by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central High School’s 137th Commencement was held on Friday, June 27 at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds grandstand.
The processional, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, was performed by GHS Music Teachers Olivia Montagno, Janeen Streeter and Brett Worden. The winds of change were in the air as the graduating seniors were led from the Gouverneur High School to the grandstand stage by Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly and Gouverneur High School Principal Nicole Donaldson, followed by the Gouverneur Central High School Class of 2025, led by Class President Mae Cummings, Vice President Danielle Shattuck, Secretary Abigail Lucas, and Treasurer Charley Newvine. They were followed by the rest of the Class of 2025.
District officials recognized included Supt. Kelly, Assistant Supt. Jessica Sullivan, Business Manager Dale Munn Jr., GHS Principal Donaldson, GHS Assistant Principal Margeaux Davis, Gouverneur Middle School Principal Michael Hammond, GMS Assistant Principal Rachel Curry, Elementary Principal (Grades 2-4) P. Richard Trowbridge, Elementary Principal (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1) Alison Connelly, Director of Special Education Kimberly Richards, High School Counselors Jamie DeRusso and Marcy Tyler, Athletic Coordinator Aaron McEathron, and District Clerk Tatia Kennedy.
Also recognized was the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong, Vice President Todd Bates, and Members Brooke Bush, Lisa McGregor, Laurie Roberts, Dr. William Cartwright, Nickolas Ormasen, and Laura Spicer.
GHS Senior Class President Mae Cummings led all in attendance in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Graduation Choir (conducted by Brett Worden) performed the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key. The welcoming address was made by GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson.
The GHS Class Speakers –Charley Newvine, Carly Bartholomew, and Mae Cummings – then gave inspirational speeches to the GHS Class of 2025. See related story inside this edition.
Remarks to the Class of 2025 were then provided by Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong. In the inspirational address, he said the following: “If I had a spotlight, it would be shining centerstage as this night belongs this amazing group of Wildcat graduates. Congratulations! You all have worked so hard to overcome many challenges and you have achieved something truly special, as you reach a milestone all of us will always remember and always be proud of. As you stand on this threshold of this new, exciting chapter in your life, I would like to leave you with something to think about… Heroism isn’t always about a grand gesture, but can often be found in simple acts of kindness and bravery. You’ll see them out shoveling snow for the elderly in the winter and checking on that same elderly person in the heat of the summer. They are helping to organize clean-ups for our cemeteries. They spend countless hours organizing donations to make sure nobody goes hungry. And will hold that door open for anyone. These are the people who make our neighborhood, our town, and our school what it is. They don’t wear medals. They don’t seek attention. Yet, they show up every ready to help anyone here who needs it. And I am sure you will agree that they sound like amazing people. I believe we can call them our heroes… Our heroes are symbols for all of us and all the qualities we would like to possess and all those ambitions we would like to satisfy… All the heroes I talked about tonight possess bravery, courage, honesty, integrity, selflessness, and strength. But you want to know the best part? All of those qualities were taught to you right here. They’re already in your toolbox, as I have also just described a Wildcat. As you can see, any one of you can be that next hero. You just have to activate through choice and action as potential alone is not enough. You have to translate your potential to something that challenges you and benefits others… Life is not going to be easy. It’s not a fairy tale, and becoming that next hero isn’t easy either. Life will throw you curve balls. It will slam doors shut. It can leave you feeling utterly defeated at times. However, within you is that remarkable Wildcat power that has carried you thus far. That’s the power to rise stronger when you fall. It is that power to become that next inspiration. It’s that power to transform hardship into hope. Each day, graduates, you have a choice – a choice in how you want to live, how you want to handle situations, and how you want to treat others. Know it is a choice. It isn’t a calling. It wasn’t passed down from your parents. Life just isn’t about achieving success. It is about making a difference in the lives of others… Be that positive influence. Wherever you end up living or working, stand up for others in your hometown and seek out small and powerful opportunities to pour your energy that into something that is bigger than yourself, and just know that great things will happen. And lastly, on those days that you struggle, just know that you are not alone. We all struggle. You can draw strength from your friends, your family, from this wonderful community, and from all those heroes that I spoke about tonight. Let their stories be your fuel, your inspiration. But most of all, you just need to believe in yourself. Class of 2025, the world needs all of you. So please go out there and be a hero for yourself. Be a hero for others, and know that we are proud of every single one of you. Congratulations.”
The Graduation Choir, conducted by Brett Worden, then performed “For Good” from the musical Wicked, as arranged by Mac Huff.
The presentation of awards was announced by Class Advisors Sarah Wood and Bethanie Denesha.
