by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central High School’s 138th Commencement was held on Friday, June 26 at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds grandstand.
The processional, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, was performed by the Commencement Ensemble, conducted by the GHS Music Teacher Olivia Dearbeck 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 2026. The GHS Class Officers are: President Gabrielle Free, Vice President Raegan Devlin, Secretary Myah Siebels, and Treasurer Taylor Farr. They were followed by the rest of the Class of 2026.
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 Counselor 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, Lisa McGregor, Nickolas Ormasen, Tina French and Laura Spicer.
GHS Senior Class President Gabrielle Free 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: “It is a privilege to join you this evening as we recognize this remarkable group of students and the accomplishments that have brought them to this important milestone. Tonight is a celebration of years of learning, growth, dedication and perseverance. The graduates seated before us have worked hard to reach this moment. Along the way, they have met challenges, achieved goals, built friendships and created memories that will stay with them long after they leave these halls. As we gather together, we recognize not only their academic achievements, but also the character they have shown throughout their time at Gouverneur High School. Through their involvement in classrooms, activities, athletics, the arts and service to others, they have contributed to our school community in meaningful ways. While graduation marks the end of one chapter, it is also the beginning of many new opportunities. Whether their next steps lead them to college, careers, military service or other paths, we are confident that the lessons they have learned and the experiences they have gained will serve them well. This evening, we celebrate their successes, honor their hard work, and look forward to all that lies ahead for the Class of 2026.”
The GHS Class Speakers –Myah Siebels, Gabrielle Free, and Ashlyn Besaw – then gave inspirational speeches to the GHS Class of 2026. See related story inside this edition.
Remarks to the Class of 2026 were then provided by Gouverneur CSD Board of Education President David Fenlong. See related story inside this edition.
The Commencement Choir, conducted by Brett Worden, then performed “Loch Lomond” as arranged by Jonathan Quick.
The presentation of awards was announced by Class Advisors Bobbie Holmes and Kathleen Stamper.
The following students were acknowledged for Senior Academic Achievement: Ashlyn Besaw, Violet Blair, Kacey Collette, Taylor Farr, Gabrielle Free, Karsen Goodale, Sarina Johnson, Mackensi Koerick, Maycee Matice, Reese Nichols, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Zackery Schiszler, Myah Siebels. 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.
The Mariano Pistolesi Memorial Wrestling Award was presented to James D. Minckler. This 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 Alexis Devlin (GHS ‘22).
Kiwanis Club Scholarship: This scholarship was awarded to Kayden Cousino. 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. The award was presented by Brandy Parshley of the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club.
Faye S. Hopper Scholarship: Jackson Ritchie 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 Joel Hopper.
Other scholarship awards, presented during Moving Up Day 2026, 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 a great privilege to stand here before you tonight for the formal presentation of the Class of 2026. The Class of 2026 has spent their time at Governor High School building toward the next stage of their lives. Through their years here, they have taken advantage of opportunities in and out of the classroom preparing themselves for a variety of future paths.
“Their accomplishments reflect their efforts. 21 students earned recognition as members of the Honors Group, 7 were inducted into the National Honor Society, while 13 earned membership in the National Technical Honor Society. 70 graduates have earned college credit through dual enrollment courses, giving them a strong start on their post-secondary goals.
“Many members of this class also participated in BOCES programs at Southwest Tech, gaining hands-on experience and developing career-specific skills. 44 graduates took part in athletics, representing Governor with dedication and teamwork. 16 students contributed their talents in band, chorus, and orchestra, while 32 participated in clubs, drama, musical, and other extracurricular activities that enriched our school community.
“Beyond school involvement, this class has made clear plans for the future. Some will continue their education at colleges and universities, others will enter the workforce or pursue technical training, and several have chosen to serve our country through military service. Their paths vary, but each reflects a clear sense of direction and purpose.
