Ansonia Middle School Holds Virtual Graduation

ANSONIA - A total of 171 eighth graders from Ansonia High School were honored in a virtual graduation program this year, Principal Peter Colaccino has announced. The program, which features speeches from the building principals, Superintendent of Schools, and Valedictorian, can be viewed at https://youtu.be/3OqDQMsK3Gw

Mr. Colaccino spoke about Valedictorian Fahmida Chowdhury and her accomplishments. 

“Fahmida’s diligent work ethic and endearing personality were on display each and every day at the middle school,” he said. “She was the female recipient of this year’s CAPSS Award (CT Association of Public Schools Superintendents) as well. No doubt, she has a very promising future ahead of her and the AMS community can’t wait to hear about all of the wonderful things she will soon accomplish.”

Achievement Awards were also announced as part of the virtual program:

•           Superintendent’s Award: Fahmida Chowdhury and Jonathan Kish.

•           Excellence in Social Studies: Preston Dziubina and Faith Walker.

•           Excellence in Science: Zoe Frager and Anthony Kezer.

•           Excellence in ELA: Symone Finney and Maqila Mosley-Williams.

•           Excellence in Math: Atyana Delvalle and Megan Koslowski.

The students who successfully completed their 8th grade year are as follows (those with an asterisk are members of the National Junior Honor Society):

Jair Albaladejo Rivera, Adrian Albelo, Dezryel Allick, Timothy Angeski, Michael Arias, Alijah Arnold, Juanita Ayala, Ray Badillo, Forrest Banks, Thomas Barfi, Jhani Barge, Kevin Barrios, Moises Beltran, Alexandra Bevan, Rickayla Blagrove, Jamar Booker, Trevon Booker, Geno Borrero, Blaine Bostic, Arielle Bracey, Alivia Brown, *Hailey Burton, *Samantha Burton, David Cabrera, Jamiah Carrillo, *Shellymar Casillas, Caden Chapman, *Fahmida Chowdhury, Isaac Colon, Logan Coon, Ryan Cornish, Noelle Corwell, Ellsie Cotto, *Kailey Cruz, Kenneth Curet.

Alessandro DaGraca, James Daniels, *Nevaeh Davenport, Jaiden Davis, Nina Delgado, *Atyana Delvalle, Isaiah Delvalle, Christian Deutscher-Cordova, Julianna Diaz, Kyle Disley, Dynastee Dixon,

*Jake Dodge, Amari Dos Santos, *Preston Dziubina, Benjamin Eads, *Gwyneth Fasciano, *Symone Finney, *Zoe Frager, Emily Frey, Jacob Gaffney, *Angela Garcia, Gabriela Garcia, Jerry Garcia, Jacquelyn Gibson, *Terrell Givens, Casper Gola, *Ariana Gomez, Emily Gonzalez, Jayvante Gonzalez, *Shaddai Gonzalez, Valentina Guarna, Adriatik Haliti, Alexa Hauck, *Puma Haug, Deanna Hebert, Chloe Hernandez, *Shawn Hernandez, Isaiah Holmes, *Kelly Horjatschun.

Jeremy Infante, Machi Ingram, *Davius Irizarry, Davonte Jackson, Kayli Jacobs, Julia Jarmoszko, Ashley Jenner, Diana Kachaliy, *Landon Kerr, *Victoria Kettles, *Anthony Kezer, *Jonathan Kish, 

Megan Koslowski, *Shayla Kovacs, *Erald Kukaj, *Joseph Kuskowski, *John Kwalek, Cameron LeFrancois, Jovan Lilly, Saiivion Littlejohn-Belcher, *Alexander Lopez, Christopher Lopez, Natalia Maine, Alexandra Makowski, Ryan Marrero, Steven Martinez-Santos, Jacari Mcfadden, Arriana Meekins, Janeli Mercado, Mark Meredith, James Mikita, *Maqila Mosley-Williams, *Kassidy Musnicki, Thy-rene Mweze.

