Celebrating graduation decisions at Webutuck High School

AMENIA —  With graduation for area high schools just around the corner, many celebrations are beginning to take place. On Friday, May 5, the senior graduating class of Webutuck High School had a celebratory cookout luncheon in the courtyard of their school, a follow-up to celebrate National College Decision Day, which was on Monday, May 1.

Not everyone wants to or needs to go to college, but that doesn’t mean they don’t all have to plan for the future. Talking to some of the seniors, found that many of them know exactly what they want to do, and many have already taken steps to secure that future.

The number of different colleges these young adults will be attending ranges from Dutchess Community College to Hawaii Pacific University, Western New England University, Florida State University and others near and far.

Some who are not opting for college have also made plans; one enterprising young man will be starting his own landscaping service right after graduation. Of course, he’s been working at it for a while, and by now, has lots of experience. Another young man has been taking welding courses at BOCES, and will be working in that field, something he loves.

The Webutuck students have gotten lots of guidance from their counselors, and even went on a college tour with them in the Syracuse area to get a taste of the college life, visiting SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Le Moyne College. They’ve had lots of discussions on whether college is the right choice, and they were prompted to do research on colleges as well as the fields of work that interest them.

Some of the graduates are going into medicine, architecture, dental health and cosmetology. A few have decided on teaching, social work, welding, landscaping, para-rescue in the armed forces, and a couple are considering going into counseling. Many are going to four-year colleges; others are planning on attending two-year colleges.

These graduates spent most of their high school years dealing with COVID-19, doing work remotely and not having the social interaction with their peers that most enjoy in those years. Some of them never got to play the sports they loved, or had to play catch-up after schools reopened, but the counselors and the students know they missed out on a lot.

Darlene McLaughlin, who is a guidance counselor for grades K-12, noted that in small communities, the students are close because the schools are small: “They did life together. COVID changed that.” But, she said, “These are really good people, they support each other, and I will really miss them!”

Fellow guidance counselor Vincent Merendino sees the aftermath of COVID as more of a rebirth and was very positive about the students who are graduating, noting that this day of celebration was well-earned, and that it was great for the staff and the students to celebrate together.

Robert Knuschke is finishing his first year as Webutuck High School principal, and was elated with how the year went. He is already looking forward to next year, saying that the school has been working on introducing new curriculum, possibly giving credit for work experience, and adding courses such as environmental science and strength and conditioning, Originally from Red Hook, Knuschke lived in the South for many years, but is happy to be back and in the Webutuck school system. He’s worked as a teacher and in administration, but loves working more closely with students.

Also on hand was Dan Pietrafesa, the public affairs officer for BOCES, who is at Webutuck three days per week. He loves the “smallness” of the district, and likes working with a small community, both students and staff. He noted that he went to Arlington High School, which was huge, and he always felt he missed out on something, which he thinks smaller districts like Webutuck can provide to students.

The celebration was fun, the food was good, everyone is looking toward the future: When young people are doing well, what more can you ask for? Maybe good weather on graduation, and a happy future for all the 2023 grads.

From left: Duncan Ladalaus, Apani Rowe and Cadance Shufelt are among the 41 high school seniors who will be graduating next month from Webutuck High School. On Friday, May 5, they gathered for a cookout lunch with other students and staff at the school to celebrate the choices they made on National Decision Day, which was May 1. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

From left: counselor Vincent Merendino,  student Matthew Mangione and counselor Darlene McLaughlin enjoyed the Decision Day luncheon and conversation on Friday, May 5, at Webutuck High School. Mangione will be going into the U.S. Air Force following next month’s graduation. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe

From left: Duncan Ladalaus, Apani Rowe and Cadance Shufelt are among the 41 high school seniors who will be graduating next month from Webutuck High School. On Friday, May 5, they gathered for a cookout lunch with other students and staff at the school to celebrate the choices they made on National Decision Day, which was May 1. Photo by Judith O’Hara Balfe