Senior Academic Awards: The following students were acknowledged for Senior Academic Achievement: Kristen Burns, Mya Connor, Samuel Cox, Mae Cummings, Hannah Dafoe, Gavin Davis, Tony Fiacco, Audrey Gaines, Zoe Griffith, Graydon Hance, Alexander Hendershot, Madison Hopper, Abigail Lucas, Cayden Middleton, Tucker Mussaw, Hannah Roderick, Danielle Shattuck, Gianna Terpstra, and Kaden Wells. These distinguished seniors made the honor roll every marking period since they began their high school as ninth grade students. They have earned honor roll status 15 times during the past four years. Senior Academic Achievement with Distinction honors went to Carly Bartholomew. This student not only earned honor roll status 15 times during their high school career but did so with a 97 or better average.
The Mariano Pistolesi Memorial Wrestling Scholarship Award was presented to Zoe Griffith. This $500 award is given in memory of Mariano Pistolesi by his family. Mr. Pistolesi was a member of the first wrestling team at Gouverneur High School in 1934. He was an avid outdoorsman and of course a huge wrestling fan. This award is annually given to a graduating senior of the wrestling team planning a post-secondary education, based on dedication, inspiration, perseverance in the face of adversity and financial need. The award was presented by Joseph Pistolesi Cummings.
Elizabeth Kirchner Gleason Scholarship: This year’s recipient is Zoe Griffith. This $500 scholarship is given by retired Gouverneur art teacher, Elizabeth Gleason. This scholarship is given in memory of Lillian Todd and Diana Lynde, deceased art teachers of Gouverneur High School. The award is presented to a graduate who has majored in art during high school who will continue formal study of a visual art field in college.
Kiwanis Club Scholarship: This scholarship was awarded to Kendra Murdie. The Gouverneur Kiwanis Club awards a $500 scholarship to a Gouverneur High School graduate based on a letter of personal reference, community service and academic achievement. Key Club Scholarship: Hannah Roderick was awarded the Key Club Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur and is awarded to a graduating Key Club member who has shown exemplary leadership in carrying out the club’s agenda. The awards were presented by Roland Roderick of the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club.
Faye S. Hopper Scholarship: Madison Hopper was awarded the Faye Sprague Hopper Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor Mrs. Hopper’s commitment to musical excellence while serving the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church as organist for 62 years. The $500 scholarship is given annually to a graduating college-bound senior who has demonstrated a commitment to musical excellence and has shared the gift of music with the school and community. The award was presented by Arnie and Jackie (Hopper) Roberts.
NYS Academic Excellence Scholarships: The $1,500 award winner is Carly Bartholomew. The $500 award winners are Samuel Cox, Hannah Dafoe, and Madison Hopper. The 2025 Scholarships for Academic Excellence, provided by the New York State Education Department, are awarded to the top students in the graduating class for up to five years for undergraduate study in New York State.
The Roy D. Gibbs Scholarship was presented to Jayden Jenne. The Gouverneur Agriculture Advisory Board annually awards the Roy D. Gibbs Scholarship. Proceeds are drawn from a small fund donated in the name of Roy D. Gibbs. Gibbs was an agriculture teacher at Gouverneur High School from 1923-1954 who is well remembered for his dedication to teaching and advising young adults. The award is in the amount of $2,000 and was presented by Gouverneur Agriculture Advisory Board Vice Chairman Allyn Tubbs.
Other scholarship awards, presented during Moving Up Day 2025, were also announced in the commencement program. Congratulations were extended to all the award winners.
GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson then said: “It is my honor and great privilege to stand before you tonight for the formal presentation of the Class of 2025. This group of students has shown us time and time again what it means to rise to the occasion. They balance the weight of challenging academic schedules with the joy of school spirit and the responsibility of leadership. They have tackled group projects, research papers, and finals… not just to meet expectations, but often to exceed them. They have entertained us on stage, and inspired us on the field. Whether through the power of music, the intensity of athletic competition, or the passion shown in clubs, servant projects and student government, this class has made its mark in every corner of our school.
