001[Music] test. Good afternoon. [Applause] [Music] Good afternoon and welcome to Albany High School's 155th commencement ceremony. [Applause] Please take your seats before we have the procession. We have a special surprise for you. [Music] Hey, [Music] hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] The pre the procession will now begin. [Music] Hey, hey. [Music] How? [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] You see the hairy? Oh, there they go. [Music] So we're going to get shot. [Music] Just let it go. [Music] I was right. [Music] Good afternoon. Please rise for the presentation of the colors by the JOTC cadetses of the Sergeant Henry Johnson Battalion. [Music] Huh? [Music] [Applause] Oh my god. It's all [Music] Yeah. That's it. [Applause] I know. Me too. [Music] [Applause] Bring
002these snow. [Applause] [Music] Chinese order. There's not houses. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I'm literally shaking. [Applause] You won the question. [Applause] [Music] Oh, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance which will be led by our senior class council and student government officers. Senior class president Anna Valdez, Vice President Moira Cruz, Secretary Jasmine Brown, Treasurer Zeta Chafield, Student Government President Max D. Rosa Purcell and Vice President Xavier Sodto. [Applause] I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [Applause] Next, please welcome the Albanets and the Trouidors who will sing the national anthem. They are like [Music] one of us. Right [Applause] there. Say [Music] by the dawn early light. But so proudly we
003held at the twilight last stripes and bright stars through the perilous we were so gallently streaming. [Music] And the rockets red [Music] bursting in air gave proof through the night. [Music] Oh, say does that star spangled yet [Applause] for the land of the free. The land of the free. [Music] and the home of God. [Music] [Applause] Hey, part time. [Applause] I now invite everyone to sing along with us to lift every voice and thing. [Music] Lift every voice and sing to earth and heaven. Bring the heart of [Music] let our [Music] rise as the blessing. [Music] Let it resound not as the Sing full of the faith that the dark past us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has seen the rising sun. [Applause] Let us march on till victory is
004one. [Applause] Lastly, the Alvinets and Trouidors will sing our alma mater. H [Music] to you. [Music] [Applause] You'll find us, Lord. Royal and true and undereye. [Laughter] [Music] Thank you to our Albanets and Trouidors. And now I'm thrilled to introduce a featured performance by our Albany High School dancers and the Albany High Jazz Ensemble. [Applause] Graduates, you may have a seat at this time. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] I guess I think your phone [Applause] Yeah. We get that. [Applause] Well, I do. But I can see we can share or whoever's next to me, we can share. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Yeah. Hello. Ready. [Music] My baby's always dancing. It would not be a bad thing, but I don't get no lo and that's no lie. We spent the night in Fris at every kind of disco. From
005that night, I kissed our love goodbye. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. That nasty boogie bugs me, but somehow it has drugged me. Spellbound rhythm gets me on my feet. I change my life completely. I've seen the light and leave me. And my baby just can't take her eyes off me. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boo. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it
006on the boogie. I just can't I just can't I just can't control my feet. I just can't I just can't I just can't control my feet. I just I just I just can't control my feet. I just can't I just can't I just can't control my feet. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. [Applause] [Music] This magic methvil's got into me through his dance. I'm full of funky fever. A fire burns inside me. Boogie's got me in a super. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on
007the boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. Sunshine. Moonlight. Good times. Boogie. Sunshine. Moonlight. Good times. Boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. Don't blame it on the sunshine. Don't blame it on the moonlight. Don't blame it on the good times. Blame it on the boogie. [Applause] Thank you to all of our talented
008dancers for starting off this year's ceremony with style. I would now like to recognize our dignitaries, elected officials, and other distinguished guests here with us today. If they would please stand at this time. I know we have Mayor Sheen in the house with us today and common counsel Thomas Hoey and a few others in the back. Thank you. And Senator Romero as well. Next, I would like to introduce the Albany City School District Board of Education, the president of the Albany Board of Education, Dr. Sedar Chatau, the vice president of the board of education, Miss Tabitha Wilson. The secretary of the board, Miss Ellen Kretchki. [Applause] Board members Hassan Elman Yawi, Miss Damorous Man, Miss Anne Savage, and Miss Vicky Smith. Next, our district administrators, our superintendent of schools, Mr. Joseph Hawkriter. Assistant Superintendent of
