Largest class since 2014 graduates from Stissing Mountain High

PINE PLAINS — The largest graduating class since 2014 — totalling 82 seniors — celebrated the end of high school on Saturday, June 20.

Seniors from Stissing Mountain High School had their graduation at the school on Church Street in Pine Plains. Cloudy weather threatened rain but didn’t follow through as classmates, friends and family gathered to recognize the graduates’ achievements.

Principal Cristopher Boyd, School Board President Amy Fredericks, and Superintendent Dr. Brian Timm delivered opening remarks to a crowded auditorium of friends, family, and congratulatory balloons.

Dr. Timm urged the students to seek out growth through creative tension in their next chapter, and to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. He extolled the group’s determination, and encouraged them to remember Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Then came the student speakers: Michelle Blackburn, Siena Millar, Salutatorian Violet Bliss, and Valedictorian Alyssa Fredericks shared messages of gratitude for the support they had received throughout their education, both from their family and community. “Pine Plains helped build the foundation we all stand on,” said Valedictorian Fredericks.

This was the last step for a class that has, in large part, been classmates since kindergarten. They were together one last time on Saturday, awash in purple robes and graduation caps for the occasion.

The class of 2026 will be spreading out next year. Popular college destinations include Dutchess Community College, the SUNY system, colleges in Boston, and the armed services. More than a quarter of graduates are starting full-time jobs after high school.

The school’s chorus performed twice during the graduation, singing the Pine Plains alma mater to introduce the student speakers, and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” to play them off.

Finally, it was time: one by one the 82 seniors shuffled off the risers to shake hands with the administrators, receive their diploma, and make that long walk across the stage to the jubilant hoots of their family and friends. As they processed off the stage and into those waiting arms, one chapter ended and another began.