by Rachel Hunter
Gouverneur High School hosted its 133rd Commencement on Friday, June 25, at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds grandstand. The Gouverneur community came out in great number to show their support to the GHS Class of 2021. Friends and family started taking their seats on the grandstand more than an honor in advance of the ceremony. A congratulatory video with special messages to the GHS Class of 2021 played on the Jumbotron several times for the audience to enjoy. It was recorded along with the entire GHS commencement and is available for viewing on the GCSD Wildcats Facebook page.
Promptly at 7 p.m., the GHS Class of 2021 – consisting of 84 graduating seniors -- ceremoniously walked onto the grandstand stage as the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, was performed. Many cheers rang out as they took their position on stage. Once all gathered, commencement exercises began as the national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key, was performed by Chamber Singers, conducted by Renee Powlin. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by GHS Class of 2021 President Ellen Baer.
GHS Principal Cory Wood then called GHS seniors Corryn Canell and Dylan Farr to the podium. On behalf of GHS, they presented a floral bouquet to GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French and wished her good luck in retirement.
GHS Principal Cory Wood then welcomed all those in attendance. “I am pleased to announce that tonight we are here without restrictions. It has been a long year, but we have done it. Tonight, we get to celebrate this milestone the way it should be celebrated…”
GHS Principal Wood then introduced the GHS Class Speakers – Corryn Canell, Hope Leader, and Reese Morenz – who then gave their inspirational speeches to the GHS Class of 2021. See related story inside this week’s edition.
Principal Wood then welcomed GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French to the podium to give her address to the Class of 2021. She extended much gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces “for their dedication, their diligence, for what they do to protect us so that we are allowed to stand here today. I am a woman running a $40 million business that welcomes scholars of every race, identity, every belief, every religion, and we welcome them openly… At the same time, I extend a sincere appreciation to their family members who also experience that sacrifice when either mom or dad deploys, or has been called away to do what the men and women need to do. As an homage to my family, I’m wearing my grandfather’s World War II Marine Discharge pin. I wanted him with me today because his efforts enabled me to be here.”
Supt. French then said the following: “Well, it is certainly difficult to capture the culmination of over five decades of being associated with this school. I like to think of graduation as a beginning point for these scholars. For me, it is an ending point with Gouverneur Central School…”
Supt. French during her address gave a shout-out to the GCS staff – the instructional staff, support staff, food service, transportation, guidance counselors, mental health workers, office staff, business staff, and others who made the special event happen. “We have over 300 people making sure that these students are fed, taught, healthy, cared for, listened to, evaluated, graded, put on a bus (picked up, dropped off) every single day,” she said. “I could not do this without their help. I am just the person that gets to be the spokesperson for all of those individuals.
“When asked what would be my greatest joy it would be knowing these students behind me. For over 20 years, I stood outside the middle school and greeted them by name… I had so many of these students or the parents of these students, and as I look around, it’s exciting to see that the cycle has completed itself.”
Supt. French then of personal recollections about her experiences with the scholars and their parents.
“Being a superintendent during a pandemic is not easy,” she said. “The things that gave me strength were having daily interactions with kids, being able to make the eye-contact. How are you doing? What can I help you with? I didn’t have that. But I did have three students who needed my intervention. Tonight, I get to say I told you so. You only say that in a nice way. I said to these three: “You can do this. You will be on that stage. You can walk across that stage. You will get your diploma. And I get to say tonight, “I told you so.” So to those three, I say: “Thank you for letting me be part of your life…” I want you to know that every time they strayed from the path I was able to pull them back in.”
After a few more recollections, Supt. French said the following: “That’s what’s so special about being Gouverneur, and being a hometown school, knowing the people with whom you work, knowing their parents and knowing their family. What I will say is that I am extremely fortunate and so is this community to turn over this school to the new superintendent. She holds many of the same beliefs and the promises of children and the fact that we need to be their inspiration. We need to be the people that say: “You can do this. What’s the roadblock? I’ll find out. I’ll get around it. We’ll figure it out together. My dad often said he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did. As a former biology teacher, it has to be genetic. That is the same feeling that I have had every day, and every day it was coming so that children could have the promise of a brighter future. Having that role of being able to level the playing field, to offer encouragement, find the missing resource, or just to make eye contact with a student and say: “I believe in you.” I’ve had many benefits working in this position: 1) my community, 2) the Board of Education, and 3) the scholars who always wanted something better.
