177 Nanuet Knights Graduate

177 Nanuet Knights graduated Sunday, June 26. The guys were in black and the girls in gold cap and gowns. The ceremony began at 2 p.m. under a large tent on the Barr Middle School grounds and there were opening remarks from Matthew Hoppe, class president, Valedictorian Kerry Dolan and Salutatorian Saljooq Asif.

Principal Vincent Carella, Associate Principal James Enright and Dean of Students Peggy Ann Panker presented the graduating class and Board President Anne Byrne presented the diplomas with help from other board members.

Superintendent Mark McNeill declared their graduation and Student Senate President Brian Dolan lead the class in the turning of the tassel. The Nanuet Symphonic Band played Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, Imogen Heap/Skaba's Hide and Seek and King's Columbian March. The Nanuet Concert Choir also sang the National Anthem.

Student Reaction

"It's bittersweet. I'm excited about college adn the next four years," said Valedictorian Kerry Dolan. "But Nanuet's been really good to me so I'm sad to leave."

"It's kind of exciting and kind of surreal," said Salutatorian Saljooq Asif.

"It feels fantastic to graduate," said Bridget Cafaro. "It's about time."

"I an't wait to leave this school," said Luke Reilly.

"It's great to get out of high school," said Amanda Kelly. "I'm glad to have graduated."

Parent Reaction

"It's wonderful. I'm so proud to see him walk across and get his diploma," said Patti Roth, mother of JD. "I'm bursting with pride."

"I fell very proud," said Mother Marilyn Dar. "It's a very emotional day and a very nice class."

"It's feeling great. He did a good," said Zeba Asif, mother of Salutatorian Saljooq Asif. "Sure, I'll miss him (when he goes off to Boston College)."

"Feels really good," said Father Harold Straut. "She's the last one (to graduate from high school)."

"We're very proud parents," said parents Tina and Bobby Capodieci. "It's bittersweet."

The following received the Honorary Nanuet HS Diplomas:

• Irene and Joe Fitzgerald
• Donna Lennane
• the Late Harold Fogelman

"It was a such a shock, such a wonderful surprise," said Irene Fitzgerald, adding that she realized that she and her husband were chosen for the honor halfway through the nomination speech.

"It's a big honor for the family," said Joshua and Benjamin Fogelman, sons of the Late Harold Fogelman. "The 25 years he spent on the board was very important to him. We hope to follow in his legacy both as physicians and as servants to the community."

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