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Somers High School's Class Of 2015 Graduates

SOMERS, N.Y. -- Inclement weather could only delay commencement for Somers High School's class of 2015.

Somers High School graduates, as choir members, perform "I Lived" by One Republic.

Somers High School graduates, as choir members, perform "I Lived" by One Republic.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Members of Somers High School's class of 2015.

Members of Somers High School's class of 2015.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Several Somers High School graduates wore mortarboards with artwork.

Several Somers High School graduates wore mortarboards with artwork.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Somers High School's 2015 graduates head to their commencement.

Somers High School's 2015 graduates head to their commencement.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Somers High School Principal Mark Bayer addresses the class of 2015.

Somers High School Principal Mark Bayer addresses the class of 2015.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Somers High School Valedictorian Jessica Rosenblum addresses the class of 2015.

Somers High School Valedictorian Jessica Rosenblum addresses the class of 2015.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Somers High School Salutatorian Matthew San Jose addresses the class of 2015.

Somers High School Salutatorian Matthew San Jose addresses the class of 2015.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Somers school board President Sarena  Meyer speaks at the 2015 graduation.

Somers school board President Sarena Meyer speaks at the 2015 graduation.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Senior Class President Aliyah Meyer addresses the class of 2015.

Senior Class President Aliyah Meyer addresses the class of 2015.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Somers Schools Superintendent Raymond Blanch addresses the class of 2015.

Somers Schools Superintendent Raymond Blanch addresses the class of 2015.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

While the Tuesday ceremony began slightly later in the evening, it was still heavily attended with numerous enthusiastic well wishers.

The ceremony was held under a tent on the field of Primose Elementary School, which is connected to the high school campus.

Speakers used their speeches to reflect on what the graduates have accomplished during their time at the high school.

Salutatorian Matthew San Jose recalled students' various types of academic coursework, along with the additional work that they took on in extracurricular activities.

“You mustered every bit of discipline and raw strength as you plowed through each year.”

Valedictorian Jessica Rosenblum cited the graduates' many achievements, which included being part of a girls soccer state championship victory, participating in a girls lacrosse team that made the state final and strong performances in science competitions at the county, state and international levels.

“I am amazed at how diversified our class is yet we always come together to support and celebrate each other.”

Rosenblum, who is the daughter of Somers school board Trustee Donna Rosenblum, was one of four graduates whose parents are officials in the school district. Others included school board President Sarena Meyer's daughter, Aliyah, school board Vice President Linda Graffitti's son, Michael and Superintendent Raymond Blanch's daughter, Shannon.

Both generations of Meyers gave speeches at graduation. In Sarena Meyer's case, it was due to her role on the board, while Aliyah Meyer did so as senior class president.

“I know how difficult it is to see our sons and daughters as the young adults that they are quickly becoming, especially when we can just as easily see them playing on this very playground," Sarena Meyer said. "And while we may long for those days when they would grasp our hand as the Primrose bus came to our stop, we have to take confidence and comfort in the fact that this village of Somers families that have raised our children have done a great job.”

Aliyah Meyer offered her own thanks for community members due to their support.

Blanch, in his address, noted the work that the graduates did.

“Over the last four years, you have stretched your mind, body and spirit, and stayed the course.”

Somers High School Principal Mark Bayer offered a creative farewell message, which was his own take on the Dr. Seuss book "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"

Since people generally do not know what will happen in the future, Bayer noted, his version focused on what has already happened, with various highlights of the graduates' experiences as examples.

“Never forget how awesome you are," Bayer said in one part. "Your friends and family are here. We are never that far.”

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