“So, what’s next for me? I’ve already been asked, “Am I running for the Board?” No. “Am I running for public office?” No. Ray and I are going to stay in Gouverneur and we are going to dedicate the remaining years that we have to community service. So, hopefully, if there is something you need, or something I can do for you, you’ll be able to find me. Thank you and I am so grateful that I have had this opportunity.”
Much applause sounded, and GHS Principal Cory Wood said: “Thank you, Mrs. French and good luck on the next part of your journey.”
GCSD Board of Education President David Fenlong gave his address to the GHS Class of 2021 as follows: “I am very excited to be here tonight, representing our Board of Education, to celebrate your graduation and the commencement of your individual careers. Since this school year started, we have had to make the best of changing circumstances, changing rules and changing guidelines – all while working toward the consistent goal of graduation tonight, a feat that you have accomplished under duress in an area that did not escape the brunt of the offensive and a school district that was strained to its capacity at times. And your support structure at home may have been stressed more than you have ever seen before. And even with all this activity, all this distraction and change, I’d like to take a quick moment to thank Mr. Cory Wood and everyone who was involved in putting together this beautiful evening for these deserving graduates.
“As I stand here tonight, I feel like I am looking at one big team – a team that just reached a milestone, one that took years to achieve. A team that was prepared and practiced, but was met by an opponent that we have never seen before. I look at our graduates today, and I believe we came out of this better than most, because we didn’t really look at this pandemic like an opponent, but more like real life. All of us here played a role in preparing each other. No one will quite understand the struggle of the year or the triumph of getting to this stage tonight than the people sitting beside you, behind you, and everybody in front of you. You did it, and we did it together. As some could say, we were connected together in bond more than any other class… And while the roles on our teams were all very different getting here, we have a beautiful graduating class next to us that with unique qualities, ambitions and goals, passions and are ready to take their next step. So I thank everyone who stepped up and stepped in to get them here. It took family, friends, pals, buddies. It took coaches. It took our teachers. It took a lot of people, but most of all, it took dedication and hard work. I also believe that the spirit of our team that was cultivated here in Gouverneur will become the fundamental power for you to overcome many difficulties in your future.
“If there are three words that I could say to the graduates here tonight, it would be: “Keep moving forward.” Wherever your passion or purpose take you, please envision your choice as more of a climbing wall than a ladder. Be a continuous learner. Embrace change. And all the opportunities that it brings. There is no problem, no crisis or pandemic, that we can’t overcome together. If history tells us anything, it’s the impossible is possible. Your accomplishments tonight are proof of that fact. You have achieved things our ancestors never imagined. And you are the dreams of those who fought so hard so this world can be as free as it is… that I can be standing here tonight with this opportunity to serve, and you can have this wonderful opportunity to graduate and lead. You are the proof that the impossible is possible. This will be your last graduation at Gouverneur, but you are in the best of company. It will also be the last graduation for our beloved superintendent, Mrs. Lauren French. At times during your future careers, I hope you encounter amazing people like Mrs. French that are admirable and inspiring who shape people in their paths, and hope you are fortunate like to be saddened when someone like her leaves. On her departure, I would like to thank her for her deep well of knowledge, her ability to share with everyone, as well as the experience of learning from her all of these years. Thank you for the time and energy you put into finding the positive value in everyone that crosses your path, and helping to shine a light on it for them and for all the rest of us. You have been a true inspiration, a leader, a mentor, a friend. Thank you for sharing your talent and time with the rest of us. You will be greatly missed. Thank you, Mrs. French.
