by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District held the 132nd Gouverneur High School Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2020 at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m.
The Gouverneur Central School District worked to give the GHS Class of 2020 as much of a traditional graduation as possible – even amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and its related restrictions. The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, GHS faculty and staff filled the grandstand stage while the graduating seniors were seated socially distant on chairs on the grounds behind the grandstand stage. The ceremony was displayed on a 25-foot Jumbotron was positioned to the right of the stage, and the family members in the parked cars behind were encouraged to tune into 89.1 FM to hear the ceremony. Along with GCS School Resource Officer Robert Klimowicz, the Gouverneur Police Department and the New York State Police were on patrol to ensure the safety of all those present.
In advance of the commencement exercises, the graduating seniors donned the traditional academic regalia and were presented with a GHS Class of 2020 facial mask and floral corsage. They also received a purple awareness ribbon lapel pin, which they proceeded to pin on their graduation robes in remembrance of Treyanna Summerville, a GHS senior who was found murdered on June 22 just days before the GHS Class of 2020’s graduation. This was just one of the recognitions that a student committee decided to implement after meeting on June 24 with GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French and GHS Principal Cory Wood. The group also decided to create a program insert in recognition of Treyanna. This was later posted on the GCSD Wildcats Facebook page. The student committee also decided that blue flowers would be available on an empty chair near the grandstand stage for the graduates to pickup as they returned to their seats. The position of the chair and the display of the flowers was set up by GCS Dean of Students Chris Marshall.
A slideshow of student photos introduced all those gathered to the GHS Class of 2020 before the commencement ceremony began. Then, as Pomp and Circumstance the GHS Class of 2020 was led to their seat by the GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French, GHS Principal Cory Wood. The national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was led by GHS senior Taylor Ormasen. All then joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French then informed those gathered in-person and those watching via the livestream on Facebook that the ceremony consisted of two components – and that the first was to pay recognition to the life of Treyanna Summerville.
GCSD Board of Education President David Fenlong made the following comments: “We gather here tonight for a celebration of great honor and tradition in your life. But that life is sometimes is dotted with tragedies – and our school and our community have experienced such a tragedy. Your senior year was already interrupted by devastating health crisis, and we know it made things very difficult for you. But this week, we know there are things in your life that are even more difficult. More difficult to understand, and more difficult to handle. We want to celebrate Trey’s life with you and remain hopeful and optimistic in what lies ahead together. You have a wonderful graduation here and a future to prepare for, but there is no rush to move on or move forward as we know it will be stressful in just finding time to grieve in this ever-changing world will be hard. So we carved out some time… this time tonight to celebrate Trey what we felt was the best way together, like we always do, like a team, as friends, as a school, and a community. Thank you.”
GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French then took to the podium and gave the following address: “In speaking with the 10 students who assisted in putting this program together in honor of Trey, what I was most struck by was their ability to sit in the same room, have different opinions, listen respectfully, politely, and with honesty to all of the voices that were expressed and come to a compromise, which is what you are seeing tonight. They chose the picture of Trey that they wanted to use. They chose the quote that they wanted to have underneath the picture. They asked to have it on blue paper. And in the end, there was a quote from one of the members of the committee that was very significant.
“What’s also very difficult is how to transition between this event, which is a recognition of Trey – and your graduation. And so, I thought if I could do something symbolic for you, it may assist. This is my book of my life. I have 18 of them. I am halfway through the 18th book. Things that are important to me I jot down. I write notes. Some of you are in this book. One of the pages I dedicated to Trey. But the page following that, I have dedicated to your graduation. And I want you to understand that Trey is always in my book. I have written on those pages. I haven’t finished writing – but it is okay for me to turn the page and write graduation. I celebrate tonight. Celebrating graduation does not minimize how much some of you loved Trey. You should not feel guilty for celebrating tonight. You have spent years getting to this point. So, in your mind, what I would like you to do is make a note on that page that says “Trey, I’ll come back.” Turn the page in your mind and say. “I graduate tonight.” To make that happen, please turn either left or right and shout loudly to the person next to you… and you better shout louder than I do: “I’m graduating tonight!” Let me hear it!” Take a few moments sometime today, tonight, the next couple weeks and continue to remember her… but also think that this is your time to celebrate. Thank you.”
GHS Principal Cory Wood then encouraged all to applaud or honk their car horns for the GHS Class of 2020.
