The Hudson Senior High School Class of 2024 is stepping out into the world!
Fresh off a rousing graduation ceremony Friday night, the 112 graduates took their first steps toward college, careers and their futures. They were sent off by loved ones, family, friends, teachers and staff who packed Hudson High School’s Auditorium, cheering, applauding and sharing collective pride in a job well done. It was Hudson High’s 141st Commencement.
“It feels great; I’m so excited,” said Tanjina Rahman, 18, who will attend the Albany College of Pharmacy and intends to become a pharmacist. She said key lessons from high school fueling her success were “Keep going. Keep trying your best. Don’t let anything stop you!”
Class of 2024 President Victoria Steils, 18, also is interested in medicine, and seeks to become a physician like her father. As part of her Hudson High School education, she attended the New Visions Health Careers program in Troy, where she shadowed doctors and nurses. She said medicine aligns with her core belief of helping others, and she’ll be attending Stony Brook University on Long Island to continue her journey. “I’m really excited for what’s ahead,” she said.
Festivities began with faculty members wearing black gowns, leading the precession of graduates into the auditorium. Several speakers addressed the joyous crowd.
Hudson Senior High School Principal Derek Reardon welcomed the audience, thanking parents, guardians, faculty and staff for their unwavering support and encouragement of students. He asked graduates to reflect on their journey, which included the Covid pandemic when they were eighth graders. Reardon also noted that he was the Class of 2024’s principal when students were in grades 6-8 at Hudson Junior High.
“Now, you leave as confident, capable young adults ready to make your mark on the world,” Reardon said. “Your time here has been more than just classes and textbooks. It’s been a period of personal growth, self-discovery and character building.”
Reardon also urged graduates to keep in mind their refined skills in critical thinking, empathy and perseverance, and how they’ve cultivated lifelong friendships. “Remember that your education is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning,” he said. “Embrace lifelong learning. Stay curious. Challenge your assumptions. And never stop growing… Class of 2024, we are incredibly proud of you.”
Superintendent Dr. Juliette Pennyman, calling the graduates “extraordinary young men and women,” congratulated them on their hard work, dedication and resilience. She also addressed what she called a profoundly important topic: rejection.
“Throughout our lives, we will all face moments of rejection – rejection from colleges, job opportunities, relationships, and even from our own selves at times. ln these moments, feeling devalued, unworthy and insignificant is easy,” she said.
“However, I want to emphasize tonight that rejection is not a reflection of your value as a person. Each and every one of you is a unique, talented and valuable individual. Your worth is not determined by the college acceptance letter you receive or the job offer you secure. True worth is found in your character, your integrity and your willingness to continue striving for your goals in the face of adversity… Rejection is not a signal to give up, but rather an opportunity to learn, grow and persevere. lt is through the process of overcoming rejection that we discover our true strength, resilience and determination.
“You are destined for greatness, and no rejection can diminish the brilliance that shines within you. I believe in your extraordinary potential, and I cannot wait to witness the remarkable impact you will make on the world,” Pennyman said.
Students also offered words of encouragement and gratitude. Valedictorian Olivia Hoffnagle thanked those who inspired her – family, friends and classmates. “We did it; we made it through all four years of high school,” she said. “When you’re a freshman, senior year seems so far away. I can say confidently these have been the fastest four years of my life… I am proud of every single one of our graduates. Tomorrow we will no longer have school, but we will always have these memories.”
Salutatorian Angelina Tamburro reflected on her own high school memories. “As I stand here tonight, I wish I could go back,” she said, citing her journey and the importance of friends made along the way. “I’m sad about leaving, but there’s so much more in this world to explore… Continue to climb those mountains and never look down. What you’re looking for will always be at the top.”
The Commencement Address was delivered by Hudson Chief of Police Mishanda Franklin, who graduated from Hudson High School in 2000 and overcame numerous obstacles to achieve success – including becoming the first woman and the first woman of color named chief of police.
She used her life as an example of overcoming adversity, noting her mom’s death and father’s incarcerations when she was young. “There’s always a silver lining if you look for it,” she said, noting how she was generously guided and supported by teachers, friends and family members who inspired her hard work and resiliency. “Obstacles, no matter what they are, are not insurmountable. Lean on each other and embrace those willing to show up for you… You have the power to shape your own destiny.”
After the speeches, anticipation and excitement filled the air as graduates’ names were called and degrees were conferred. Earlier, the Senior Band and Choir members performed “Let Your Mind Be Free” by the Soul Rebels Brass Band.
For graduate Richie Chiarito, 18, the future is now. He has his career chosen and is a full-time auto mechanic at Kinderhook Toyota. He’s already earned three professional certifications and was inspired by attending Questar III BOCES. “When I got to Questar, I realized I really loved to learn,” he said. “I’m going to continue to work and continue to climb the ladder.”
View the ceremony on the Hudson City School District’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC945pnxSFyg0CoplREgev-Q