*Jennipher Najeeb, *Emilyanna Negron, Tavaris Nembhard, *Anna Nguyen, Michael Oates, 

Elizabeth Ortiz, Juliexza Ortiz, *Naomi Ortiz, Samantha Palmieri, Domenic Pardy, Breonna Parrino, *Zoe Pastor, Ashmer Pedraza, Marc Peet, Keyilah Perez, Jamirah Pickering, Angel Pinto, Jayden Pires, Kacper Podsiadlo, *Janelli Pratts, Faith Quinones, Justin Quinones, Alexander Ramos, Jeremiah Ramsey, Samuel Reese, Jovon Reyes, Rylie Rhodes, Izaiah Ribeiro, Shawn Richards, *Eliana Rico, Jazzelle Riley, Mathayus Rivera, Nathaniel Rivera, Sahara Rivera, Alle’jah Robertson, Justin Rodriguez, *Mariah Roque, Caroline Ruiz-Robinson.

*Paula Salazar, Cassandra Santiago, Jayden Saunders, Jayla Saunders, *Amya Smith, Andrew Smith, Vivea Smith, Patrick Solsbury, Ta’Shiria Sparks, Damian Spears, *Emalie Terifay, *Jaquan Thomas, Kaden Thomas, Tyler Thompson, Eliana Torres, Madison Torsiello, Shawn Vance, *Amy Vann, Jensen Vazquez, Alecia Vega, Jalen Velez, Julianna Viselli, April Walfall, Faith Walker, Donny Wilder.

(This is a press release from Ansonia Schools)

AHS Principal says 'Thank You'

Seymour GOP Offering Scholarships

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Republican Town Committee has established two new scholarships in the amount of $500 each to be awarded to two students who are residents of Seymour and who will be graduating from any high school (public or private) in Spring/Summer 2019 and who will be attending college in Fall 2019.

The Seymour Republican Town Committee (SRTC) voted to establish and fund the scholarships at its January 2019 meeting. According to Bill Paecht, SRTC Chairperson, the awards were established to recognize the achievements of Seymour residents who will be graduating from high school and entering college in 2019. Brian Koskelowski, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, added that the SRTC decided to make the competition for the scholarships open to graduating seniors from any high school as well as to those registered with any or with no political party.

Applications and information about the scholarships have been provided to the Guidance Offices at all of the high schools in the region.  According to Mr. Koskelowski the SRTC Scholarship Committee will evaluate the applications submitted and select the winners based on a number of factors including academic achievement and school and community involvement. Winners will be announced and recognized at their high schools’ Awards Night ceremonies.

The Seymour Republican Town Committee acts as a vehicle for nominating candidates for town offices, as well as supporting the party’s activities and its elected officials. For more information visit www.seymourgop.org

(This is a press release from Seymour RTC)

Renovations Cause Location Change for Shelton High School Graduation

(Sharing information from Shelton Public Schools' Facebook Page) 

Regarding SHS 2018 Graduation:

We know this is a big change. We understand there is some disappointment, but we are committed to having a well-run, memorable high school graduation ceremony for our hardworking students.  

However, due to extensive renovations at Finn Stadium, scheduled to begin in May, our graduation ceremony will be held at Nolan Field in Ansonia.

The date will be announced, as always, at the April BOE meeting.

Nothing is ideal about the situation, but this is a better option than doing it indoors.
 
The plan is to have the refurbished field ready for September. We ask for your understanding and flexibility. Together we can make this a positive ceremony for the students. That is our goal!

Chris Clouet, Superintendent of Schools

Derby High School's Class of 1966 to Lead Graduating Class of 2016

DERBY - A New Tradition: Derby High School Class of 1966 to lead graduates in procession. 

In keeping with Derby’s history of creating traditions, the class of 1966 will lead the class of 2016 into Ryan Field for this Thursday’s Derby High School Graduation Ceremony.

 

The brain child of Connie Condon, who is a consultant for Derby Public Schools and the wife of David Condon (Derby Class of ’66), was put on the table during a strategic planning meeting and within minutes the ball was rolling and a plan came together. Connie stated, “Honoring Derby High School graduates who are reuniting after 50 years, by their participation in this year’s graduation ceremony, highlights the history and celebrates the future of Derby. Both the 1966 and 2016 graduates share in the Derby High School and Derby Community experiences that have shaped them as people and provided a road map to their success.  They each are part of the fabric that makes Derby a very special place to live.” 

