LAKE KATRINE – The Kingston High School 2024 graduation ceremony drew thousands of families and friends to see a vibrant group of 410 seniors receive diplomas on Friday.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Crosby Elementary School athletic field in Lake Katrine.
The smoothly run event kicked off with senior Rocco McElrath rocking the Star Spangled Banner on an electric guitar that heightened the excitement already in the summer air.
Kingston High School Senior Class President Chase Fromson addressed the audience with a pair of crutches nearby. Formson explained a knee injury could have sidelined his lacrosse season, but he made the decision to finish it out.
Starting in ninth grade, these students spent a lot of time alone studying remotely on Microsoft Teams during the pandemic. Returning to school or face-to-face learning later led to a very strong bond between staff and students. Hours of solitude turned into years of gratitude.
Principal Rachel Scorca, also a former Kingston High School graduate, explained that success in life does not typically take a linear path. “Many parts of the future are unknown, but you are well-equipped to face life’s challenges, share that same positivity, optimism and creativity that we were able to enjoy the last four years at Kingston High School,” said Dr. Scorca.
The district recognized students for activities leading to biliteracy, legal education program and civic readiness as well as those who participated in the National Honor Society and a college-level learning at Ulster County Community College.
The salutory address was given by Jerry Chen and Peter Dong presented the valedictory address.
A heartfelt commencement address was given by Ms. Randi Kelder, the founder of a local non-profit raising awareness about dangers of drug addiction.
Drug overdose is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2019, drug overdoses claimed 70,630 lives – an increase of 4.8 percent from 2018.
Kelder’s brother Ryan, died in 2015 from a heroin overdose that was laced with fentanyl that was preceded by bouts of intense social anxiety.
The founder of R.Y.A.N. (Raising Your Awareness About Drug Addiction) explained that drug addiction does not discriminate. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, what color your skin is or how much money you have,” said the 2009 graduate of Kingston High School.
After the celebratory cap toss, senior Max Moughan from Hurley summed up his Kingston High School experience. “It was worth it. I received a great education,” said the KHS graduate who will attend Marist College in the fall to study sports broadcasting.