“What defines the class of 2026 is not a single achievement, but their steady commitment to moving forward. They have adjusted, grown, and continued working toward their goals, as those goals have taken shape over time. Superintendent Mrs. Kelly, Board President Mr. Fenlong, and esteemed members of the Board of Education, on this day, I hereby certify to you, and all present, that each of these students has met the requirements for graduation in accordance with the standards set forth by the New York State Department of Education and the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education. It is with great pride and honor that I present to you the class of 2026.” Thunderous applause sounded at the announcement.
The diplomas were then presented to each graduate by GCS Board of Education President David Fenlong,
The high school diplomas were presented to the GHS Class of 2026 as follows: Reigna Belcher, Ashlyn Besaw, Kelvin Bice III, Evan Bishop, Violet Blair, Nicholas Bloxham, Ethan Bogardus, Daxton Bolton, Kylen Bowman, Hailley Brasie, Braydan Brown, Zachery Bush, Owen Butler, Nori-Ann Card, Hope Cardinell, Natalie Carrese, Cassidy Chambers, Chloe Chambers, Tristan Chartrand, Kacey Collette, Anneliese Courtney, Kayden Cousino, Jaylynn Dalton, Joseph Dashner, Raegan Devlin, Mason Dusharm, Alyssa Farr, Taylor Farr, Electa Fitzgerald, Mackenzie Flynn, Gabrielle Free, Ronnie Freeman III, Zorien Fuller, Ghavin Gardner, Karsen Goodale, Trevor Gotham, Torie Hance, Anthony Hanratty, Savanna Harmer, Onyx Hendershot, Trayton Hentz, Logan Hill, Ashlynn Hogle, Sarina Johnson, Ethan Johnston, Jacob Kent-Houghton, Anthony Kerr, Tanner Knight, Mackensi Koerick, Ameillia Lacks, Norris LaRue, Madison Lashua, Carter Lumley, Zackery Marlow, Ryan Mashaw, Maycee Matice, Reid Matice, Briahna McGill, Marcus McLean, Gavin McNeil, Tristen McRobbie, Alexis Melocotones, Cheyeanne Miller, James D. Minckler, Lilly Moore, Bella Moran, Mason Muldovan, Gabrielle Nagy, Jayden Nichols, Reese Nichols, Troy Parris, Owen Perry, Conner Platt, Kaleb Pray, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Cheyenne Rathbun, Rylee Reynolds, Trent Richards, Jackson Ritchie, Jeyliannie Rodriguez-Cosme, Talon Ross, Kiya Ross, Gavin Sawyer, Zackery Schiszler, Sarah Scott, Evan Shampine, Arianna Sibley, Myah Siebels, Aiden Spencer, Niklas Tharaldsen, Mason Tribble, Hailey Trimm, Austin Trombley, Chase Tuttle, Gavin Warren, Hanna Webster, Gustavo Stella, Ella-Mae Whitton, Lucas Wilson, Macy Wilson, and Garrett Witherell.
The Commencement 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: “As I reflect on the class of 2026, I am proud of the growth I have seen over the past four years. From your first days as freshmen to tonight, many of you have developed into responsible, young, capable adults who have learned to handle challenges and keep moving forward as your plans have taken shape. Graduation is both a celebration of what you have accomplished and a step towards what comes next. As you move into this next chapter, continue to set goals, work hard, and treat others with respect. Success will come in many forms, but it will always be shaped by the way you approach opportunities and the way you treat those around you. I am grateful to have been a part of your time at Governor High School, and I look forward to seeing the paths you create for yourselves in the years ahead.”
GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson then called for Senior Class President Gabrielle Free to take her position to conduct the tassel-turning ceremony. Once complete, great cheers broke out as the GHS Class of 2026 threw their caps in the air in a triumphant gesture in celebration of their graduation. The recessional was “New Era Fanfare” by Randall Standridge, performed by Commencement Ensemble, conducted by Olivia Dearbeck.
The GHS Senior Parent Group paid for a professional photos of each graduate accepting their diploma, taken by Gidget’s Photography. The event was videographed by LC Gates Photography. 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.