Fishkill - Beacon High School’s 2009 commencement exercises Saturday were filled with lots of emotion. For the 200 graduates, it was excitement. For the thousands of family and friends, it was joy. And for the administration, it was anxiety.
The day before thunderstorms hit the Hudson Valley area hard. Now the sky was overcast and threatening. Anthony DiMarco, interim principal of Beacon High School, was receiving regular weather updates from Charles Simon. By the time the graduates would file onto the stage to receive their diplomas, those clouds gave way to bright sun.
This year’s graduation ceremony took place at Dutchess Stadium. The location offered a unique experience for the graduates. They filled up on hot dogs, soda and cotton candy while talking with fellow classmates.
The graduates, dressed in blue and gold gowns, filled the upper bleachers on the first and third base sidelines. The two groups, chanted "0-9," and performed the wave before taking the field.
DiMarco, in his opening remarks, told the graduates a story about a college philosophy professor. Complete with stage props - a mayonnaise jar - it emphasized what is important in life - friends and family and how you should always have time to have a cup of coffee with them.
The Valedictory Address was given by Aileen Coughlin. She told the class of 2009 to remember the lessons they learned at Beacon High. To be proud of their academic success. "Education will make an important difference in our lives. However, success is not found in our materials - it’s found in our lives. It’s found in our relationships, our experiences, our good times and our tears. Success in life takes experience," Coughlin said.
Coughlin noted that success is not a destination, it is a continuing journey. "Aspire for the future, never neglect the present," she said. Concluding, "Class of 2009, we did it. We’re done!"
That point was punctuated when Steven Zehner, the last graduate to receive his diploma, crossed the stage. He pointed to the back of his gown, which read, "The End ‘09."
