Superintendent of the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District Michael McElduff was the first to speak at the June 22 Highland Falls Intermediate School Eighth Grade Moving Up ceremony.

That’s fitting, because McElduff entered the HFFMCSD the same year that the eighth graders did – he started work in the district as the principal of the Fort Montgomery Elementary School the same year they entered the district as pre-kindergarteners.

“I’ve known you as long as I’ve known my own kids,” the superintendent said. “You are very special to me.”

He recalled how as pre-kindergarteners they had “big personalities, endless energy and so much potential”, adding that now, as soon-to-be-high schoolers, they have already accomplished so much as “capable, hard-working young adults”.

“You’re taking courses like algebra, living environment, Spanish and studio art. You’re in band performances and competitions. You choir students sounded amazing tonight. You’re creating beautiful artwork, you’re playing on modified, JV and even varsity sports. You’re volunteering. You’re helping others. You’re supporting the community. And you’re discovering the young adults you are becoming. That is an incredible journey in just ten years.”

McElduff, and later HFIS Principal Charles Femia, also encouraged the students to look out into the audience of the O’Neill High School auditorium that evening and recognize their families.

“Like your teachers, counselors, coaches, aides, monitors and administrators, they believe in your and will continue to believe in you for the next four years and beyond,” the superintendent said.

When he went to the podium, Femia noted that he doesn’t have the same history with the students that McElduff does, but called the night very special for him as the first-year principal of HFIS.

“Tonight is a special evening to celebrate your accomplishments, reflect on a new journey, and look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead,” Femia said. “Tonight we celebrate your years of hard work, perseverance, growth and success.”

Femia’s message to the students was to always “choose courage over comfort”.

“At first, that may sound strange,” he said. “After all, most of us like comfort. We like familiar routines and knowing what to expect. We like situations where we feel confident and successful, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, growth rarely happens in those comfortable places – grown happens when we are challenged and when we are uncertain.”

He continued: “Courage is raising your hand in class when you’re not completely sure of the answer, and being willing to make yourself vulnerable in front of others. Courage is trying out for a team, or auditioning for a play or concert. Courage is introducing yourself to someone new.”

Femia encouraged the students to do all of that once they get to O’Neill High School.

“As you enter high school there will be opportunities to challenge yourself. Take them without hesitation or trepidation. Enroll in the class that pushes you harder. Join the club that interests you. Try out for the team. Apply for the leadership position,” he said. “You are capable of far more than you realize and you can take that to the bank.”

There was significant student participation in the evening, including remarks by student Inaya Naba Zaib.

To open the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kenya Okoth, Ava Mandile and Khloe Boyce, and Katelyn Bilodeau and Amelia Armstrong sang the National Anthem, followed by members of the Advanced Choir singing ‘Ordinary Miracle’. Those singing were: Brandon Sandoval Berganza, Abraham Segura, Pedro Salazar, Andrew Liyam, Katelyn Bilodeau, Ava Mandile, Samantha VanPelt, Amelia Armstrong, Emilie McGonigal, Olivia Dennis, Kenya Okoth, Valentina Meyer, Colette Armstrong, Marilyn Wolf, Mila Buchheim, Abigail Sawicki and Giulianna Corneil Greico.

Quite a few students were honored at the ceremony with individual awards.

They went to:
- NYS Attorney General’s Triple C Award – Gerson Jimenez-Pena
- John Sangimino Spirit Award – Guilianna Corneil and Gavin Davis

- Citizenship Award – Pedro Salazar
- National Honor Society Award – Emilie McGonigal and Colette Armstrong
- NYS Comptroller Student Achievement Award – Emilie McGonigal, Colette Armstrong, Pedro Salazar, Abigail Sawicki, Marilyn Wolf
- Outstanding Achievement Awards – Valentina Meyer (algebra), Gavin Davis (band), Emilie McGonigal (biology), Katelyn Bilodeau (chorus), John Armstrong (ELA), Angelina Quiroz Alvarez (math), Josias Jarrett (physical education), Brandon Sandoval Berganza (social studies), Joelis Suero (Spanish), Ayleen Arredondo Lopez (studio art)