SALISBURY — There was an abbreviated ceremony to recognize the Class of 2021 at Salisbury Central School on Wednesday, June 16.
Reflecting ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was held outside, in front of the middle school building.
There were areas outlined in chalk on the pavement and grass for the spectators to place their chairs (brought from home). Most brought folding chairs of the camping variety, although one man was spotted toting a stack of sturdier, non-folding patio chairs.
The students began arriving at 4:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. ceremony. They gathered together in small groups, laughing and joking and making last-minute adjustments to their outfits, until they were called inside around 5:45 p.m.
In the meantime family members arrived and settled in as best they could.
That spirit of making the best of a difficult situation emerged as the theme of the ceremony. Principal Stephanie Magyar told the students that the outdoor event, and the entire 2020-21 school year, was probably not what they expected, unless they had anticipated wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and shortages of toilet paper.
Sara Huber praised her classmates for “overcoming obstacles unlike anything we’ve encountered before.”
Tessa Marks said that as the students worked within the limits imposed by the pandemic, “We saw ourselves as people who could accomplish anything.”
Magyar said the difficult school year proved one thing about the Class of 2021:
“You will not forget the resilience and perseverance you have shown this year.”
Salisbury Central School Class of 2021
Jesse Windsor Bonhotel, Kobe Finch Stubbs Brown, Georgette Elizabeth Campagne, Daisy Guadalupe Chavez-Sanchez, Briana Louise Clark, Treasa Fominichna Connell, Ashton Ryan Cooper. Nathaniel Robert Divine, Diarra Bousso Fall, Fatou Ney Fall, Ellis Francis Guidotti, Lou Wilder Haemmerle-Parsons, Sara Kate Huber, Brandon Allen Madeux, Jacob Thomas Marcus, Sam Charles Marcus, Tess O’Shaugnessy Marks, Aiden Marcus Scott Miller, Jassim Ray Mohydin, David Sykes O’Neill, Mason Amos O’Niel, Serena Elizabeth Ratcliffe, Olivia June Robson, Annabel Elizabeth Ross, Wendy Michelle Santiago-Leyva, Taylor Lynn Swart, Gabriela Titone, Dominik Aloysius Valcin, Jayme Harrison Walsh, Jacob Christopher White, Elinor Anne Wolgemuth, Desiree Christina Wright, Michael William Wright
2021 Awards
Mathematics: Olivia Robson, Aiden Miller
Science: Jassim Mohydin, Briana Clark
Distinguished Writer: Sara Huber
Literary Excellence: Tess Marks
Music Awards
Chorus: Dominik Valcin
Band: Tess Marks, Jassim Mohydin
Visual Arts: Tess Marks, Gabby Titone
Roger Rawlings Award: Jassim Mohydin
Social Studies: Ellie Wolgemuth
Spanish: Tessie Connell, Sara Huber
Physical Education: Jesse Bonhotel, Lou Haemmerle
Ned Corkery Perseverance Award: Briana Clark
Caroline Kenny Burchfield Award (SOAR): Tess Marks
Alumni Award: Tess Marks
Hazel Flynn Memorial Award: Tess Marks, Jassim Mohydin
Presidential Excellence: Tessie Connell, Tess Marks, Jassim Mohydin, Gabby Titone, Ellie Wolgemuth
Learning Practices: Tessie Connell, Tess Marks, Jassim Mohydin, Gabby Titone, Ellie Wolgemuth
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
