Class of 2018

23-June-2017
   On Friday -22-June 76 Seniors became the 91 th Graduating Class of Bogota High School.  On a s early evening Family and Friends gathered at Feigel Field to be apart of these Student next step in life.  The graduating class, led by Principal Damien Kennedy and other members of the school administrator, walked in pairs to the applause of the audience.  As they passed through the Family section they split into two groups flanking the main stage.  After the flag salute, and  the Nation Anthem  Principal  Kennedy welcomed the attendees. Next Superintendent Dr. Vincent Varcadipane addressed the Seniors  telling of a Man in the 19th Century who experience failing businesses ventures, personal loss, and political  setback.  Then finally Abraham Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States and changed a Country by ending slavery.
   Then Principal  Kennedy introduced the Salutatorian Brandon Gonzalez. Mr.Gonzalez  thanked his classmate not only for sharing their Senior year together, but allowing him to be different from most Student and accepted as a classmate.
  Next was a musical selection " Where the Black Hawk Soars" played by the Bogota Concert band under the Direction of Mr. Barry McCann. This was followed by the Keynote address by Bogota High School Graduate,  Class of 1991 Mr. Michael Lukacs. He talked about growing up in Bogota with both parents working two job, and finding a way to get he and his Sister ready for the day, and put them to bed at night.  This ingrained a spirit of how hard work and determination can be the key to success. Failing in getting countless number of jobs Mr. Lukacs would then find employment, and staying when other would leave, trying when other would quit he could then become someone who could take care of his Family and give support to his former school and town. 
   Next came the Valedictory address by Areliss Ortiz. She talked about how her and her classmate are more than just names on a piece of paper. She implored her fellow Graduates to find out who they really are by the experiences they can explore  in the future.  Ms. Ortiz thanked  the Facility and Staff of Bogota High School for the guidance in bringing the Class of 2018 this far. She also thanked the Families of the Students for all their support. The last point Ms Ortiz made is the Class of 2018 needs to make their own mark on the world.   She said that they can help themselves by helping others,  supporting  each other and give to those who have given to you. After  the speech the Bogota Choir, under the direction of Ms Andrea Lynch performed "River in Judea".
  Finally Principal  Kennedy presented the Seniors of the  Bogota Class of 2018 to School Board President Lisa Kohles for his approval. With this the Women and Men were awarded their Diplomas. This was followed by Class President  Melissa Cristaldo leading the Seniors with the Ephebic Oath. Then Tim Uzor announced a gift  the school to be used for the School's garden before the singing of the Alma Mater. Ms. Cristaldo performed one last duty and led her Classmates in moving their tassels from the right to the left.  With that the Bogota Senior Class of 2018 became the latest graduated Class from Bogota High School.

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