009Elementary Education, Miss Jasmine Brown, Assistant Superintendent for Assessment, Accountability, and Technology Innovation. Dr. April Prespatino, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, Mr. Joseph Carris and director of grants and program development Dr. Fred Engelhart [Applause] and our high school administrators operations principal Miss Candy Antinetti a Brooklyn principal Dr. Charmaine Moore Bawachi, Leadership Academy Principal. Miss Michaela Miranda, Citizenship Academy Principal Emily Lawyer, Discovery Academy Principal Jordan Goldman, Innovation Academy Principal, Mr. Richard Sheay Tony Clement Center for Education Principal Mr. Christopher Martell [Applause] leadership assistant academy principal Alexandria Lacass Citizenship Assistant Academy Principal Mr. Kenneth Klein, [Applause] Discovery Assistant Academy Principal, Miss Jenny Brandon and Innovation Assistant Academy Principal, Dr. Marilyn Jones Oliver. [Applause] Welcome graduating class of 2025, family, friends, faculty, and visitors. It is truly an honor to speak to the 155th graduating class of Albany
010High School. Today marks the culmination of a remarkable journey. Over the past four years, you have shown resilience, dedication, and a drive to succeed. You have gained skills that will serve you well in college, careers, and beyond. Your educational and p personal growth has been nothing short of inspiring. As you close this chapter in your life, take a moment to reflect with gratitude. Appreciate the support of the entire school community. To your families, thank you for the endless encouragement, for the rides to practices, for staying up late through games and college applications, and for always believing in your potential. To our dedicated teachers, staff, security monitors, maintenance, secretaries, and administrators. Thank you for the countless hours you spend guiding, mentoring, and lifting up our students. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom. And to those
011who have walked this path with great independence, know this. Albany High School will always be a place where you belong and a community that supports you even after graduation. Recently, our senior videos captured powerful themes of diversity, community, and opportunity that define what Albany High's experience is. Our validictorian and saludiatoran, Jacob Lavine and Jamima Sadikui, both heading to Sunni Albany, shared how the diversity of the student body and the curriculum has shaped their high school journey. Darren Herell spoke of the bonds he built through athletics and how they prepared him for college. Narim Turner Thompson shared how teachers helped him discover his passion. Georgina Asanti reminded us how a smile from a teacher or a hall monitor could brighten a day. Saw Yoshi reflected on how accepted and supported he felt at school. These stories
012shared by your classmates show how Albany High School has empowered each of you to grow as leaders and pursue excellence. Over the past few weeks, we've had the chance to celebrate so many of you, starting with our student athletes banquet. All of our athletes, please stand. Let's give them a big round of applause. We also honored academic excellence during our award ceremonies and honor society inductions. All of our honores, please stand. There's a lot of you. To all of those who earned honor cords, please rise and be recognized. All of my honor cords. To those students who earn career technical endorsements in fields like accounting, automotive, barbering, culinary arts, cosmetology, construction, pre-engineering, certified nursing assistant, human services, stand proudly, those entering the military, please stand and be recognized. [Applause] Your accomplishments reflect your commitment to
013growth and excellence. The fact that so many of you are pursuing further education, careers, trades, and military service shows that you are ready to face the future with confidence. Let's take a moment to recognize where our graduates are headed. Please stand when your college is called. Hudson Valley, Skenctity Community College, Maria College, Russell Sage, RPI, Sunni and Sunni school, Sunni Albany and Sunni schools, a lot of Sunni schools, FIT and RIIT, University of Buffalo, and more than 50 additional colleges. from across the country, please stand. [Applause] These are lifetime opportunities and they are a testament to how Albany High students continue to grow, lead, and excel. As you leave the halls of Albany High School, remember the future is yours to shape. Be bold. Be kind. Be the change makers we know you can be.
014Represent your community with pride. Embrace every opportunity and never stop striving for ex excellence. On behalf of the administrative team and staff, we wish you all of the best in your future endeavors. Congratulations, class of 2025. [Applause] And now I would like to invite the president of the board of education Dr. Sedar Jour to address our graduates. Congratulations. Good afternoon graduates, faculty, proud parents, families, friends, and our distinguished guests. It's both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as a board president to celebrate this incredible milestone, your graduation. Today marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and growth. You've navigated challenging courses, celebrated victories on the field, on the stage, in the courtroom, formed lasting friendships, and perhaps even faced a few setbacks that ultimately made you stronger. We, the board,
015have watched with admiration as you evolve from brighteyed freshmen to the confident, capable young adults you are today. graduates. This journey has not been just about acquiring knowledge. It's about developing resilience, curiosity, and integrity. It's about learning to dream big and to ask questions and to never settle for less than your best. As you stand on the threshold of new adventures, remember that education is a lifelong pursuit. The world you're stepping into is dynamic and full of possibilities. Your creativity, compassion, and courage will be the guiding lights that shape your future and the future of those around you. Today, I want to take a moment to specifically recognize some of your wonderful achievements. To your talented athletes, your dedication, teamwork, and perseverance have inspired us all. You've shown that hard work and commitment can lead