The class of 1966 will be celebrating their 50th class reunion this year and it only made sense they be part of creating a new tradition of leading this year’s class in. 

 

In addition to leading the class in, they will meet with the class the day before graduation and talk about life in high school 50 years ago, life today and what helped them along the way.

 

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Conway stated, “We are thrilled at the opportunity to have the class of ‘66 as part of our celebration and look forward to this tradition happening each and every year moving forward.  I hope to be alive to see the class of 2016 leading in the class of 2066.” 

 

Dave Condon, Tom Baklik and James Balisciano have reached out to classmates attending the reunion to be held on July 30th and inquired as to their availability to be part of the graduation exercise scheduled for June 9, 2016.  The response has been terrific.  Condon stated he expects about 40 classmates (the class of ’66 had 130 graduates) to be in attendance at the graduation and shared, “50 years after marching into Ryan Field the Class of 1966 will once again be marching. However, instead of anticipating the receipt of our diplomas we will be celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2016 as they receive theirs.

 

Now 50 years later and with the perspective that comes with age we can reflect on the legacy we received from our years at DHS. Our advice to the Class of 2016 is to cherish this moment, look around at your friends and family and remember the lessons you learned while at DHS will last your lifetime and the legacy you carry forward will someday lead you back to this place when you will be celebrating your 50^th High School Reunion.”

 

Derby High School Principal Mr. Martin Pascale stated, “Derby pride will be alive and well on Thursday night, Red Raiders past, present and future will be there to celebrate the class of 2016!”

 

Derby student and class valedictorian Charlie Sampson shared, “tradition is strong in Derby, I am happy that the class of 66 will be there to share in our accomplishment as we graduate from DHS”

 

We expect this to be a great night full of tradition.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway)

Students honored at Ansonia Middle School commencement

The top two eighth grade students at Ansonia Middle School are Yao Dong and Stephanie Umeugo.

Dominique Finney (at podium) announces the dedication of the AMS yearbook to Grade 8 teacher Jessica Bedosky (standing at right of podium).

Justin Carotenuto (at podium) opens the Ansonia Middle School commencement program with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

      ANSONIA – A total of 193 eighth grade students participated in a Commencement Program at Ansonia Middle School on June 17 in the school auditorium. 
      The program was followed by a reception for students and their families.

      Principal Amy O’Brien also announced the top two graduates of the class: Yao Dong of Team 8-East, who gave the welcoming address, and Stephanie Umeugo of Team 8-West, who delivered the history of the class. The son of Hui Don and Yuhua Jiang, Yao is a member of the AMS Human Relations Club and works part-time at China Sea Restaurant. He will attend Ansonia High School next year and is considering a career as a computer programmer or engineer. Stephanie, the daughter of Ijeoma and Ikechukwu Umeugo, is also a member of the AMS Human Relations Club, has been a Julian A. Taylor Scholar, and is involved with ministry for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Stephanie will attend Ansonia High School next year and is considering a career as a medical doctor.

      Other speakers during the commencement included Justin Joseph Carotenuto, president of the eighth grade class, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; Assistant Superintendent of Schools Michael Wilson, Mayor David Cassetti, and William Nimons, president of the Board of Education. Four students announced the yearbook dedication to Teacher Jessica Bedosky: Millenia Iris Aleksiejczuk-Trinidad, Dominique DeAndrea Finney, Tymagee Bush and Olivia Joy Mitchell-Robinson. 

      Forty-nine students earned gold seals for earning grades of 85 percent or higher throughout the year. An asterick before their names indicates those students:

      Mr. Izzo’s homeroom: Shayla Barnes, Sabiana Beauchard, Carly Bomba, Jonathan Thomas Conniff, Aliyah Lanaha Garofalo, Khadaphy Hicks, David Kiley, Justin Lopez, Kerrigan Danielle MacDaniel, Jessalyn R. Mcgovern, Jaida Negron, Briana Sunshine Onidi, Arianna Renae Padilla, Benjamin Levi Pardy, Ta'yveon Rashawn Pearson-Coleman, Francesco Pizzola, Isac Saravia, *Courtney Christine Shortell, Edward A. Smith, *Cody Garvin Teodosio, Troy Walker, and Noah Michael Yates.        