“One of the things that make this class so special is how they’ve stuck together. From the very beginning they have shown that they are more than just a group of students. They are a group that sticks together, supports one another, and shows up – not just as classmates, but as friends. Whether it was gathering in the early morning light for Senior Sunrise, adding color and creativity to their parking spots, or sharing laughs and memories on the senior trip. They have made the most of every moment together. And yes, even their senior prank was a reflection of their unity and sense of humor, reminding us all that school spirit can come with a healthy dose of mischief and joy. Through every shared experience, big and small, they’ve proven that they care about each other and they know how to make memories that will last a lifetime. Their talents are many, but what stands out is their heart. From organizing food and clothing drives to giving blood, to picking up trash in the community, to showing up for each other when it mattered most… they’ve given generously of their time and energy without expecting anything in return. Whether it was lending a hand to a classmate, offering a kind word to someone having a tough day or standing up for what’s right, they have led with empathy and integrity. They have shown us that true success isn’t just measured in awards and accolades but in compassion, character, and the quiet ways that they have made life better for the people around them. And now, they are ready to take the next step as college students, skilled workers, servicemembers, entrepreneurs, artists, caregivers, and so much more. Some will want careers, raise families, and will have leave their mark… just by bringing the same heart, drive and purpose they’ve shown here. We have no doubt that they’ll go on to do great things. Not just because of what they have already done, but because of who they have become. Supt. Mrs. Kelly, Board President Mr. Fenlong, and esteemed members of the Board of Education, on this day, I hereby certify to you and everyone present that each of these students has fulfilled the requirements for graduation in accordance with the standards set forth by the New York State Department of Education and the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education. It is with great pride and honor that I present to you the Class of 2025.” Thunderous applause sounded at the announcement.
The diplomas were then presented to each graduate by GCS Board of Education President David Fenlong with assistance from GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson. Each name was spoken by Class Advisors Sarah Wood and Bethanie Denesha.
The high school diplomas were presented to the GHS Class of 2025 as follows: Johnathan Andrews, Eben Baker, Carly Bartholomew, Hunter Bates, Louis Beaver, Madison Bell, Jonathan Besaw, Kaymin Besaw, Nelson Bice III, Nathaniel Bloxham, Madison Bowman, Madison Breckenridge, Kristen Burns, Maverick Bush, Dakota Butler, Allysa Byrd, Antonio Calbo, Noah Carbone, Skyler Casey, Cadence Collette, Mya Connor, Reese Cox, Samuel Cox, Mae Cummings, Hunter Curcio, Hannah Dafoe, Alexis Dake, Gavin Davis, Cade Denesha, Drake Desormeaux, Mckenzie Dixson, Abigail Doyle, Tony Fiacco Jr., Alexander Finton, Clara Fuller, Janaya Fuller, Audrey Gaines, Olivia Goolden, Lucas Griffith, Zoe Griffith, Derek Hall, Graydon Hance, Kristen Hays, Alexander Hendershot, Joy Henry, Seth Hewitt, Madison Hopper, Amirian Jaire House, Tiamane Hull, Ava Isereau, Daughtry Jenkins, Jayden Jenne, Jillian Jones, Alyssa Jonquil, Paige Kirby, Tyler Kite, Spencer Kutt, Rayden Lacey, Ayden Latta, Madison Lewis, Jaylee Link, Bryan Loveless, Abigail Lucas, Breannah Markwick, Rylee McEathron, Cayden Middleton, Saloma Miller, Kendra Murdie, Tucker Mussaw, Nicholas Neuroth, David New, Charley Newvine, Andie Nichols, Savannah O'Riley, Kaleb Platt, Raelyn Prashaw, Makayla Rathbun, Renisa Richards, Austin Rizza, Hannah Roderick, Raine Rumble, Oceaona Sawyer-Finley, Garrett Shampine, Danielle Shattuck, Lillianna Shippee, Akaysha Shippee-Ray, Alexander Simmons, Emily Smith, Turner Sochia, Alyssa Stowell, Charles Stowell, Virginia Straughan, Owen Stringfellow, Gianna Terpstra, Hannah Trimm, Cameron Tuttle, Tseko Vachev, Kaden Wells, Alexis Youngs, Malique Zeller and Chaz Zeller.
The Graduation Choir, conducted by Brett Worden, then led the crowd in singing the Alma Mater by Ryland Hewitt.
GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson then said the following: “I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey the Class of 2025 has taken over the last four years. From the very first days of ninth grade when I had the privilege of working with many of you in the classroom, I watched you grow – not only academically but as compassionate, driven individuals ready to take on the world. You set goals, faced challenges head-on, and showed resilience and determination every step of the way. Graduation is not just a celebration of past achievements, it is the launching point for your next chapter. I encourage you to continue to set meaningful goals and strive for success – not just in your careers, but to live a life filled with purpose, kindness, and integrity. True success comes from making a positive difference in your own life and in the lives of others. I am truly proud of each and every one of you, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to know you, guide you, and witness your growth up close. You made our school community better and I am confident you will continue to do great things wherever life takes you. The future is yours. Go out and make it remarkable.”
GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson then called for Senior Class President Mae Cummings to take her position to conduct the tassel-turning ceremony. Once complete, great cheers broke out as the GHS Class of 2025 threw their caps in the air in a triumphant gesture in celebration of their graduation.
The GHS Senior Parent Group paid for a professional photos of each graduate accepting their diploma, taken by Gidget’s Photography. A jumbotron was rented for the commencement exercises. The replay of the livestream is now available for viewing on the Gouverneur CSD Wildcats Facebook page. For more information about Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.