AMENIA — Taking the first step toward living out into their future of wide possibilities were the 45 members of the graduating class of 2024 at their Commencement ceremony at Webutuck High School on Thursday, June 27.
A justifiable sense of pride in individual achievement was evident as well as the joy of sharing the experience with family, friends, and classmates. The weather, although breezy, was perfection for the event held under a huge tent filled to capacity. The sunset-lit view of the fields and hills to the east provided a breathtaking backdrop.
School Superintendent Raymond Castellani offered welcoming remarks, reminded of Aesop’s fable of the eagle and the crow, noting that the crow is the only species that dares to peck at an eagle. With the crow on his back pecking at his neck, the eagle ascends to a height where the air becomes too thin for the crow, ending the attack.
“Go higher to get better,” Castellani advised, urging the class to be like the eagle.
“Set goals that are beyond your reach,” said Principal Robert Knuschke, challenging the class to find something to be passionate about, something that will make the world better, and importantly, something sufficiently large that it might result in failure.
The Commencement address was delivered by Danielle Mollica, Executive Director of the Silo Ridge Community Foundation.
Mollica spoke of four virtues paving the path toward success: Honesty, Fairness, Strength and Wisdom.
“Embrace every chance to learn,” Mollica said, advising graduates not to fear failure.
“You are allowed to make mistakes,” said Salutatorian Amanda Intrieri advising the class to focus on the future, always moving forward.
Valedictorian Riley Morgan Thirlwall expressed gratitude to the school community.
“Always remember that the sky is the limit. This is just the beginning in all your stories,” Thirlwall said, urging the Class of 2024 to be prepared for challenges and embrace failures.
Following the speeches, diplomas were awarded by Principal Knuschke and Supt.Castellani.
Leila Hawken
Graduating seniors stepped briskly toward their seats at the 70th annual Commencement under a tent at Webutuck High School on Thursday, June 27.
Karina Powers teaches traditional dances from Mexico in Millbrook.
Powers received a master’s degree in Mexican folklore dance from Escuela de la Danza in Baja California, Mexico. Since moving to the United States, she has built a career in performance and teaching. She has not only served as a dance director and performed as a professional vernacular music singer in California, but she has also worked towards her Doctorate, which she will receive in October.
As the founder of her company, Powers works tirelessly to make sure her dancers have everything they need, including costumes, proper flooring, music and a space to practice. Her husband built wooden panels, called tarimas, for students to dance on with their folklórico shoes. Millbrook Mayor Peter F. Doro allows Powers and her group to practice in Millbrook Hall, where she brings the tarimas to every practice along with costumes and proper footwear.
Powers dreams of owning her own studio where she can practice with her group, offer more classes, store costumes and create a space for her dancers to do their hair and makeup before performances. She said she hopes people learn about her classes so her company can grow and she can teach dances from a wider range of Mexican states while having greater access to traditional dress.
As a single mother and professor, Powers’ mother, Carmen Méndez, put her children in dance classes and signed them up for track and field, always keeping them goal- and career-oriented. She helped Powers with her company by creating all of the costumes her dancers wear in their performances. After her mother’s death in 2021, Powers said she has dedicated herself to carrying forward the passion, work ethic and love of dance her mother instilled in her.
“I miss her terribly, and I’m here because of her,” Powers said. “That’s why I want to do this, because of her. She gave me a lot, with the costumes, with her support. I do it for my mom.”
Karina Powers and her students practice in Millbrook Hall.Lucia Iandolo
Dancers in Powers’ group are dedicated to learning the art of dance from different states in Mexico on Tuesday and Friday nights at Millbrook Hall. They travel from many different places in New York to participate, with some dancers traveling more than an hour to make it to rehearsal each week.
“It’s a lot of work, but they learn it. I believe they love it, and it’s a way to come together, to do something good, to do something healthy, and to have people around you who appreciate this kind of art,“ Powers said.
Powers has studied with professor Eloy Jiménez Figueroa since childhood and said his mentorship inspired her to become the teacher she is today. She added that while she may not be the best teacher, she learned from the best.
While living in California, Powers taught elementary, high school and college students, as well as adults. She was recruited to teach traditional Mexican folkloric dance because of the region’s large Mexican community. Today, she encourages people of all backgrounds to explore the rich traditions of Mexican dance.
“This type of dance is not only for people from Mexico,” Powers said. “This is an art and the arts unite nations.”
Powers hopes to continue sharing that art in Millbrook and one day teach in the Millbrook Central School District. Powers and her group will perform at the Millbrook Library on Nov. 21, presenting traditional Mexican dances and inviting audience members to participate.
As a professor, dancer and singer, Powers stays grounded by believing in something greater than herself. She says that praying and putting herself in the hands of God has helped anchor her. She hopes to teach and dance for as long as her body allows.
“My mom, for me, is an angel. I put myself in her hands, and I have faith,” Powers said. “I have faith that God, or something good, is going to be there for the group and for myself.”
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