     Ms. Porcelli’s homeroom: *Reginald Serafin Alves, *Jesse Brookins, William Richard Colwell, *Catherine Mary Ann Craig, *Cody Thomas Denice, James S. Fletcher, *Tyler M. Logan, Shawn Maiorino, Trent Mankulics, Emanuel Monteagudo, Brianna Lanice Moreno, Judi A. Palmieri, *Krystal Ann Pellegrino, Gary M. Reeves, Charles R. Rhodes III, Carlos E. Rivera, *Shea Rodriguez, Maria Romero, *Shaquelie J. Rubie, Jordan Santana, *Saimin Hassan Shamim, Alonna Smith, Michael Timothy Stevens, Dylan Trivers, *Jayme Allen Tuttle Jr., *Stephanie Chika Umeugo, Payton Westine, and *Kelly Lynne Zarka.

     Mr. Judge’s homeroom: Ilia Bachman, Daniel Bedoya, James Brown III, Arianna Beatrice Colon, Ivan Alexis Cruz, *Olivia Marie Gavin, *Dzenita Hasanovic, Tayshuna Nazhay Jackson, Asjha Jones, Demetrios Kantzas, Josenia Lopez, Lazaro Santiago Lopez, Alexander Grey Madore, David Montanez, Sean Tyler Morales, Terrence Jamal Randolph, Eliezer Junior Rivera, Abel Rodriguez, Hector Luis Roque Jr, Whisper Sanders, Riley Smith, and Shannon Lynn Swannie.

     Mr. Jacob’s homeroom: Bethany Rose Armstrong, Tre' Beall, Atianna La'Rai Bowen, Tymagee Bush, Jonathan Anthony Coriano, Martin Eaton, Allan Gabriel Fernandez, Trevor Dylan Godfrey, Garrett Hallet, Sara Hanaif, Alex G. Hernandez, Flore Doriane Jean, Kylie Jo Koskelowski, Alexander James Medvegy, Olivia Joy Mitchell-Robinson, Kayla Rose Orazietti, Devin Parr, Jasmine Denise Patterson, April Lynn Reves, Sydney Marie Salazar, *Apinya May Sayavong, Kayla Nicole Sutton, and Isiah Christian Turner.

     Ms. Durso’s homeroom: *Darien Rafael Acosta, Alesica Andrade, Taylor Brown, Derek Jose Cruz, Terence Gallagher, Imani Leslie Gonzalez, Tyreek Green, Jacob Guzman, Maria Guzman, Crisalin Long, Gustavo Jose Malave, Vincent Malerba, Adrien Marenick, Elijah Erin Martinez, Jonika Blanca Matos, Diana Karina Montoya, Jesse Pavelko, Travis Purvis, Grace Simon, Tamaya Lanise Upchurch, James Matthew Walsh, and *Joanne Xayarath.

    Mr. Friedman’s homeroom: Peter Vincent Aquila III, Terrance Scott Burrus Jr, Deshawn Fogle, *Antonio Garcia, Logan Gerrity, Da'Quan Hamilton, *Ekaterina Kazachkova, *Matthew Lexa, Asaira Lugo, Alyssa Lee Mancuso, Michael Miklos, *Elisabeth Molnar, Jason Monteiro, Sharon Morales, Treshaun Markese Kevin Nance, *Carlos Perez, Deonia Talorian Pickett, Victor Manuel Rodriguez, Tache Rose, *Yarimar Everelys Soto, *Sidra Syed, and Tyler J. Vance.

     Mrs. Bedosky’s homeroom: *Millenia Iris Aleksiejczuk-Trinidad, *Cameron D. Amato, Justin Joseph Carotenuto, *Yao Dong, *Dominique DeAndrea Finney, *Julian James Guevara, *Tamarrah Mo'nique Haynes, *Michael Jacob Hoisington, *Ben Jesulaitis, *Jocea Jordan, *Michael Constantino LaRovera, Shanley Jeanne Lawlor, Michael Mankulics, Isaias Martinez, Jaylen E. Medina, *Comfort Onuma, *Victoria Vee Ortega, *Destinee' Felicia Ramirez, *Alexandra Nicole Ramos, Kevin Joseph Rascoe, *Shamyra Beatrice Rivers, *Joshua M. Rodrigues, *Tanysha Mezmerae Sanchez, *Justin Kelso Stewart, Jacob L. Tamburrino, Robert Joseph Weldon II, and Joseph C. Winters.         

