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.
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Joey Duncan decorates his bicycle at the Irondale Schoolhouse on Saturday, July 11, in anticipation of wowing visitors and spectators as part of the kickoff parade for Millerton’s nine-day 175th anniversary celebration.
The Saturday’s main event was the parade, which rolled down Main Street around 4 p.m., marking the official start of the nine-day celebration. About 200 people gathered along Main Street’s sidewalks and beneath the shade trees in Veterans Park to watch.
More than two dozen craft vendors set up shop in Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Saturday, selling a myriad of handmade goods ranging from decorative to practical including pottery, jewelry and soaps.
Also taking up residence in the park was a community flea market. Millerton and North East community members peddled gently used items at the park, and two residents in the village signed up to have yard sales put on a map of the town for interested shoppers to go visit.
The day included a dedication ceremony at the Town of North East’s Highway Garage, where town officials dedicated the building to the late Bob Stevens. Stevens served as the town’s Highway Superintendent for more than 20 years at the time of his death in March.
Millerton resident Tim Watson was sitting in his wheelchair underneath the shade at Veterans Park around 2:45 p.m., waiting for the parade to start. He said the week-long celebration coming to fruition and the crowd downtown that came out to celebrate demonstrated a strong sense of community.
“This is a perfect example of community support,” Watson said.
Photo by Nathan Miller
Community youngsters ride their bikes in the Saturday afternoon parade that kicked off the event.
Children enjoy a spin in a carnival ride at the 2025 Fire Department Carnival in Millbrook.
The proceeds from the carnival go to the firehouse. The money helps fund the day-to-day operations, maintains equipment, and provides training.
“Every person who attends the carnival is helping to support our volunteers,” said Millbrook Fire Department Captain and President Kelly Tomasulo.
The event will be located at 3323 Franklin Avenue from 6:00 p.m. to midnight each day. There will also be new food, including gluten-free options, and wine added to the bar booth.
“The continued generosity of our community is what makes it possible for the Millbrook Fire Department to provide the high level of emergency service our residents and neighboring communities have come to rely on,” Tomasulo said.
Past Chief Chris Hawks is the parade marshall this year, joined by the fire station dog, Tyson. Millbrook Mayor Peter Doro will also be walking in the parade with his three children.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community together as a family, and I’m looking forward to sharing that experience with them while honoring the dedicated volunteers who do so much for Millbrook,” Doro said.
The Millbrook Fire Department answers around 1,000 emergency calls each year.
“They serve our community every day with professionalism, courage, and dedication,” Doro said.
Chris Klingner, left, and Dawn Klingner of the Amenia Rescue Squad serve fried dough at the Fire Department Carnival.Photo by Leila Hawken
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