Millbrook graduates: ‘Poised, confident, and articulate’

Millbrook graduates:  ‘Poised, confident, and articulate’

Valedictorian Hannah Ross wins applause at Millbrook High School commencement June 21.

Gavin Marr

MILLBROOK — Due to poor weather forecasts, spirited friends and family of the Millbrook High School graduating class gathered indoors for the commencement ceremony on Friday, June 21.

Principal Eric Seipp began the ceremony by demonstrating his reluctance to move the event into the school’s auditorium.

“I know many of you are extremely disappointed with the decision to have our ceremony inside. Please know that this decision did not come lightly,” said Seipp.

Shortly after, Seipps’ remarks sparked laughter across the crowd after sharing some words of wisdom, “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” Seipp recognized and reinforced the graduates’ most notable attributes, “...poised, confident and articulate.”

Next on stage was Caroline Hernandez Pidila, Superintendent of Schools. She addressed the class as “the resilient class of 2024.” Pidila acknowledged a theme of uncertainty through their time, and their growth because of it.

In her message to the graduates, Colett Alonge-Watz, chemistry Instructor and Class of 2024 Co-advisor, celebrated cherished memories of several graduates. From eventful trips to Universal, to minute kind gestures, the class had an apparent and positive impact on Alonge-Watz.

Salutatorian Natalie Fox took to the podium to reflect on her years at Millbrook High School. Fox highlighted the class’ journey from virtual classrooms to in-person celebrations, including memories of winning state championships.

In the last speech of the day, Valedictorian Hannah Ross shared a quote, “If you want to go across the ocean, you first have to build a boat. You haven’t built the boat yet, you haven’t put in the ground work that’s needed. Without that you’re not going anywhere.” Ross’ narrative on the navigation of the life she believes her peers can lead is certain to resonate.

Before caps flew, Principal Seipp along with Board of Education President Perry Hartswick and Superintendent Pidila presented diplomas to the 64 graduates of the class of 2024.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less