     Mrs. Kitik’s homeroom: Siara Allen, Jonathan Amaro, Deandre Gerrell Barnett, Destiny Blackwood, Melanie Janise Castro, *Elizabeth Jane Cavanaugh, Jason Davis, Katherine DeLeon Morales, *Chloe Simone Echevarria, Austin Goncalo, *Aisalynn Rosalynn Hurd, Butch J. Joyner Jr, *Kaylie Marie Keeler, Daniel Mangado, Gianna Rose Martinez, Jayden Morales, Christopher Domenic Rauccio, Allaurah Rose Ribas, Natalie Rivas, Adrian Ray Robles, Luis Angel Rodriguez, Sebastian David Rodriguez, Glenn Douglas Sampson, *Shafia Syed, Sherrae' Kiony Terry, Angel Velez, and Khyna Wallace.


This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools. 


Congratulations to all the graduates!

Ansonia High presents prizes at graduation

ANSONIA – The following graduation prizes were announced during commencement exercises for Ansonia High School Class of 2014, held on June 18:

Class of 1940 Award: Jessica Cegelka

Class of 1945 Award: John Williams

The Michael J. Adanti Memorial Community Fund: Devon Champen

The Carl R. Ajello Prize: John Williams

Ronald J. Aldo Memorial Award: Adrian Wiacek

American Legion Post #50 Graduation Prize: Rebecca Lorduy

The Joseph “Jay” Amico Artistic Memorial Scholarship Fund: Devon Champen

The Ansonia Federation of Teachers, Local 1012: Jessica Cegelka                   

Ansonia High School Parent-Teacher-Student Organization Award: Andrew Devine and Karalyn Meineke

AHS Alumni Prizes: Morgan Westine and David Widel

AHS Faculty & Staff Prize: Allesandro Manchisi

Ansonia High School Principal’s Award: David Widel        

Ansonia Rod & Gun Club: Adrian Wiacek & Susie Baez

Ansonia Rotary Club Scholarship: Jessica Cegelka 

Assumption Home-School Association: Kassie Tamburrino & Klaudiusz Kopec

The John F. Blake, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Arthur Kwaskiewicz 