“We all know that growing up is not easy so please remember the good times here, the relationships and connections made, and your experience as a Wildcat. Please take all of it, all things you have learned, all the things you have learned about yourself, and apply them in a meaningful and effective way as you embark on any journey ahead of you. You are ready. Congratulations, Class of 2021!”
The GHS Chamber Singers, conducted by Renee Powlin performed a musical selection, “And Wherever You Go” by Douglas Wagner.
Class Advisors Debra Andrews and Bethanie Denesha then presented scholar awards as follows:
Senior Academic Achievement Awards were presented to Ellen Baer, Holly Barton, Haylee Campbell, Corryn Canell, Breena Drake, Claire Knowlton, Reese Morenz, Leeah Morrissiey, Gavin Nichols, Shantall Sweet, Kolby Wells and Jared Wilson. These distinguished 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 during the past four years. GHS also announced that one senior, Dylan Farr, who earned Senior Academic Achievement with Distinction. He not only earned honor roll status 15 times during his high school career, but did so with a 97 or better average.
Vocational Student Awards: The following GHS seniors were recognized for their outstanding dedication to their vocational program. Most Improved Student Awards: Madison Dusharm and Nathan Richardson. Outstanding Student: Breena Drake, Andrew Cassell-Beck, Daniel Hall, Noah Macaulay, Hailey Martin, Hope Simmons, Jadelynn Tamblin.
Elizabeth Kirchner Gleason Scholarship: This year’s recipient is Alan Boclair, who is planning to major in art. This $500 art 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 Holly Barton. 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: Claire Knowlton 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.
Faye S. Hopper Scholarship: Corryn Canell 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. This $500 award 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.
Roger O. Favro Memorial Scholarship: This year’s recipient is Kolby Wells. The Roger O. Favro Memorial Scholarship is an award of $500 to be given annually in his memory. Mr. Favro served his country in the U.S. Army, held the office of Canton Town Justice and was for 30 years a highly respected teacher and department chairman of Social Studies at Gouverneur High School. The Favro Award is to be given to the member of Gouverneur High School graduating class who best exemplifies ethical character, civic responsibility and community service, combined with a sincere appreciation of social studies, qualities for which Mr. Favro was so well known.
William E. Appleby, Jr. Humanities Award: This year’s recipient is Kolby Wells. This $500 award is given in memory of Mr. William Appleby, Jr., by his family. Mr. Appleby was a gifted teacher, writer, and accomplished musician. His hobbies included horses, music, poetry and St. Lawrence University hockey. A graduate of SLU and the University of Buffalo, Mr. Appleby was a member of the Gouverneur High School English Department for over 25 years. As a teacher, he provided leadership and inspiration to many young adults. This award in his name is given to a graduating senior who is pursuing a post-secondary education in English, music or the arts.
NYS Academic Excellence Scholarships: The $1,500 award winner is Dylan Farr. The $500 award winners are Kolby Wells, William Schroeder and Reese Morenz. The 2021 Scholarships for Academic Excellence, provided by the New York State Education Department, are awarded to the top students in the graduating class.
Evergreen STEM Scholarship: This year’s recipient is Corryn Canell. This $3,000 scholarship was awarded in spring 2020 to a senior who will major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. The Evergreen STEM scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Gouverneur residents and Massena natives Charles Owens and his late wife, Higouhi “Hi” Owens. The scholarship is a permanent fund of the NNY Community Foundation and provides $30,000 annually for high school students who live in St. Lawrence County. Since its inception, 50 students have been awarded Evergreen STEM scholarships totaling $150,000 in educational support.
Other scholarship awards, presented during Moving Up Day 2021, were also announced in the commencement program. Congratulations were extended to all the award winners.
To the GCS Board of Education and its President David Fenlong, administration, distinguished faculty, staff, friends and family present, GHS Principal Cory Wood introduced the GHS Class of 2021. Much applause sounded at the announcement. A special word of gratitude was extended to GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French, GCSD Board of Education, as well as the administration, teaching staff, guidance, maintenance, custodial, and secretarial staff for their dedication to the students. A special appreciation was extended to the Music Department for their role in the commencement exercises, and to the Senior Class Advisors, and the friends and family gathered.