016to greatness both on and off the field. To our immigrant community, your resilience, courage, and contributions enrich our school and our society. You remind us of the strength that comes from diversity and the importance of pursuing your dreams regardless of where you're coming from. And to our LGBTQ plus students and allies, your bravery in being true to yourself and advocating for acceptance helps create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for everyone. I also want to acknowledge the unwavering support of your families, the dedication of your teachers and staff, and the commitment of everyone who has contributed to your success. Your achievements are a testament to the collaborative effort that a community has invested in your growth. As you move forward, I encourage you to embrace change with optimism and to share, serve as leaders in
017your communities. Continue to learn, to question, and to lead with integrity. Whether you're heading off to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or pursuing other passions, remember that this diploma is more than just a piece of paper. It's a testament to your potential and a key to unlocking new opportunities. The world outside this wall is vast and full of possibilities, but also challenges. And so, my advice to you is this. Embrace lifelong learning. The education you have received here is a strong foundation. But true wisdom comes from continuous pursuit of knowledge and understanding. So stay curious. Be resilient. Life will throw curve balls. When it does, remember the strength you found within yourselves during your high school years. Get up, dust yourselves, and keep moving forward. Make a positive impact. Use your talents and
018passions to contribute positively to your communities, big and small. The world needs your fresh perspectives, your energy, and your compassion. Stay connected. Cherish the bonds you formed here. And remember that your roots in this community run deep. So congratulations to each and every one of you. Mabuk, Abinand, Gongshi, Tabri, Meam, Felicidades, Mazalto, Badayo, Chukah, Nida, Felicity, Hunger, Urishime, Binabati, Bada, Alan, Puncha, Maki, Vita. Celebrate your accomplishments, cherish the memories, and look forward to the future. The world awaits your talents, your vision, and your kindness. Thank you. And once again, congratulations, class of 2025. Thank you, Dr. Chur. Next, a message from the superintendent of schools, Joseph Hawkrider. [Applause] Good afternoon and welcome to our graduates, our families, our friends, and community leaders. Today, we gather not only to mark the end of a chapter, but
019to celebrate the beginning of something far greater for all of the students in front of me. The extraordinary journey of the Albany High School class of 2025. You're a generation defined by resilience, ingenuity, and courage to pursue a better tomorrow, even when the odds may have been stacked against you. Over the past four years, you have walked through some very significant storms most of us never expected. a global pandemic that reshaped our world to deep divides within our communities, families feeling the squeeze of rising costs and attending high school in nearly a $200 million facelift. Your path certainly has not been easy, but rather than falter, you rose and you kept showing up. You asked tough questions. You adapted. You supported each other. And that right there is what graduating from high school looks like.
020In the classroom, you delivered excellence. These included outstanding grades, accumulated dozens of college and advanced placement credits, created inspiring art and music. You led us to countless victories on the field in court, which brought all of us closer together. You've led clubs with a vision. You launched initiatives with ambition. You championed justice with conviction. You interned with purpose. And you served our neighborhoods and our communities with compassion. These aren't just accomplishments. They're proof that you are change makers. And that's what our world needs. To the parents and families who are here this afternoon. Thank you. your sacrifices, your late night talks, your steadfast belief, those are all quiet engines behind every success that we're going to grad that we're going to celebrate today. To the teachers, our staff, our mentors, your wisdom, your patience, your
021encouragement, those are the lights that guide all of these young adults forward. And now look to Alby's horizon. Our city stands on the brink of historic transformation. New investments, renewed neighborhoods, and opportunities expanding by the day. But progress needs people. And they need people with your talent, with your ideas, with your energy, and with your sense of purpose. So whether your path leads you far from home or it brings you back home, know this. Albany needs you. not just to live here, but to lead here, to build here, and to build your mark. Congratulations to the class of 2025. The future is calling, and I have no doubt you are exactly what it's been waiting for. Thank you, Superintendent. And now I am proud to introduce the valadictorian of the class of 2025, Jacob Lavine.
