High School Graduation

23-June-2012
  The Bogota High School Class of 2012 had their Commencement program last night in the school's Auditorium.  Principal Linda Gattuso welcome families and friends to the ceremony. She talked about how they should be proud of the young women & men who stood in front of them.
  Arieliz Lopez spoke, as Salutatorian, recapping the the class final year as high school students. Joking at some have had a case of " Senioritis" for the last three years, their final year together was worth the wait. Ms. Lopez recalled senior trips, and parties, Prom night along with sporting events. How the everyday happenings of school life are now a thing of the past. She wonder how many prays were said , by both Parents and Teachers, in order to help the students get through the years. In the end she mention that how she was happy and pleased to standing with her friends, and classmates.
  Superintendent Dr. Letizia Pantoliano gave the Keynote Speech. This reminded the Seniors of all the grades they have had to pass through in their academic careers, Pre-school, & Kindergarten, to Elementary, & underclassmen, they have made it to the top.  Dr. Pantoliano told them of the different ceremonies they may have been in this was a graduation. This is a point where they stopped being students, and kids, and now become Adults. Even going to more schooling in one form or another, now the decisions they make are theirs. She hopes the the years in school will help them in the future, wished the them the best in the future they will make for themselves.
   Valedictorian Larissa Schumylowych asked her classmates, for their forgiveness if she quoted herself. Six years ago she was asked to speech at the promotion ceremony upon leaving Steen School. The start of her speech then is just as fitting as  today. " I can not believe that six years have gone by so quickly."  Ms.Schumylowych talked about being one of many starting in a new building. There were classmates, from Steen, friends from Bixby, and St. Joseph's along with new kids from other towns, all brought together in one building. After six years all these different people are now on family of Bogota Bucs. She continued to mention the uniqueness of Bogota High School where Upper & Lower grades easily mixed together. 
   There was music from " Aventura" by the school band to "Soul Man"  sung by the Choir to bring a more uptempo moment to the evening.  When the Diplomas were handed out there were cheers, and shout from fellow students, and the Audience. Hugs, & kisses of Teachers ( even Rey Pella lifting his Mother up when she was allowed to hand him his Diploma). Congratulation for the new Alumni, and Thanks for Teachers , and Parents. The one "incident" would be the sound of a Fire truck horn, and siren when Andrew Gilbert name was called.  The entire school and Borough can be proud of how this Women & Men presented themselves as they are set to begin the next part of their lives.         

Preparing for the Ceremonies 

Principal Linda Gattuso

Salutatorian Arielz Lopez

Superintendent Dr. Letizia Pantoliano giving the Keynote Address.

 Seniors listening to the proceedings 

The Band playing " Aventura"

The Choir singing " Soul Man"

Valedictorian Larissa Schumylowych giving her address to the Seniors

Singing the Alma Mater

Presenting the 2012  Graduating Class  of Bogota High School

Cap toss

Hugs from classmates