TIME TO CELEBRATE

Watervliet High School holds graduation ceremony

WATERVLIET, N.Y. » Seventytwo students received diplomas during Watervliet High School’s 116th graduation ceremony Thursday night.

Dozens of students also earned a variety of awards, including several honor awards, scholarship awards, president’s award for educational excellence, president’s award for educational achievement, and also the New York state Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement credential.

Students heard remarks from high school Principal Ryan Groat, district Superintendent Lori Caplan along with the Class of 2018’s class President Patrick Ethier, Salutatorian Meghan Murray, and Valedictorian Bethany Livsey.

“It was an honor and privilege to serve as president of the Class of 2018,” Ethier said to his fellow classmates in the high school gymnasium. “First I would like to thank our friends and family who are here today to celebrate this amazing accomplishment; thank you for your encouragement, support and for pushing us to do our best throughout our entire high school career, you have made us who we are today and we will be forever grateful for that.”

The Class of 2018 also heard from a former Watervliet High School graduate and standout

basketball player Griffin Kelly. Kelly is a 2012 Watervliet High School graduate and played on the school’s basketball team before graduating and attending Utica College to study Physical Therapy.

“My experiences at Watervliet High School, from the education to the athletics and the life-long friendships, gave me a good foundation moving forward,” said Kelly, who recently finished earning his college degree and will be starting his career at Troy Physical Therapy. “....Your experiences and what you push yourself to do will have a huge impact on your future going forward.”

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM The seniors walk into their graduation at Watervliet High School on Thursday night.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Faculty from Watervliet High School turn the tassel on the graduation cap of a student.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM A student from Watervliet High School shakes high school principal Ryan Groat’s hand during graduation Thursday night.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Members of the Watervliet High School Class of 2018pose for a photo prior to their graduation ceremony Thursday night. Taleya Metcalf, left, and Myah Wells are shown.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Watervliet High School Class of 2018President Patrick Ethier addresses his fellow classmates during the graduation ceremony Thursday night.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Watervliet High School Principal Ryan Groat addresses the Class of 2018on Thursday night.

NICHOLAS BUONANNO — NBUONANNO@TROYRECORD.COM Seventy-two students finished their high school career from Thursday night. From left are Ty-Tiannah Smith, Nicholas Potter and Victoria Place.