AMENIA — A variety of paths will lead the 45 members of the graduating class of 2025 in vastly different directions. To mark the milestone, they assembled with family and friends for their Commencement ceremony at Webutuck High School on Saturday, June 21.
Pride in school and individual achievement was a clear theme as well as the joys of the moment. The weather was sunny and mild for the event held under a huge tent filled to capacity. The view of the far-off hills was silently symbolic.
“Our future is in really, really good hands,” said Webutuck Superintendent Raymond Castellani during welcoming remarks.
Reflecting on the words of martial arts star Bruce Lee, Castellani advised the students to “be like water,” citing the properties of flexibility and adaptation.
“Embrace change,” was Castellani’s advice to the rapt graduating class.
“My commitment is absolute,” proclaimed co-Principal Matthew Pascale who has served alongside Principal Robert Knuschke for this year, ready to assume full responsibilities as Principal in the coming school year.
Modeling her decked-out tasseled cap and celebrating her newly-awarded diploma, Alexis Winters of Amenia paused for a photo in the moments following the 71st annual Commencement at Webutuck High School on Saturday, June 21. Her sister, Haley, who was a member of the class of 2023, shared in marking the milestone occasion.Photo by Leila Hawken
Pascale highlighted qualities of the graduating class, including compassion, potential and intellect, urging them toward a lifetime of service.
“Service enriches the lives of others, as well as your own,” Pascale said.
Invited to present the commencement address, Aaron Howard, now completing his first year on the Webutuck teaching staff, specializing in technology, noted that he had been a member of the graduating class of 1999.
In the ensuing years, Howard has served as a volunteer firefighter and Chief of the Amenia Fire Company, and as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Members of the graduating class of 2025 received their diplomas from Superintendent Raymond Castellani at the 71st annual Commencement ceremony under a tent at Webutuck High School on Saturday, June 21.Photo by Leila Hawken
Howard praised the 2025 class, telling them that their school experience was out of the ordinary, due to adjustment to the pandemic.
“You are stronger and more resilient,” Howard said.
Advice included to “serve before you’re ready, treat people well, define success for yourself, and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
“Be bold, be kind,” Howard concluded.
Recognizing the significance of her graduation, salutatorian Gissel Oros spoke of the sacrifices made by her family, noting that she will be the first generation in her family to attend college.
The 71st annual Commencement at Webutuck High School on Saturday, June 21, brought family and friends together to celebrate the Class of 2025. Pausing for a photo was Troy Brazee of Millerton, flanked by proud parents Tricia and Ernest Brazee.Photo by Leila Hawken
“Never give up,” Oros told her classmates. “Keep moving forward.”
“We start a new chapter,” Oros said, eliciting loud cheers from her audience.
Next to the podium was valedictorian Olivia Wickwire whose first move was to adjust the microphone to a proper angle, indicating ease in a public speaking setting.
Wickwire shared remembrances with her classmates and particularly described the solid influence of her family, conveying a sense of profound gratitude to her grandmother who provided her with an unfailing, foundational role model.
“Be the person you want people to know you as,” Wickwire told her classmates.
“We had such a fun party for her,” said AMP founder and artistic director Ellen Griesedieck. “I am excited for what is next for Amy and grateful for every moment she has invested in her work at AMP.”
Wynn, who previously led the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, said her decision to step down came after careful reflection.
“It’s time for me to shift into the next phase of my career, which will call upon my 40-plus years of nonprofit experience to do project work,” she said. “I’ve absolutely loved my time at AMP.”
Visitors to the American Mural Project.Sky Johnson
Under Wynn’s leadership, AMP expanded education programs, deepened community partnerships and oversaw key milestones in the creation of its monumental centerpiece — a three-dimensional mural stretching 120 feet long and five stories high — celebrating American ingenuity, industry and collaboration.
“Through all these years, Amy has worked with tireless enthusiasm for AMP, running day-to-day operations and guiding the overall direction of our mission,” Griesedieck said.
During Wynn’s tenure, AMP evolved from a concept into a dynamic cultural campus. She helped professionalize its structure, solidify its funding base and develop programs that drew visitors from across the state and beyond.
“The work she has accomplished, the hours of overtime she has logged, the mountains we have climbed together since that moment are many and miraculous,” Griesedieck said.
AMP also weathered challenging times, including the pandemic, which forced arts organizations to rethink audience engagement. Wynn guided the team during that uncertain period with a steady hand.
To ensure a smooth transition, AMP has brought on Renee Chatelain of RMCreative Solutions, LLC, an experienced consultant, attorney and arts administrator who previously worked with AMP on its capital expansion planning.
Chatelain will serve as interim executive director while a national search is conducted for AMP’s next leader.
“A longtime friend, Renee comes to us with a depth of knowledge on executive transition,” said Griesedieck. “As an attorney, a leader of several arts organizations and a classically trained dancer, she is particularly well-suited for this interim role.”
Though stepping down, Wynn said she will continue her work in the nonprofit field in a more flexible, project-based capacity.
“I’ll be seeking consulting projects with other nonprofits, assisting with grant work and strategic planning,” she said. “What I enjoy most is leading a collaborative effort and finding solutions to challenging problems.”
Sky Johnson
Even as AMP bids farewell to Wynn, its focus remains on the future. The next phase of development will focus on converting a second mill building into expanded programming and community space.
“The next step has got to happen,” Griesedieck said. “It’s absolutely what the Northwest Corner needs — a place for the community to congregate.”
The proposed expansion would create flexible areas for performances, workshops and public events, further establishing AMP as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene.
With community support and grants, AMP hopes to carry forward Wynn’s momentum into a new era.
“She is not leaving,” Griesedieck said. “Amy will always be here for us.”
Founded in 2001, the American Mural Project was conceived as a tribute to the American worker — a celebration of skill, creativity and perseverance. The mural, the largest indoor collaborative artwork in the world, was created with contributions from thousands of children, artists, teachers, tradespeople and volunteers nationwide.
Today, AMP offers tours, workshops, lectures and performances, all rooted in its mission: to inspire, invite collaboration and reveal the contributions people of all ages can make to American culture.
As Wynn turns the page, her legacy — from her calm, strategic leadership to the collaborative spirit she fostered — remains woven into the fabric of AMP’s story.
