun, and believe me, WE DID. All the way from July to States in the middle of November we never gave up or let ourselves down, but just pushed on. I had a blast over the years playing basketball and baseball with a completely different group of kids that we shared memories with too. Many of us have also had good memories from the proms, Senior trip with Mrs. Mosher and these last few months together.
Well here it finally is June 24th, 2011 the day that most of us have
anticipated. We’ve been on quite the journey together. Thank you all for making the experience what it was for me. And for those special juniors who are here, from Cross Country to the lunch table and other classes, I’ll miss you all greatly. We will go on one more Grand Adventure before I disappear into the sunset. I’d like to thank my parents for everything they have done, my brothers and grandparents along with my teachers, coaches and even bosses for showing me what hard work and determination can accomplish. Thank you to my classmates for the memories we have made. Best of luck with all of your endeavors. To my closest friends, we’ve endured so much but we have created some memories, some that will last a lifetime. Cherish those times together because we will never be here again. No matter if you go North, South, East or West we must always remember one thing, this was our starting point; and it was a good one.