“We know you wanted to do that,” he said. “We’ll have more chances to do that tonight. I want to thank you for coming tonight. Good evening… Planning a COVID graduation has been difficult. I am excited that we are able to host this as we are doing it tonight. Our seniors are on stage here together, and we’re going to celebrate them. In order to assist our families, a pre-paid professional quality photo by Gidget Wainwright Photography will be taken of each senior receiving their diploma compliments of the Senior Class Parent Group, and a DVD or a disc drive will be shared also of tonight’s proceedings being recorded by Mobile Graphics Technology. With these points in mind, I ask that you tune in the radio, and enjoy this beautiful evening.”
Three student speakers – Celia Carbone, John Erdman, and Marina Wood – selected from the GHS Class of 2020 Honors Group then addressed the GHS Class of 2020. See related story inside this edition.
GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French then took the podium to give her address to the GHS Class of 2020. She inspired the graduates with the following words: “Put yourself out there. Either put yourself out there to learn something, to do something, or to help someone.” After reminiscing about the GHS Class of 2020, she encouraged the graduates to think about all that someone who is 90 or 100 years old has lived through in addition to COVID-19, and to make connections with people. “So, I know it has been difficult… but I one of the things I want you to know is that there are wonderful connections that we make with every single person… Take care of yourself and take care of each other,” Mrs. French said in conclusion.
GCSD Board of Education President David Fenlong then addressed the GHS Class of 2020 and all those in attendance. See related story inside this edition.
A pre-recorded song selection made possible by GHS Music Teachers Renee Powlin, Victor Correa III, and Jenelle Yeoman played as the cameras swept over the GHS Class of 2020.
GHS Principal Cory Wood introduced the GHS Class of 2020, touted their accomplishments and certified to GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French and GCSD Board of Education President David Fenlong along with all those present that “each of these students has fulfilled the requirements for graduation in accordance with the guidelines established by New York State Education, The Board of Education at Gouverneur Central School. With great pride, I present the Gouverneur High School Class of 2020.” Great applause sounded and motorists honked their horns at the announcement.
This year, the awards as follows were presented along with the presentation of the graduate’s diploma:
Senior Academic Achievement Awards were presented to following: Celia Carbone, Hailey Clancy, Hillary Cook, Taylor D’Agostino, John Erdman, Austin Fayette, Gracie Manning, Taylor Ormasen, Kate Rushlo, Evan Shampine, and Marina Wood. These seniors made the honor roll every marking period since they began their high school career as ninth grade students. They have earned honor roll status 15 times in the last four years.
Most Improved Student: Brittany LaForty, Elijah Looker, Lisa Marie Lopez-Baez, Hailey Palmer, Jacob Shippee. Outstanding Student: Kurtis Brown, Austin Fayette, Hannah Fuller, Keera Lando, Logan Phillips, Christopher Trejo. These Southwest Tech BOCES Students have displayed outstanding dedication to their vocational program.
The Mariano Pistolesi Memorial Wrestling Scholarship of $500 given in his memory by his family was presented to Tyler Tupper. Mr. Pistolesi was a member of Gouverneur’s first wrestling team in 1934. Mariano Pistolesi was an avid outdoorsman, and a huge wrestling fan. This award is given to a graduating senior of the wrestling team planning a post-secondary education and is based upon dedication, inspiration, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The William E. Appleby, Jr., Humanities Award of $500 was presented to Shelbie Alguire. This award is given in Mr. Appleby’s memory by his family. He was a gifted teacher, writer, and accomplished musician. He taught English at Gouverneur for over 25 years providing leadership and inspiration to young adults. This award is given to a graduate pursuing post-secondary education in English, music, or the arts.
The Kiwanis Club Scholarship of $500 was presented to Hailey Clancy. This award is given based upon a letter of personal reference, community service, and academic achievement.
The Roger O. Favro Memorial Scholarship of $500 was awarded to Marina Wood. This award is given in memory of Mr. Favro who served his country in the United States Army, held the office of Canton Town Justice, and was a highly respected social studies teacher at Gouverneur for 30 years. The award is given to a graduate who best exemplifies ethical character, civic responsibility, community service, and a sincere appreciation of social studies.
The Faye S. Hopper Scholarship of $500 was presented to Connor Canell. This award honors Mrs. Hopper’s commitment to musical excellence while serving the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church for 62 years as organist and is given annually to a college-bound senior who has demonstrated musical excellence and shared the gift of music with the school and community.