“Lastly, I would like to thank the students of Gouverneur. The last four years you have shared many moments together. This year was about the small moments – the opportunity to play your sports, sing a song, or just sit with your friends in the library. The past year was difficult, but bit by bit we were able to piece together moments to remember. The seniors and juniors shared prom together. The seniors enjoyed a day together at Darien Lake, and senior picture day, we got to celebrate as a school and got to be at Moving Up Day here together at the grandstand – the first time since 1985.
“Today, you move forward as a Class of 2021. But tomorrow you will begin to make your mark individually with your passions, and the thirst to live. The decade is yours now. Go out, find something you love, and go chasing your dreams. The excitement of leaving is near, but tonight you stand one last time as a Class of 2021. I am proud when I say: Thank you for letting me share this point in your lives with you.”
“We are very proud of the many accomplishments of the Class of 2021. Throughout this year, time and time again, this Class has delivered what it means to be a graduate of Gouverneur. Though the year was fractured in many ways, this class has left their mark in their own way and on their own terms. The young adults sitting here have contributed in their own way to our school and community. Individually and collectively, the ladies and gentlemen sitting on the stage tonight have been outstanding role models for our younger students to follow.
Here are some of the details. With the help of strong senior leadership, our arts, athletic and music programs continue to grow and excel. Our music program worked to produce streamed events for our families to enjoy, and to once again relive what music means in our lives. While at Gouverneur, our seniors have participated in the highest level of state competition with several receiving the highest marks for their efforts. While not able to perform this year, some of the seniors sitting on the stage tonight delivered some of the most memorable musicals in Gouverneur history.
“The Class of 2021 also consists of some very accomplished technical students, with eight of them earning distinction in the National Technical Honor Society. The skills learned with our partnership with Southwest Tech (BOCES) allows several of these students to immediately enter the workforce during the COVID era and get offers for employment after graduation. The seniors sitting behind have earned certifications of a variety of fields and continue to meet the challenges of New York State to be career ready. Congratulations.
“The seniors have once again proved to be instrumental in leading our athletic teams to another successful year, although it has been an interesting year on the sports fields. We had an outstanding group of senior-athletes showcased during the year earn accolades. In a year that started with sports in question, our senior athletes were finally able to continue to shine. Without many league or state championships scheduled, it became a year for team and personal successes. We saw an increase in participation on some teams, and for students to garner recognition as a four-sport athlete. We celebrated seniors and underclassmen for receiving as All-Northerns and award winners in boys and girls soccer, boys and girls cross-country, golf, girls track, softball and baseball. The list would have grown if awards were given in basketball, football, volleyball, wrestling, competitive cheer and swim. League records and personal bests were recorded by several that will stand up to future competition. Our student athletes don’t just succeed on the field or court, the excelled in the classroom – with 11 of the 17 teams receiving the scholar-athlete team awards. This group can also boast that 23 times students on this stage received the Athlete of Distinction for maintaining a 90 average in their season. And finally, in the spring, students competed for Sectional championships in track and field, softball and baseball (who won the Class B Champions, a first in the 17 years). It is still true that we bleed blue in Gouverneur, and given the chance to attend, our crowds continue to be the loudest and the proudest. Congratulations, student-athletes.
“In academics, this class posed impressive credentials. This class of 84 outstanding young adults have accomplished the following: They have earned 405 potential college credit hours already earned through our partnerships with Syracuse University, Hudson Valley Community College, and SUNY Potsdam. These students are getting ahead in college while saving their families money and themselves time at school. Congratulations for your hard work.
“Out of the class of 84 students, 45 students (53 percent of the class) will be attending higher education next year, with 22 going to a four-year college, and 23 going to a two-year college. Two will attend a technical school, and five will be entering the United States Military immediately, including one Air Force, one Army, and three Marines. Congratulations and good luck.
