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Nadine Cafaro, Zachary Alexander, and Victoria Garritt. Courtesy photo
Ready To Start Alone, Fresh
Graduation Ceremonies This Friday & Saturday

REGIONAL – Recently, Ellenville valedictorian Zachary Alexander, salutatorian Victoria Garritt and principal's award recipient Nadine Cafaro were recognized for their academic achievements at the third annual Ulster County BOCES Scholastic Achievement breakfast. They were among twenty-seven honored by the Ulster County Superintendents' Council, and all wanted to discuss where they are this week of their graduation.

"It was a lot of persistence. I just kept going, pushing myself," said Alexander, who plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, where he will study mechanical engineering.

Alexander spoke about growing up interested in how things worked, and later took physics and calculus to prepare himself for all aspects of engineering... including the field's competitiveness. But also about being a member of the science Olympiad, jazz band, quiz bowl, scholar clubs and Summitville Fire Department, where he trained as an interior firefighter. He named his dad as an inspiration.

Garritt, who will be attending Ithaca College to study music and anthropology, said she chose her college because "it was like being in a big hug, really." She dreams of becoming a conductor or ethnomusicologist and points to her membership in the Chambers singers, drama club and national honor society member, and attendance at NYSSMA All-State Conference, All-County Choir and All-County Band as key accomplishments to date. But she also admits being a little nervous about leaving home and the community she loves.

"The greatest lesson I've learned is how much of an impact you can have," Garritt said, speaking of her work assisting with the middle/high school drama club and the students who came back to her to say she had a made a difference, as well as the Broadway actors and actresses she admires for their dedication, motivation and passion. "Music has the power to bring people together, to communicate emotions. The world needs more of that love and happiness. We don't know where we're heading at times — things are always changing and you can't expect it to stay the same — but you have to roll with the punches," she continued.

Cafaro, who will be attending SUNY Geneseo with plans to major in English and creative writing, talked about all she gained being involved in all she could while at Ellenville High.

"There was something so gratifying about being familiar with everyone," she said. "I visited Geneseo at the beginning of my senior year. At the time, I was certain I was going to Binghamton."

She talked about visiting Geneseo a second time, on impulse when she hadn't heard back yet from her first choice, and falling in love with the familiarity of the college town, which reminded her of Ellenville.

"I thought it would make being homesick a little less strenuous," she commented, adding much about her love of writing, and dreams of eventually authoring movies or television. "There's this amazing feeling you get when you finish something you've worked on for a while, especially if it was one you were struggling to get through."

As for the challenges of starting anew, it was as if she spoke for her peers when Cafaro said, "I believe it will be the ultimate test for my relationships with people back home, with the people I meet there and with myself... The effort you put in is what will remain of a relationship, so I hope I focus on that and don't lose sight of the important ones."

Cafaro also spoke eloquently of the inner preparations so many new graduates are making now.

"I've witnessed people unhappy with the outcome of their life. It's sad, yes, but it's a choice. After high school, the world is ours. We all follow a different path to happiness. I seek that within my passion for writing, and even if one day it means I won't have that much money, I'll still be happy. That's what really matters," she said. "I believe I could bring a lot of good things into this world. This is the time I should be excited to use my voice, whether it is to agree or debate... I am ready for my future, but at the same time this will be the first period of my life where I am starting alone. Fresh."

Ellenville graduation will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. this Friday, June 23 on the high school athletic field. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Sullivan County Community College Field House, with transportation provided. Rondout Valley has also scheduled their ceremony for Friday, June 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the high school. Pine Bush holds their graduation at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 on the athletic field, rescheduled to 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium in case of rain.



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