The Elizabeth Kirchner Gleason Scholarship of $500 was presented to Shacoria Jackson. This award is given to a graduate planning to continue formal study of a visual art field in college. It is given by retired Gouverneur art teacher Elizabeth Gleason in memory of Lillian Tood and Diana Lynde, deceased Gouverneur art teachers.
The Key Club Scholarship of $1,000 was presented to Kayleigh Orr. This scholarship, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, is given to a graduating Key Club member who has shown exemplary leadership in carrying out the club’s agenda.
The New York State Academic Excellence Awards of $500 per year, based upon specific Regents exam scores, were presented to Evan Shampine, John Erdman, Daniel Leslie. Taylor Ormasen was awarded $1,500 per year.
The following members of the GHS Class of 2020 picked up a diploma on the grandstand stage during the commencement: Allen Abar, Shelbie Alguire, Shyanne Andrasko, Nathan Ayen, David Baker, Leeann Barbarito, Amelia Beaver, Kurtis Brown, Emily Burgess, Connor Canell, Celia Carbone, Jacob Carvel, Hailey Clancy, Hillary Cook, Jacob Corcoran, Katlyn Coutermarsh, Jaycee Cronk, Dean Crook, Taylor D'Agostino, Jenna Davis, Stefan Delity, Chloe' Dockstader, Hunter Donaldson, Xander Dowling, Nicholas Embry, John Erdman, Caleb Farr, Cullen Fawcett, Austin Fayette, Francesca Flores, Hannah Fuller, Mariah Fuller, Megan Fuller, Logan Garrison, Emily Geer, Lily Griffith, Maureen Griffith, Airian Hadfield, Xavier Hall, Taylor Hance, Logan Hardy, Alexis Hays, Ariana Hays, Mason Henderson, Kayla Hocking, Lindsey Houghton, Cailyn House-Baillargeon, Haydn House-Hall, Bailey Hurd, Erin Infield, Steven Jackson Jr., Shacoria Jackson, Tessa Jenne, Christian Kingsbury, Brittany Laforty, Keera Lando, Corinne LaPierre, David LaVeck, Daniel Leslie, Haley Leslie, Elijah Looker, Lisa Marie Lopez-Baez, Logan Malaney, Gracie Manning, John Martin III, Gage Mashaw, Neil Matott, James McCollum, Charles McDougall Jr., Emma McDougall, Jade McIntosh, Michael Morrow, Taylor Ormasen, Kayleigh Orr, Ashley Otto, Hailey Palmer, Johnathin Patchin, Katelynn Petrie, Logan Phillips, Tanner Pignone, Hailey Rheome, Makayla Rickett, Alissa Rivera, Chancler Rowe, Kate Rushlo, Alexus Sawyer, Evan Shampine, Jacob Shippee, Mitchell Shippee, Alexis Simmons, Halie Simmons, Riley Simmons, Kelsee Soper, Rochelle Stamper, Alexis Stevens, Riley Storrin, Cayden Stowell, Hunter Stowell, Christopher Trejo, Tyler Tupper, Samantha Turner, Mitchell Tyler, Brett VanSant, Jacob Walker, Kayla Way, Logan Way, Breyden Wicks, Carter Wilson, Marina Wood, Austin Worster.
All then applauded and motorists honked their car horns for the GHS Class of 2020. The senior slideshow was presented on the Jumbotron, so the class could watch it together. The Alma Mater Song was then song by all those in attendance, and GHS Principal Cory Wood gave these final words: “Okay graduates, there’s not more to say. You guys have been through a lot. As you leave, remember what started here. Take it forth. Live the life, live the lives that you talked about living…” The GHS Class of 2020 then observed the changing of tassel ceremony and threw their mortarboard in the air in a triumphant gesture. The recessional was then held, and the students made their way to the senior parking lot. GHS Class of 2020 members then chose to walk to the village park to honor the memory of Treyanna Summerville at the night’s conclusion.
All members of the Gouverneur Central School family are devastated by the loss of our scholar Treyanna Summerville. Additional discussions are being led by a group of Trey's peers to continue to develop avenues of remembrances. The administrative team remains in contact with counsel and legal authorities to be mindful that all legal processes need to be followed to protect the investigation.