WOODBURY — Every year a new class of seniors moves up and onward with their lives, this year will be no different. The Region 14 Board of Education and district administration have set this spring’s graduation date for Saturday, June 15 with a rain date of Sunday, June 16.
“It’s tradition here at Nonnewaug to try to have it on Saturdays,” said Declan Curtin, athletic director and dean of students at Nonnewaug. “It will be outside this year as long as weather permits. If something happens, like rain or if it’s too hot outside, we have a backup day scheduled for Sunday the 16th.”
Stephanie Gutierrez, a guidance counselor at NHS, takes the lead along with Christopher Maclean in making sure graduation runs smoothly. She says that having a graduation date set this early in advance is a great help.
“It makes it easier for us because we have deadlines we have to meet for when caps and gowns need to be ordered, so once the date is set, that’s when the planning actually begins, like ordering the chairs, the waters, the police on standby, firefighters,” said Gutierrez. “The biggest part of setting a date is planning for families. A lot of people come from other states or towns, so it’s a lot easier for them to plan if we set a date early.”
Additionally, this year’s graduation is three days earlier than last year, which will have several added benefits for students and faculty.
“We’re very excited about this year’s graduation,” Curtin said. “I think the teachers and students are considering it one of the earlier dates that we have had in the recent past, so for many folks it’s gonna be an early summer. It’s also great for some seniors who want to get an extra week of work in or just to have more time before continuing on with their lives after high school.”
Perhaps the biggest part of the graduation date being set is it allows for seniors to accept that their high school careers are almost over. Reece Davis is a senior at Nonnewaug who will be continuing his academic career at Fordham University for business next year. Davis said that he will miss his fellow seniors.
“It’s hard to say; I’ve been in school with the same people for so long,” Davis reflected. “If I had to put it into words, I’d say I’m both excited and nervous.”
For Davis and other NHS seniors, solidifying their graduation date brings both clarity and excitement.
“I’m really excited to graduate and move onto college,” said Madison Ocasio, an NHS senior. “It feels like it’s coming so fast.”
