Millbrook High School: High hopes shared as graduates toss their caps high into the air

MILLBROOK — Perfect weather, big smiles and a chance to spend time with friends and family, the Millbrook High School (MHS) graduation ceremony was all anyone could hope for on Friday, June 24.

After the last two senior classes felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s graduates were overjoyed to be able to once again meet and greet in person and celebrate their accomplishments after spending senior year in relative normalcy.

The Class of ‘22 was able to partake in sports, band and extra-curricular activities, unlike the Classes of ‘20 and ‘21, both very much restricted by the health crisis and fears of the coronavirus spreading to not only the student body, staff and administrators but to the greater Millbrook community.

On the 24th, the expectant graduates, their friends and family all converged at the district’s Athletic Complex at 7 p.m. The familiar strains of Pomp and Circumstance played in the background courtesy of the Millbrook High School Concert Band under the direction of Band Director Daniel Dunninger.

The procession was led by Board of Education (BOE) President Perry Hartswick and Superintendent of Schools Laura Mitchell. The National Anthem was performed by students Collin Fuller and Nora Geldhoff.

The day’s program was led by Millbrook High School Principal Eric Seipp.

“This class is a special class, as I arrived at MHS during the beginning of your freshman year,” said Seipp, who joined MHS four years earlier.

He said earlier, “It has been a long, grueling journey, but they made it and I’m very proud of each of them.”

Seipp relayed three important pieces of advice to the 72 students: 1. “The hotter things become, the calmer you need to be”; 2. “Surround yourself with really good people”; and 3. “Look for  joy, as joy surrounds us if we know where to look… It is all around.”

He then wished the class much joy in its future.

Retiring English teacher Frank Fiorenzo, who was voted by the student body to give the graduates a final message, said in his 25 years of teaching, it was “never about today, but about tomorrow.”

Salutatorian Molly McMorris said COVID had “set the world on fire” in her remarks.

“We are the phoenix of this world,” she said, adding the value of being curious, urging her fellow graduates to let their curiosity guide them through life.

Valedictorian David Sager related that he saw the freshman class as a box of Legos, each separate, but unique, all coming together at the end, creating something extraordinary. He also thanked family, friends, teachers, administrators and staff for their years of support.

The BOE’s Hartswick also addressed the class of ‘22.

“On behalf of the Millbrook Board of Education, we would like you to  know how wonderfully proud we are of you and all of your achievements during your years at Millbrook,” he said. “There are few times in life when you’ll put as much work into a single accomplishment as you did for this. Be proud of yourself; we  certainly are. Good luck in all you do and remember, wherever you go, go with  all your heart… Confucius.”

A final message was given by the superintendent.

“Please leave knowing that we are all proud of you, impressed by you, care for you and believe in you,” said Mitchell. “Now go, lead, and of course, have fun!”

Members of Millbrook High School’s Graduating Class of 2022 celebrated earning their diplomas on Friday, June 24th, as the students marched onto the Athletic Compound for that evening’s graduation ceremony. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Hats tossed high, along with high hopes for the future, Millbrook High School graduates enjoyed throwing their caps into the air, thrilled with having a normal graduation after dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for two years. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Members of Millbrook High School’s Graduating Class of 2022 celebrated earning their diplomas on Friday, June 24th, as the students marched onto the Athletic Compound for that evening’s graduation ceremony. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe