HHS Commencement Ceremony Honors Class of 2023
For livestream recording and photographs visit the Graduation 2023 webpage.
The Harrison High School Commencement ceremony, held at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center on Friday, June 23, celebrated the extraordinary students of the Class of 2023. The graduates’ ability to see the power and possibilities in others, embrace individuality, and celebrate the joy of each day were themes from all who addressed the family, friends, District administrators, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Education.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Louis Wool, shared stories of how the graduates “impacted others and demonstrated values that distinguished them beyond academics,” although their academic performance places them among the top graduating classes. He described them as “never being defined by anyone else’s expectations of who they should be” and embracing the “common humanity in the differences of others.” Dr. Wool thanked them for the gifts and joy they shared while students in our schools. His final message to the Class of 2023… “No day is ordinary; every person you encounter should be seen, valued, and cared for…in a divided world, perhaps your purpose is not to choose sides but to lift each other up”.
Principal Kimberly Beukema congratulated graduates and acknowledged those in our schools and community who made this “milestone moment” possible, highlighting the extraordinary work of faculty and staff from kindergarten through 12th grade. She described how the Class of 2023 positively impacted the culture at Harrison High School by “seeing, hearing, and valuing each other” and understanding “even small experiences hold profound meaning.”
After a performance of the Fleetwood Mac classic “Landslide,” arranged by senior Jack Eiff and sung by senior members of the chorus, three graduates addressed their classmates - Senior Class President Kyangchat Kapio, teacher-selected speaker Logan Neal, and student-selected speaker Kiran Iftikhar. The students’ messages powerfully reflected the character of their class. Kyangchat described leadership as including the qualities of servants and kings, “In our hearts, we all have the ability to lead and contribute, but to never lose sight of your value or purpose.” Logan reminded graduates that it is ok to “stray from your original plan and take risks, make mistakes, or change your mind” and challenged them to “go out there, live, and make bold choices.” Kiran shared the transformative power of self-discovery, encouraging them “embrace authenticity and individuality, defy expectations, and forge your own path based on the unique impact we have on each other and the joy we bring to the lives we touch.”
Board of Education Trustee Dennis DiLorenzo reflected on the Board’s commitment to opportunities for all students and ensuring the District’s core values are a “lived experience in our schools.”
Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2023!
For livestream recording and photographs visit the Graduation 2023 webpage.