The 147 members of Windsor Central High School’s Class of 2019 are now onto the next stage of their lives after graduating June 28th at a ceremony at the school’s athletic field. The students are members of Windsor’s 135th graduating class.
Class president Miah Segrue captured the nostalgia that
comes with every graduation during her speech.
“How do you fit the memories of over 140 children during 13 years in a five-minute speech?” asked Segrue. She credited developing a solid group of friends during her time in Windsor as a key to her success.
Class Salutatorian Julie Sitek dedicated much of her speech
to the range of professionals she feels is responsible for the success of the
students in the District, from teachers, to guidance counselors, to custodians,
and bus drivers.
“Our bus drivers are the most compassionate people, even though students put them through the ringer. They take us out for ice cream on the last day of school,” said Sitek. “And, our teachers practically raised us for the last 13 years. They’ve been our biggest advocates.
Class Valedictorian Alexis Green also looked back at her
time in Windsor.
“No matter what stage in live we were in, we were always by each other’s side. We didn’t even know we were making memories because we were just having fun,” said Green. “Good byes are sad. I prefer to think of this as a hello. Hello to a new adventure that is just about to begin.”
Dr. Darlene Unger, a 1983 WCHS graduate and one of four 2019
Knights of Distinction, delivered the commencement address. Dr. Unger has spent
a career focused on autism studies and Special Education. She is currently a
research professor of special education at Kent State University.
She spoke to a sense of community, having gratitude, and
being mindful.
“I wish you more than luck. Go be the best you,” she told the students as a final piece of advice.
The following is a rundown of the graduation awards from the
2019 ceremony:
Merritt Klumpp Memorial Award - Awarded to the senior who
possesses a unique blend of scholastic accomplishment, participation in
extracurricular activities, and school spirit.
Dominant feature of the recipient is a positive outlook on life.
Sponsor of the Award: The people of Windsor Central School
District and friends.
Awarded to Adriana Kabat
Donald J. Brunswick Black Knight Award - Given in honor of
Mr. Brunswick to a graduating boy and girl who, in the opinion of the faculty,
best exemplifies the spirit of Windsor High School.
Sponsor of the Award:
Windsor Central High School Faculty & Administration
Awarded to Julia Sitek & Brady Weingartner
Paul G. and Ruth B. White Scholarship - Presented to a graduating senior who is planning to attend a 2-year school and major in a trade such as electrician, plumber/HVAC; or a 4-year school majoring in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering. This student must also have had a cumulative average of “B” or above.
Sponsor of the Award: The Community Foundation of South
Central New York
Awarded to Matthew Madison
John W. Benson Memorial Scholarship - Given to a
college-bound, Senior graduating athlete(s)))) that have exhibited hard work,
perseverance, and leadership and shows
financial need.
Sponsor of the Award:
Mrs. Lori Benson
Awarded to Alexis Hendrickson and Casey Hull
Binghamton Police Emerald Society is awarded to a graduating
senior who is enrolling in a 2 or 4 year college in the fall with an
outstanding academic record, leadership and community service.
Sponsor of the Award:
Binghamton Police Emerald Society
Awarded to Kaden Kalafut
Peter Dibble Memorial Scholarship was established to award a
college-bound student who will be entering the field of music or has
contributed most significantly to the music experience at Windsor Central High
School.
Sponsor of the Award:
Mr. Barry Smith & Mrs. Wendy Carter-Smith
Awarded to Tyler Isham
Terry Lee Strawn Memorial Scholarship Bestowed upon a
graduating senior who is either matriculating to Cornell University and/or a
participant in Student Council, the Arts and the School Newspaper.
Sponsor of the Award:
Alice M. Hunter
Awarded to McKenna Bunnell
Marguerite Panaritis Scholarship is to be given to a
graduation senior who demonstrates conscientious, responsible performance and
consistent academic growth. The
recipient is chosen due to a desire to study and contribute in one or more of
the following fields; foreign language, education, fine arts, government and
humanities studies, and the sciences.
Sponsor of the Award:
The Panaritis Family
Awarded to Brady Weingartner
John L Forrest Scholarship is awarded to the Senior Class
Valedictorian.
Sponsor of the Award:
Mrs. Thelma O Forrest
Awarded to Alexis Green
Jane Cox Memorial Scholarship is bestowed upon a high school
senior intending to further his or her education in Special Education.
Sponsor of the Award:
Mr. Marc L Banks
Awarded to Taylor Steele
Beth Winchell Scholarship is presented in memory of Beth
Winchell to Windsor High School graduating seniors who have earned the Girl
Scout Gold Award and are furthering their education past high school.
Sponsor of the Award:
Mrs. Gail Bagg
Awarded to Madison Quick
Mark Dodd Memorial Scholarship is granted to a senior
pursuing a career in the Culinary Arts.
Sponsor of the Award wishes to remain anonymous
Awarded to Brandon Gill
Darrell & Rosemary Newton Memorial Nursing Scholarship
was established to honor his late wife, Rosemary to be endowed to a graduating
student pursuing a career in nursing.
Sponsor of the Award:
Mr. Darrell Newton
Awarded to Hunter Moran