022Congratulations. Good afternoon, class of 2025, teachers, family, and friends, and everyone else who's here celebrating with us today. My name is Jacob Lavine, and I'm honored to be the class of 2025's valadictorian. I, like all of my peers, have many people to thank for helping me get here today. Thank you to all the teachers who've taught me throughout the years. Your constant encouragement, enthusiasm, and understanding has always kept me going and helped my love for learning thrive. Thank you to all my family for always supporting and encouraging me to follow my passions and be myself. Thank you to everyone at the student help desk for teaching me how fun and rewarding being a volunteer can be. Thank you to all the mentors on the school robotics team for always believing in the team. Thank you
023to all the staff at the all the indoor percussion ensemble for building a community that I truly felt at home in. And thank you to my friends for always being there for me. High school was a time to learn and grow in so many ways. learning to solve math problems from geometry to calc essays and doing research for presentations. Even learning to code, learning to play a new instrument, and so much more. But our time at Albany High didn't just give us the chance to learn academically. We were also given the freedom to learn about ourselves. We learned what we care about most, what we do and don't want for the future. I know many of us learned about our gender, sexuality, and romantic orientations. And all of us learned how we like to go
024through the world, how we like to act and be seen, and who the people we enjoy spending time with most are. There's so much to discuss about all of these ways that we've learned at Albany High. Though I would love to fully discuss each and every one of these, I I don't think most of us would love listening to a several hour long speech. I would like to discuss more about the importance of friendships. I'd like to go a little into my own personal experience of friendships in high school, which I'm sure many of you will relate to. As I began high school, I knew that making more close, long-lasting friendships was something very important to me. Something I really struggled though I really struggled to reach out to those that I thought were cool
025and wanted to be friends with. But then through my experiences in high school, I discovered some things about myself which strengthened and solidified my desire to make more friends. And so about two years ago, I began going out of my way to talk to those people that I wanted to become friends with. And it wasn't easy at first. I'd get very anxious waiting for responses to texts. I'd overthink everything I said, and I'd even overthink my overthinking. But the people who I was becoming friends with were some of the most kind and understanding people I've ever met. When I opened up about my struggles, I always felt understood and reassured. And over time, things became easier. I felt I found myself feeling more confident in the friendships I had and in my ability to find
026new ones. And now I'm extremely happy and grateful to say that I have so many amazing friends. Something I've always wanted since the beginning of sixth grade, but I always worried wasn't possible for me. I'm so glad and thankful for each and every one of my friends. There are a few lessons I'd like us all to take away from this today. people actually want to talk to to others and make new friends. Many of us often feel awkward or like a burden for talking to those people who we don't usually speak to, but in my experience and from what I've heard from many of my peers. Those interactions often bring lots of joy and appreciation. They're truly worth it. And I encourage you to reach out to those people in your life who you'd like
027to try becoming friends with. Next, communication is very important. And so it's worth and so it's worth forming supportive friendships where you can honestly and openly be yourself. This doesn't necessarily mean being super close with all your friends. Not all friendships are the same, and that's completely all right. Some are closer than others, and some aren't even necessarily less close. They're just different. Friendships are as diverse and unique as the people in them, which I believe is a fact worth celebrating. And finally, as we leave high school and go our different ways, try finding the time to keep in touch. Even if it's less than previously normal or looks different, it's still worth it. Of course, not all friendships last forever, but we all spent this chapter of our lives together, and we will always
028have memories of HHS to share. And so after so many shared experiences throughout high school, I believe we should all do our best to keep the friends who we love most in our lives, however that may look. I'd like to end off with a quote from the author Alice Ozman. Give your friendships the magic you would give a romance because they're just as important. Thanks again to all of my friends for supporting me when I'm feeling down. Thanks to all of my friends for always being happy to talk, hang out, and laugh. Every conversation with each and every one of you brings me so much joy, and I hope to continue building and growing our friendships as we enter this new stage of our lives. And thank you to everyone for listening to me talk
