The HFM BOCES Adirondack Academy Alternative High School Program Monday, June 17, celebrated the achievements of 19 students who have completed the program and are set to receive their high school diplomas.
Geah Brandolino addresses the crowd during Adirondack Academy’s Graduation Recognition Monday, June 17. Brandolino was also recognized during the ceremony for perfect attendance this year. Teachers David Itzo and William Wood, who helped organize the event, are in the background.
Monday’s ceremony marked the beginning of a new tradition for Adirondack Academy. While students who complete the program will continue to receive high school diplomas from their home school districts, Adirondack Academy also now plans to hold a recognition ceremony for its graduation-bound students annually.
Monday’s ceremony was attended by a large crowd of family members, friends, students, teachers and administrators.
“I hope you all have as much pride in yourselves as we do in you,” ADK Administrative Coordinator Christine Carioto said to the students. “Today’s success shows that each of you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”
Adirondack Academy is specifically designed to help students who have encountered obstacles in the regular school setting. ADK’s alternative education emphasizes small class sizes and close relationships with teachers, staff and administrators.
“These students are proof of what can happen when students are given the opportunity and time to thrive in an
Robert Lake received the Dr. Geoffrey H. Davis Memorial Award during the ceremony Monday.
educational setting,” ADK Principal Rick Potter said. “They are all hard working, intelligent, caring individuals.”
Two students were given special awards Monday. Geah Brandolino was recognized for perfect attendance, and she gave an address to the crowd recognizing teachers and others for their help. Robert Lake was given the Dr. Geoffrey H. Davis Memorial Award. Given in memory of former BOCES District Superintendent Geoffrey Davis, the award recognizes student scholarship, community service, integrity and the transforming influence of music. After graduation, Lake will attend the New School of Music.
Students recognized Monday were Lily Aesch, Elijah Antis-Nguyen, Dylan Babcock, Geah Brandolino, Joseph Cerda, Mike D’Arcangelis, Joseph DelBridge, Kammi Desnoyers, Chad Finch, Michael Garcia, Isabella Greco, Austen Guyette, Robert Lake, Owen MacDonald, Alexander Nguyen, AutmnSky Rodriguez, Reymond Torres, Taniya Varon and Sherry Vogel.