“As mentioned previously, we have 16 students who have accepted or are pursuing full-time employment. In addition, 11 seniors are members of the National Honor Society, and 18 are members of the GHS Honors Group, maintaining a 90 average or above for the past three and a half years. Eight students belong to the National Technical Honor Society, and five belong to the Tri-M Music Honor Society. And last, but certainly not least, 74 of these students are receiving a New York State Regents Diploma which includes 24 with Advanced Regents Designations with 4 with Honors or Advanced Diploma Honors. That’s impressive with a class this size… Great job!
“And now for the moment you have worked so hard for… Superintendent Mrs. French, Board President Mr. Fenlong, and members of the Board of Education, on this day I certify to you and all those present that each of these students have fulfilled their requirements for graduation in accordance with the guidelines established by the New York State Department of Education, and the Board of Education at Gouverneur Central School. With great pride, I present the Class of 2021.” Much applause sounded at the announcement.
As the names were called by Senior Class Advisors Bethanie Denesha and Debra Andrews, the graduates picked up a diploma cover and crossed the grandstand stage where they were greeted and congratulated by GCSD Board of Education David Fenlong and GHS Principal Cory Wood. They paused for a photo by Gidget Wainwright Photography, which was made possible by the GHS Senior Parent Group. All graduates received their diploma at the conclusion of the commencement exercises.
The graduates in the Class of 2021 are as follows: Quinn Tucker Ashley, Dakota J. Babcock, Ellen Marion Baer, Noble Robert Baker, Hannah Kay Bango, Holly Irene Barton, Kelsey Grace Bice, Alan Robert Boclair, Madison S. Brooks, Artemisia Brown, Haylee Mae Campbell, Corryn Grace Canell, Andrew M. Cassell-Beck, John J. Cook, Brock S.W. Cox, Renee Loretta Crook, Joseph Pistolesi Cummings, Brock Daniels, Nathan Philip Dashnaw, Jared Alan Davenport, Zachary Davis, Anthony B. DeJesus, Breena R. Drake, StanLee Durham, Madison Rose Dusharm, Gavin Elijah Evans, Dylan Farr, Terrell J. Ferrer, Katherine Fullam, Rorey Fuller, Kyle M. Gaumes, Daniel John Hall, Jordan Andrew Hayden, Wyatt F. Holmes, Chantel J. Horne, Carter Jon Hubbard, Gracie May Johns, Michael Bion Johnson, Logan Skyler Jones, Damian M. Knapp, Claire Knowlton, Julian Gabriel LaPierre, James Law, Hope Mary Leader, Garret E. LeClair, Angela Nichole Little, Joseph Long, Elaina Charlotte Lumley, Noah William Macaulay, Gordon A. Martin, Hailey Ann Martin, Kody David Martin, Aaron C. Mason II, Lauren R. McCarthy, Theodore Q. McIntosh, Frannie H. Miller, Reese Julia Morenz, Leeah Jane Morrissiey, Emily E. Mullin, Gavin S. Nichols, Richard W. Nichols, Jr., Maia Rose Ontiveros, Jade Palmer, Kendal Elizabeth Peck, Gabrielle Lynn Platt, Nathan Richardson, William Henry Schroeder, Anthony Seguin, Colten C. Simione, Gunner T. Simione, Carter W. Simmons, Hope Renee Simmons, Adrian L. Smith, Laney Smith, Kaydence Ann Spicer, Jaelynn Maree Stowell, Karissa Lynn Stowell, Shantall M. Sweet, Jaydelynn J. Tamblin, Hudson DeVine Tice, Matthew L. Turner, Dawsyn L. Wagner, Kolby Carl Wells, Jared Thomas Wilson.
GHS Class of 2021 President Ellen Baer then led the Class in the tassel-turning ceremony, symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. At the conclusion, the Class of 2021 took part in the time-honored tradition of throwing their caps in the air in celebration of their high school graduation as the crowd cheered and applauded for the graduates. The GHS Chamber Singers, conducted by Renee Powlin, then performed the “Alma Mater” by Ryland Hewitt and arranged by Jenelle Yeoman. At the conclusion of the commencement exercises, a recessional medley was performed by Victor Correa, Renee Powlin, and Jenelle Yeoman.