029about high school and friendships. It was incredible having this opportunity to learn alongside all of you at high school. Thank you. You're good. Congratulations, Jacob. Next, we have our saludiatoran, Jamaima Sadiki. [Applause] right here. [Applause] Uh, good afternoon 2025 graduates, family members, friends, and staff. My name is Yuma Sadiki, and I'm incredibly honored to stand before you today as a saludiatoran of the graduating class of 2025. It honestly feels surreal to be standing here today. Not just because of how prestigious this title is, but because of the journey it took to get here. I can remember back to when I was just entering high school. My nerves would always get the best of me and I felt as though I wouldn't even be able to complete a single year, let alone four. However, with the
030help of so many supportive teachers, friends, and staff members, and my parents, I was able to make it through and stand in front of you today in such an honorable position. At first, I always thought grades were what truly made a successful person. But through these four years, I learned that there's so much more. I learned that high school isn't just about classes and grades. It's about learning how to breathe through the panic and how to believe and trust myself when I felt like I couldn't. Anxiety was my biggest enemy throughout these years. But in those moments, but in those moments, I felt when I felt like I couldn't keep going, my teachers became my anchors. My teachers didn't just teach me subjects. They reminded me that life is bigger than any one test or
031any one grade. They remind me that I am not defined by a number or score. And yeah, it might sound ironic to hear that from someone standing here today because of an academic achievement. But the truth is, I wouldn't be here if I hadn't shifted my mindset. To my teachers, thank you. Thank you for seeing me as more than just a student, for encouraging me, and for being the calm in the middle of many storms. You may never know just how much your kindness has saved me. But the biggest thank you of all goes to my family, especially my parents. My parents are my reason and my motivation. They are my reasons for not giving up, for pushing myself, for becoming better and learning from my mistakes. They both came from came to this country
032from Pakistan, not just to create a better life for themselves, but for me and for their children. and the generations to come. They don't realize it, but they have given me more than enough. Their journey, their sacrifices, their unwavering love have given me opportunities they never even dreamed of having when they were my age. I'm so grateful to even dream this big. My mom. Nothing I could say would ever be enough to explain to you all what an amazing person she is. She has always made sure everything I need would be taken care of before she would even think about herself. Every late night, every early morning, every sacrifice, she made sure I never knew how much she was dealing with. She did it all for me without ever asking for anything in return. And
033my dad, he held my hand through the worst of my anxiety. When the world felt overwhelming, he'd take me out for drives just so I could see that there was life beyond my fears. He made space for my feelings, never once making me feel like I was a burden. He gave me strength just by being there. By never letting me believe that there was something wrong with me and that it was all just a part of life. My parents provided me with more than just an education. They allowed me to grow in an environment filled with love. They gave me a future and everything I am, everything I've achieved is rooted in their sacrifices. Now to you all. As we step into the next chapter of our lives, I hope we all carry this one
034message with us that our worth isn't tied to achievement, but to our perseverance, our kindness, and our courage to keep going. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Congratulations to the class of 2025. We made Congratulations. Thank you, Jima, and congratulations. And now it is my pleasure to introduce our senior class president, Anna Baldez. Congratulations. Good afternoon everyone and congratulations to the class of 2025. What an absolute honor it is to be your class president and to have served you for the past two years along with my fellow officers and friends Moira Cruz, Zeta Scofield, Jasmine Brown, and our adviser, Mrs. Emery. I have loved working alongside them and they deserve a huge thank you as their work and dedication is what made all our special events possible. I would also like to
035thank my incredible family for all of the support, laughter, and love they have given me, especially my mom. She is truly the smartest person I know and has worked so incredibly hard to get me where I am today. There are a lot of people we graduates could thank for helping us to get here. Whether it is a family member, friend or faculty, we all worked hard and most of us had people supporting us along the way. To all of those people, whatever their role might be, thank you. Over the past four years, I have watched my peers discover their passions and talents and explore their interests interests. Those who I once knew only as classmates, I now know as future nurses, teachers, mechanics, musicians, and engineers to name only a few of the amazing pursuits
036chosen by this talented and driven class. I am in awe of you and I have learned so much from our time together at Albany High. We have come such a long way in a short amount of time. And while a big part of what got us here today is our individual work and effort, another big part is the unique group of people who create and sustain the strong school community that we are a part of. My senior quote is, "It is in community that each of us grow more into ourselves." This perfectly encapsulates what I experienced during my time at Albany High School. Every joke cracked by a hall monitor, lunch spent with a favorite teacher, bus ride with your team, and laugh shared with friends made us who we are today and got us