The Raymond Chrzanowski Memorial Award: Adrian Wiacek          

John Coughlin Memorial Prize: Arkeel Newsome

The Alfred R. Cox, AHS Gridiron Memorial Prize: Corey Dzienkiewicz                

John Smolen Danielsky Business Award: Alexa Picheco                             

The Frank Erlingheuser Memorial Award: Karalyn Meineke

The Williams Evans Sr. Memorial Award: John Williams

The Salvatore Ferla Memorial Award: Devon Champen

The Ruth H. Feinberg Connors Principal's Award: Karalyn Meineke           

Major Frank H. & Mary Alice Ferdian Memorial Prize: Shayquan Turner

The Anna May Finnucan Award: Kassie Tamburrino

The Ann Marie Glenn Memorial Award: Kali Pellegrino

The Nancy Crowley Golino Memorial Prize: John Williams

The Peter S. Goumas Presidential Award: Louis Nicoletti               

Arthur Gray, AHS Gridiron Club Award: Saiheed Sanders

Coach John Hunt Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Simon

The Charles J. "Boots" Jarvis Prize: Thomas Majchrzak

The Dennis Keller Memorial Award: Darwin Elias

The John J. Kevalis Memorial Prize: Allesandro Manchisi

A.C. King Memorial Award: Matthew Simon

Knights of Columbus Council #10537, Holy Rosary: Cailee D’Amico

Winifred Bennett Kerins Memorial Prize: Thomas Majchrzak & Bryan Guerra

The Russell & Joanne Kiley Kulawiz Fund: Nicole Espinosa

The Class of ’52 Robert A. Kyasky & John W. Shortell Prize: Thomas Majchrzak

Class of 1990 – Shannon Renker Lelacheur Memorial Scholarship: Reaghan Bennett

The Allison Mancini-Hlavna Memorial Prize: Brittany Rosebrock

The Patrick Macnamara Memorial Prize: Thomas Majchrzak

Irene McAllister Memorial Prize: Ivery Lyons

Miss Ansonia Softball League Award: Morgan Westine

Ann O’Neil Award: Alexa Picheco

The Patricia Ann Panitz Memorial Award: Taylor Ross

The Gordon C. Parker Memorial Scholarship: Morgan Westine

The Joseph E. Potter Memorial Award: Sean Bonaparte

The John Quake Memorial Scholarship: Bryan Guerra

The Dusty Rhodes Memorial Award: Ryan Hovan

The Charleen Riccio Memorial Prize: John Williams

The V. Gerard Ryan Scholarship: Andrew Devine

The John A. Sabulis, Pine Class of 1944, Memorial Award: Matthew Pitney

Edith Schoonmaker Memorial Prize: Jordan Dossantos

The Dorothy Shortell Memorial Award: Kristen Langrieger

Matthew “Pop” Shortell, AHS Gridiron Club Athletic Award: Arkeel Newsome

The Luba Soldra Memorial Graduation Prize: Sarah Paskiewicz

The Mary Haussler Soukup Memorial Art Award: Bryan Guerra

The Jeanne Sovinski Memorial Award: Morgan Westine

Julian A. Taylor Memorial Scholarship: Reaghan Bennett                            

Minnie Tolles Scholarship: Karalyn Meineke

The George Vartelas Memorial Scholarship: Antone Mack

The Peter Vartelas Memorial Scholarship: Kirsten Langrieger

Vocational Education Scholarship: Arthur Kwaskiewicz

James Wilkins Lodge #9 Graduation Prize: Susie Baez

The Yudkin Family Scholarship: Ashley Adams, Susie Baez, Jennifer Bucci, Jessica Cegalka, Arthur Kwaskiewicz, Christopher Majchrzak, Thomas Majchrzak, Alessandro Manchisi, Melissa Pannone, Sara Paskiewicz.

The Albert J. Yuravich Memorial Award: Thomas Majchrzak

The Robert E. Zuraw Scholarship Award: Morgan Westine             

The Stephen F. Zuraw Memorial Scholarship: Antone Mack

ECMC Scholarships: Ashley Adams, Christopher Devine, Nicole Espinoza, Sarah Eye, Bryan Guerra, Vivian Lobato, Ivery Lyons, Karina Ortero, Melissa Pannone, and Joshua Vazquez.

 This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.  

 

Congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates!

Seymour High honors alumnus at graduation

Honoree George Alex Savitsky

SEYMOUR - A member of Seymour High School Class of 1963 was recognized as the school's 21st distinguished alumnus during Friday's commencement ceremony at DeBarber Field.

Ret. Air Force Maj. George Alex Savitsky of Las Vegas, Nev., lived in Seymour for the first 18 years of his life and said he has never forgotten his roots. "I owe a huge debt to many in Seymour," he said.

Savitsky spoke to the graduates about the importance of gratitude and of telling those who have supported them that they love and appreciate them. His speech was moving and no doubt an inspirational one for his young audience.

Savitsky graduated from the Air Force Academy and flew 153 combat missions in 1969-70 during the Vietnam War.

He told me memories of his service in the Air Force during the Vietnam War can be read in a compilation of stories contributed by him and his fellow forward air controllers in The Tiger Facs: A Dance with the Devil by Don Bell. 
Savitsky said he donated a copy of the book to the school library.


I enjoyed meeting Savitsky and learning about his many accomplishments throughout his varied career. 
And to think he came from humble beginnings right here in the Valley.
 

Graduates at O'Brien in Ansonia ready for next chapter

Twins Justice, left, and Iycess Correa of Bridgeport both graduated from the technical school's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Department. They plan to study nursing at Gateway Community College. With them is Naugatuck resident Joshua Casanova, who graduated from the Culinary Department. He will attend the Culinary Institute of America.

Salutatorian Ashlee Princevalli of Ansonia, left, and Malani Burey of Shelton, Valedictorian, are all smiles as they get ready for their graduation ceremony Thursday.

O'Brien Principal Laurie LeBouthillier addresses the senior class.

Keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman congratulates the Class of 2014. 


Best wishes for future success go out to all the graduates!