Although inclement weather last Friday forced the Marlboro High School Graduation indoors, it did not dampen the enthusiasm and joy all felt about this year’s graduates.

Teacher Elizabeth Miller led the band in the processional ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ by Sir Edward Elgar. The Salute to the Flag was led by Senior Ava McElrath, and the National Anthem was sung by the High School Select Chorus.

High School Principal Ryan Lawler welcomed everyone to the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023 and introduced Marlboro Superintendent Michael Rydell.

Rydell began by recognizing graduate Isabella G. Calderon, who has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and fellow graduate Christopher J. Zebrowski, for enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. Rydell also thanked those in attendance who have served or are presently serving in the U.S. Military.

Rydell noted that the Class of 2023 is about to go, “in so many different and diverse directions, and for each of you I hope you are aware that all of the proverbial doors in life are now officially open to you; all goals, dreams and aspirations are [now] literally possible. So if you want to do something, do the work, follow your dream and take the risks and you will make it.”

In his final bit of advice, Rydell urged the students to always help others in need.

“These are the times when you need to pause, go back to the fundamentals and you’ll be glad you did and you will be a richer person for it.”

Board of Education President Michael Connors recommended that the graduates, “start your day by recognizing who you are, what you have achieved and give thanks to who you are and the tools that you possess and move on to your goals and aspirations. We as individuals and society must do better, be better and seek the demands of today and tomorrow and be mindful of others.”

English Teacher Chris Dileo warned that, “we adults have given you a violent and polluted world and made a real mess of things. The world is a noisy place and I urge you to stay open-minded, to listen, to be inspired and creative, be kind and brave and I want you to inspire others and I genuinely want you to be happy. Follow your passion and nourish your soul and to thine own self be true.”

Salutatorian Eva Carbone said, “Our generation is walking into a world that is working against our success, so it is essential that we make the world that we want to live in. We can start by breaking down barriers and stereotypes by connecting through the universal language of music and art.”

Eva said her teachers taught her a number of life-affirming lessons: do not be afraid to say I love you; allow the mind to be creative, as it can be incredibly beneficial to the body; have compassion for everyone and do not be afraid to speak up for what you believe in.

Eva said whether the past 13 years have been either painful or productive, it is not too late to make your future meaningful. She urged her fellow graduates to, “take the life lessons that you’ve learned over the years and use them to your advantage. Class of 2023, stay resilient, stay present and, most importantly, do what makes you happy.”

Valedictorian Noah V. Gecht began by saying, “we should all be proud for reaching the first step of our destination by graduating high school, but remember life is not all about reaching the destination; it’s about the work and the dedication that got us to our goals.”

Gecht said the Class of 2023 persevered, noting that, “the skills and work ethic developed in these four crucial years can follow us for a lifetime. Remember do not move too fast through life and let stress, anxiety and fear of the future consume your thoughts. We all need at some time to slow down and smell the roses. Life is a journey, so let us enjoy the ride.”

Gecht closed by urging his classmates to remember all of what they shared in high school, “and most importantly do not be afraid to take risks or make mistakes because the best learning growth is done by making mistakes and finding a better solution.”

Teacher Katelin Brady said the meaning of the traditional Cane and Tassel ceremony is to encourage school spirit and leadership and was started in 1935. Senior Class President Ava McElrath placed the 2023 tassel on the cane and transferred the responsibility to Junior Class President Fallon Grace, “to carry on this time-honored tradition.”

Principal Lawler told the graduates that what they have accomplished during their high school years is a practice for what they will accomplish in their lives.

“You learned the secret of success here in Marlboro and received help when needed, challenges when needed and freedom when needed...In time I hope each of you strays from the nest a bit to help broaden your perspective.”

Lawler said the Class of 2023, “is poised to enter further study equipped with the knowledge that you can and have succeeded in rigorous course work and you will continue to do so moving forward. Your possibilities are endless; all you need to do is to continue to work, continue to value others and continue your foundational positive habits forged here at Marlboro High School. “

In closing the Commencement Ceremony, Superintendent Rydell formally accepted the Class of 2023 for having met all of the requirements of the New York State Education Department and the Board of Education of the Marlboro Central School District. Congratulations!

After each of the students were awarded their Marlboro High School diplomas, the newly minted graduates then processed out of the auditorium to the music of the High School Band.