037to this point. I hope your journey has been full of laughter and good times along with the great stress, long security lines, and constant construction. But if it wasn't, you should be extra proud of yourself for making it through. We all experience high school differently, but I hope everyone is feeling a sense of accomplishment here today. Some of us may be feeling a little sentimental as we move on, and some of us may be more than ready. Either way, it is true that we will never have anything quite like this community again, but our experiences, lessons learned, and relationships will stay with us for a very long time. As someone who spent a lot of time in the music wing, something I heard a lot from the staff there is, "You will always have a
038home here." This rings true to me and was always a comforting thing to hear. That caring sentiment is part of the reason why the Albany High community is so special to me and is one of the things I will miss the most. While we are leaving behind a special place, the best is yet to come and I cannot wait to see what all of us accomplish and what amazing experiences we all have. Congratulations again to the class of 2025. Fly Falcons. Fly. Thank you, Anna, and congratulations. Next, I welcome the operations principal, Miss Candy Antinetti, to award this year's prestigious prestigious scholarships along with our board members. Thank you, Principal Cmerford. In 1982, the City School District of Albany received an anonymous $1 million gift from a graduate of Albany High School in appreciation of
039their education. Since then, that donation has funded the Board of Education comprehensive scholarships. These scholarships are awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in specific subject areas. We will now present the awards to this year's recipients. First, the Albany Board of Education Comprehensive Scholarship for English is awarded to Miles Bearden and Maline Penna. [Applause] Next, the scholarship for social studies goes to Georgina Asanti and Max D. Rosa PCEL. The scholarship for mathematics goes to Yaier Saon and Jamima Sadiki. [Applause] The scholarship for science is awarded to Chrisel Serrano and Zara Sed. [Applause] The scholarship for business and marketing goes to Ariana Lebelloo. [Applause] The English as a new language scholarship goes to Hileni Nunees Alante. [Applause] The foreign language scholarship is awarded to Ariana Costello. [Applause] Next, the occupational education scholarship goes to Xavier Smith. The
040art scholarship is awarded to Julian Shaperski. [Applause] The music scholarship goes to Nora Gordon. [Applause] [Music] The theater scholarship goes to Iris Whan. Lastly, the scholarship for physical education is awarded to Mia Corazini and Darren Herell. Thank you to the board of education for granting these comprehensive education scholarships to our graduates. And congratulations to this year's recipients. [Applause] Good job. Next, I have the privilege of announcing the winners of this year's Douglas Lincoln scholarship. Douglas W. Lincoln graduated from Albony High School and returned to teach before serving as a principal from 1959 to 1967. He established a trust fund to provide college scholarships for Albany High School students in recognition of academic excellence and commendable character. This year's recipients are Zara Alheri, Lady Castro Kartapouya, and Jani Alfred, and Abdul Sabor Fagamo Fagenro. He's got
041to stand. Yeah. Congratulations. [Applause] And finally, I'm pleased to announce the Ben Becker Memorial Scholarship winner. The Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship Fund at the State University of New York was established by the Becker Foundation to provide an annual financial award to a graduating senior at Albany High School who has been accepted to a Sunni College, participates in intercolastic athletics, and most importantly, possesses an outstanding academic record. This year, the Ben Becker Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Abdul Soore Fagbenro. Congratulations, Abdul. and to all our Falcons in the class of 2025. Thank you, Miss Antinetti. Next, please join me in welcoming the Albanets and Trouidors for their featured performance. [Applause] Start to get ready. us next year. [Applause] I need I want [Music] [Applause] in a bush. [Applause] Bye, baby. Are we only one right
042after this? Kind of looks like D do [Music] Time [Music] time to stand by me. Oh, stand by me. Stand by me. Oh. Oh. Come stand by me. Come stand by me. [Music] Oh, [Music] there's no one. I can't get enough. I'm going to tell you this could be the time of my life. I've never felt this way before. I swear. I swear it's the truth. Oh, it all to you. I had the time of my life. I've never felt this way before. I swear. I swear it's the truth. it up to you. [Applause] of my life. [Music] Time [Music] the time of my life. I've never felt this way before. I swear. I swear it's the truth. I went all to you. [Applause] Thank you to our talent singers. And now we will begin
043toward the diplomas. [Applause] Graduates, our ushers will direct you to the stairs at the center stage. When you've received your diploma, you will exit the stage from the right to the left and return to your seats until the end of the ceremony. At this time, I invite our homeschool coordinators, Mr. John Clemens and James Davis, Jr. to the podium. [Applause] We will begin with our top 10 graduates. Top 10, if you would stand. [Applause] [Music] What's up, Jacob Lavine? [Applause] Jamia Sadi, [Applause] Crisabel, Serrano, [Music] Zara, Saul, [Applause] Yoshi, [Applause] Jerome Eugene Agnes [Applause] Renee Gered, Georgina Asante, [Applause] Lyn A Ariana Labelloo. [Applause] Next, our senior class officers and student body president Anna Baldes, Mora Gabrielle Cruz, [Applause] Jasmine Brown, Zeta Scof, field Max ad do. Rosa Purcell. [Applause] Yeah. And now our scholarship
