50 more graduate after success in summer school

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

Kayla Price, 18, right, smiles beside her mother, Zaida Price, after Kayla’s graduation Monday at Mont Pleasant Middle School in Schenectady. The school district held a ceremony for those high school seniors who completed their graduation requiremen

Cheers erupted from the stifling hot Mont Pleasant Middle School auditorium on Monday morning as parents snapped photos, hugged each other and fanned themselves with programs. Some cried, others just had huge smiles permanently affixed to their faces.

The cause of this celebration? Graduation.

The last 50 members of the Schenectady High School class of 2009 received their high school diplomas after successfully completing summer school.

Above the auditorium stage is the phrase, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” This is the message that summer school Principal Salvatore Capitummino focused on in his address to the graduates. He told them they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished this summer but that their education should not end with high school. “Education is a lifelong process,” he said.

Superintendent Eric Ely asked graduates to thank their parents and family for helping them get to graduation. “There is honor in this moment,” he said. “You have had help, now go out and help others.”

Parents and family members erupted in applause when Board of Education President Maxine Brisport told the new graduates to “make sensible decisions, use time wisely and don’t give up.” She also reminded students that high school is not the end of their learning experience. She urged the graduates to consider two- or four-year colleges.

Associate Superintendent Gary Comley gave the graduation address in which he applauded the students for overcoming struggles and obstacles in order to obtain their diplomas. “You did this, you can do anything. Please get out there and enroll in college. Keep learning,” he said.

As the students filed out of the auditorium and into the courtyard for a reception, Tyshaun Ball hugged his entire extended family with a smile on his face. “I’m so happy. That’s all I can really say,” he said as he turned his attention back to doting family members and friends.

It was hard to tell who was more excited, the relieved students, the proud parents or the beaming teachers and administrators when the ceremony was all said and done.

“It’s a proud moment for everyone,” Capitummino said. “Behind every student is a support system, and this day is as much for them as it is for the students. We’re all very proud.”