044winners. Helina Nunees, Matteline Penna, Ya Sasson, [Applause] Julian Shaperski, Iris Whan, Zahara Ahari, [Applause] Xavier Sodto, [Applause] Miles Bearden, Mia Corzini, Ariana Castello, [Applause] Jayani Alfred, Abdul Sabor Faberno, Nora Gordon, Xavier Smith, [Applause] Lady Castro. [Applause] Next, we have the talented seniors who performed for today's ceremony, including the JOTC cadets. So, anyone who performed today, you can make your way to the stage. Sean Dwire, [Applause] Flora AO, Lucy Edmonson, Robert Barry, [Applause] Rohan Hayne, Ray Blankin, Sean Keith, Nolan Brown, Mstrom Kelly, Nicholas Caesar, Margaret McCllum, Declan Sherlin, Issa Marc, [Applause] Sonia, Pero Nathan Martell, [Applause] Celia Defendorf, William O'Neal, Annabelle Clemens. Yeah, Isaac Ocean, Gabrielle Cruz. This is supposed to be Jalissia D. Phillips, [Applause] Michaela Danzy, Isabelle Scandura, Nina Scandora, Enabella Scring, Owen Sears, [Applause] Aar Luc, [Applause] [Music] Angelina Thompson, Norin Turner Thompson,
045[Music] Emory Zack, [Music] [Applause] and now we'll Have Dr. Shamine Morbachi, a Brooken principal, assist with the next set of awarding of diplomas. You'll take this side. I'll take this side. [Music] [Applause] Rosa Nunees. [Applause] George. Right, George. Good job, George. Honesty Jackson. [Applause] Edwin O. Pounce Ortiz Everybody. [Applause] Well, Edwin, Anemma Boyd, Jada Campbell, Jinard Phillips, Suy Asavdo, speak to the right, Jazir Carrington, Raquel Aosta, Vasquez, Immani Carter, True Asia Sayia Chapman, Evan Wit, [Applause] Adris Alafi, Nquavian Stevens, Zionir Shavers, [Applause] Jon Austin, Narissa Chevus, give me some love, man. Cecilia Chen, Denzel Pacheco Ruez, [Applause] Eli Marquez, go ahead, DeAndre Howard, Romelo Conjurs, [Applause] Natalie Tisseri, Samuel Kart, [Applause] [Music] Angel Garcia Sodtomire, Aia Anderson, Jasier Williams, Yousef Arat, Agelia Hagray, Carolina Astasio Aante, Keith Griffin, Tyara Atkins, Kimaya Jacobs, Rakalia Austin, Josiah
046Jenkins, Chad Bertrren, Josiah Angelina Johnson, Shaqula Blackwood, [Applause] Tamaya Cross, [Applause] Tamira Cross, [Applause] Jayla Cruz, Gray Kent, Shamsula Zadrin, Joseph Lazardo, Llaya Cruz, Tasia Lynch, Haron Naser, Dearis Mena, Gavin Dalton, [Applause] Alisa Monreef, Keshan Devon Ward, Bana D. Murray Donald Echo Britain Annayia Norino Tyon Edmonson [Applause] Ramire Nissadi [Applause] Daniels Vladair Nuci Nazair Fear Folks Tylen Parker, Anthony Fountain, Zerati, Gianna Rapunzo, Jasar Mashan, Arietti George, Rihanna Rhoden, Dasha Graham, Candy Candy, Crystal Rosa Benois, Tik Jones, Muhammad Sad Ali, Nigana Grimes, Jeffrey Slaughter, Alah Hassan Khalil, Malik Smith, John Gerero, Jamaiah Stokes, Elton Pelico, Zo, Natalia Johnson, Alashani Sharp, Demetrius Henry, Annayra Wilson, Khalif Manning, Abdel Alaheri, [Applause] Tiana Ana Terry, Turkey Alaheri. Yeah. Cameron Thompson Thomas Abdullah Adeli. [Music] Shaniah Thomas. Haim Aakim. [Applause] Amira Turner. Shima Alina. Now this is still night. Tana
047Walker. Yeah, it's tough. Lojina Ashri, [Music] Kumari Washington, Jakai Anderson, Deshaawn Wigum, [Applause] Angelique Andrews, Akira Williams. All right, Akira Marcus Andrews. Diamond Williams, Thomas Batcher III, Nan Williams, I see Asha Belffort. There's just some Naquavia Wright [Applause] Christian Burmejo. color of the car. So when they see a clever change, they stop. Andres Setes, Erica Bejito, [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Taria Davis, Muhammad Abdul Karim, Janiah Burton, Hadia Abdul Hamid, Maniah Cade, [Applause] Jonathan Booth, Zena Azir, Kasim Buckner, Bali Ali Sali, Dariana Chestnut, Malia Anderson, Charlene Milan, Emma Ashlin, Nana Austin [Applause] Masher Azabatti [Applause] Lady Castro Aliana Body Aiden Kramer Brandon Budram Jadeia Bailey, Natila Brown, Michaela Delane, Jadia Cheney, Ivonne Diaz Dea Cruz, Kesha Burch, Ekido Serenity Callaway, [Applause] Tyrone Dutton III, Kelly Cameron, Logan Edmonds, [Applause] Lewis Castillo, Torres, Jack Ellis, Madison Chapel, Jalissa
048Estrella, Daryl Earl Cornwall Evans, Janna Marie Cortez, [Music] Maha Jabin Foras, Kenny Kungal, Giovani Flores, Ortega, Seth Davis, Maya Ford, Anthony Delano, Jenna Forester, Mammotti Diane, Alasir Duncan, [Applause] Christian Edwards, [Applause] Tacitat Garcia, Davian Gaddy, Nves Garcia Ortiz, Zavon Ghard, Samir Gardner, Darren Harell, Candy Hernandez, Aris, Angelie Galetta, [Applause] Junior Hatu, Azera Gates, Karissa Egadi, Ethia Ido, Gabrielle Gonzalez, Sequin, Seaquan Ivy, An Goodwin, Briani Jackson, Zakayia Annayiah Grace, Jada Gon, Trinity Grant, Andrew Johnson, Zia Mara Hill, Nia Selena Ina Johnson, Terron Holton, Sha Johnson, Alicia Jones, Edwin Lau, Josiah Jones, Nancy Yuk, Jamal Joiner, Fija Jima, Shaina Kazakf, Sean Vladimir, Saffra, Jali, Ethan Lynn, Alexa Jones, Tanya Loha Kjana, [Music] Kristen Capel, Manuel Loha Simba, Alana K, Ammani Mack, Katherine Kersy, Jamar May, [Music] Hassan Massudi, [Applause] Navian Martin, [Applause] Jacob Cune, Anna Martinez, Anna
049Martinez, [Applause] so Leuin, Angel Martinez, Lopez, Rodney J. Man Jr. Imran Mashwani I Chang Mung Khalil Margo Miller Jessica Maza Tamora Merritt Nag May Marcus Morrison Tamaya Meltton Charontante Morake, Shade Mets, Jude Mohan, Rashad Miller, Cleven Martell, Safari Muhammad, Najat Nambani, Rouan Muhammad, Ryan O' Conor, Nashad Nabella, Anderson Lopez, Mustafa Mohibi, Jaden Parsons, Paris Montinez, Esther Patterson, Angie N. Mora, Briana Perez, [Applause] Leila Mores, Bryant Phillips, Roman Filipot, Alejandro Morrison, Gloria Kafy, Sammy Mustafa, Congratulations Ruby Ramirez Batista Kayana Muan Kayla Richards Ali Mustafa Zada Jerwin Lucas Rivera Alexis Pampo Ly Zachary Parker Shotsimar Rivera, Tia Poa, Janavia Robinson, [Applause] Anna Poyet, Kalilla Rogers, Arus Samine, Gio Man, Simma, Leilani Sanders, Devin Ramos, Shamila Sari, Xavier Ramos, Saladine, Sephadine, Ishmamail, Mia Rine, Amaya Showers, Ayana Anna Thrasher, Judea Snell, Donovan Rei, Belinda Sen, Elvis Regino Lopez,
050Es Hassad Dol, [Music] Johnny Reed, Ivy Stamp, [Music] Dariel Rodriguez, Jayton Stevens, Kina Rodriguez, [Applause] Nana Diverger, Yasme Rodriguez, Ana Stzer, Jaden Rogers, Cooper Sullivan, Kiari Rose, Troy Trice, Samina Sari, Riley Van Austin, Robert Scott, Vanessa Parma, Congratulations Kenny Sigura, Promise Walker Robertson, Ethan Taylor, Avon Watson, Maniah Simmons, Tessa Wckler, Elias Smith. Congratulations Lyanna Willis, Marley Smith, Nasarim Whidley, Mana Smith, [Applause] Aliyah Zedron, Ariana Terrell, Da Abdullah, Nvea Thompson, Shaffen Ahmad, Mustafa Tory, Aimad, Adara, Aia Vasquez, Robinson, Allah A Hussein, Jayelyn Marie Velasquez, Serenity Allen, December Wells, Kalia Arrington, Aness Azuna Collegu, [Applause] Mala A. Joselyn Bawa, [Music] Khaliba, Alistister Baron, [Applause] Nasim Azendani, Alexander Blaine, Daniel Blanco, Valera, Tashael Arscott, Taye Asia Branch, Rashelle Barber, Rain Buler, Alli Baskerville, May Bunigan, [Applause] Avante Conneathan, Malia Burden Pereira, Robert Baskerfield, Isana Burgess, Raj Bookman, Adrien
051Katy, Seven Brandt, Simon Kerry, sir. Charlie Broerski, Ivan Chalisa, Gabriel Brier, Lales Sherman, [Music] Isidora Carrera, Paul Heraw, Christian Paul Casola, Desara Cassepion, Jack Coleman, Sosa Callie, Pennock, [Applause] Kahem Coven, Gavin Kramer, Odella Costa, Faith Crack, Hannah Quas, [Applause] Normani Curtis, Gabriel Cruz, Centron, Milani Deacama, Jose Rivera, Alana Davenport, [Applause] Maya Deberry. [Applause] Kimora Dakota, Giovani Dwit, Melanie Keros, Emily Feliz, Christopher Dola, Ashanti Fernandez, Edward Foster, Wendy Dorte Palmer, Jasani Francis Torres, Freya Debose, Leah Gardy, Joseph Duhan, Jade Green, Robinson Easy, [Applause] Adam Eliah Imari Haye Lavir Evans Emma Imara Johnson Jessica Fiano Maison Johnson, Logan Pharaoh, Devon Jonas, [Applause] Candesia Finley, Alasia Kennedy, Gavin Fitzpatrick, [Applause] Stephen Macas, Abigail Fowler, Jama Maya Magwood, [Applause] Freddy Nabarusha, Suhab Mamu, Chloe McCrae, Michael Gawwanella, Jakai Mcraw, Maya Gallagher, Lazaria McNeel, George Groomley, Angela Lorenzo, John Groomley,
052Ana Mentor, Carly Grant, Oenne Mabisa, Gavin Hammer, Malik King, Devin Hirs, Esanala, Kah Zada, Max Hoey, Hussein Lubia, Somara Holland, Aaliyah Jean Milo, Gasia Hooks Am Mahima Esther Morales Anaj Hosen Felicida Felicia Moore Victoria Hunt Morales Xavier Irving Nahim Morgan, Annayiah Johnson, [Applause] Sadaya Mott, Messiah Johnson, Ava Muhamad, [Applause] Jaden Joseph, Ka Romeo, Isaac Kamara, Jose Munos Pashana, Jasim Kaini, [Music] Fost Musaferi, Aiden Kelly, Shuad Mahana, Eli Khan, Briasia Nixon, Henry Kurt Greyber, Katherine Palasios, [Music] LS Nunees, Cabrio to Miet Call, Axel Pelico, Kevin Gavin. Ahad Pock, Christian, Nazare Pringle, Iwan Mcnolton, Zalia Roberts, Brcia Marquez, Carmelo Rodriguez, Michelle Mati, Savannah Rodriguez, Costino Mio, Shereek Russell, Lre Demoo, Lunesta Santa Cruz, Paul Moo, Nano Santa Cruz, Mai Moore, Nan Shabbaz, Dominique Simba, Jonathan Morel, Pesango Sherpa, Maline Martinez, Phillip Chopsis Kent, Samira Nagash, Luis Sana,
053Nikita Nakoto, Elijah Smith, Muhammad Wadi Nar, Paris Steel, Braden Novak, Nasir Sturdivan, Naji Payne, Daria Sturgis, Rebecca Pender, Ahmad Sulaman, Monique Poke, Kayana Taylor, David Polyor, Elana Temple, Andrew Prim, Parasa Tigen, Donovan Prim, Charmaine Thomas, Christian Rajudine, Omar Thomas, Marcus Reed, Chassity Rodriguez, Jaylen Robinson, Ashley Tola, Azyra Thompson, [Applause] Anhalikica Valz, Amir Roman, Anie Vaness Tucker, Jaylen Santana, Bcomi Shabani, Scurry Scurry, Simone Shabani, Gay Shei, Asia Walker, Tristan Sheffer, Javon Walker, [Applause] Verishia Sadiki, Albert Velona, Poen Gatsur, Cowen, Kayn Watts, Olivia Skelton, Micah Webster Stewart, Damen Strauss, Bessa Wells Rice, [Applause] Christian Roy Tabano, Ziana Wood, MD Tamine, Moon Nao, Gabriella Taylor, Jonathan Williams, Jason Wolf Gang, Saras Papaetti, Martavan Woods, Jada Aaron Torres, Amir Wright, Sarah Trippany, Yukia Williams, Fabian Ubaja, Selena Worersburg, Brandon Wartz, Felasia Yusf, Zeandre Wilkinson, Na D Z Devin Williams,
054Evelyn Zena, Fashad Hadm, Niia Gentry. Members of the class of 2025, please stand. As I read the declaration, you may move your tassels from the right to the left. according to the regulations of the department of education of the state of New York and by the power and authority vested in me by the board of trustees and the superintendent of schools of the city of school district of Albany. I now declare all of you standing before me graduates of Albany High School with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities there onto appertaining. Congratulations. [Applause] Graduates, you can make your way out the recessional down the center stage. Center row. Center row. Thank you all for attending Albany High School's 155th graduation ceremony. We wish all of the graduates the best in their future endeavors. Thank you
055everyone. [Applause] [Music]