The Class of 2009 prepares to face the future-Pine Plains

PINE PLAINS — This year’s Stissing Mountain High School graduation was a healthy mix of Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, Don Henley and “the wave,� as the student speakers drew from an eclectic range of inspiration for their departing words.

The ceremony was held in the high school auditorium and began with remarks from Board of Education President Helene McQuade.

“From here, you and your classmates will take different directions,� McQuade said. “But whichever path, there are two certainties: You will be lifelong learners and lifelong teachers. How much you learn is up to you, and how you pass your wisdom on to others is also up to you.�

First, student speaker Ryan Kennett, opened his speech by pulling up a chair and reading from Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat,� explaining that graduation speakers quote the author more than anyone else, adding that he should have no reason to do otherwise.

Graduating senior Doug Mizutani introduced himself humorously as Jonathan Bisson (his friend and the next speaker), before speaking on his baseball team’s successful season and eventually persuading the audience to participate in the wave, calling it “the perfect graduation present for a kid who just wants to see his dream come true.�

Salutatorian Jonathan Bisson spoke about his love for the Harry Potter books and how they shaped his academic future, while his twin brother David, who was valedictorian, used his time onstage to sing a rendition of Don Henley’s “The End of Innocence,� with his brother, Jonathan, taking the reins for a saxophone solo.

One-hundred-and-twelve awards were given out during the ceremony (with many of the awards presented to multiplie recipients), totaling $154,862.42.

Saturday morning was about saying goodbye to classmates and celebrating the time spent together, as Jonathan Bisson illustrated.

“This class and these people have so much integrity,� he said. Turning to Mizutani, he thanked his friend for teaching him “the value and meaning of friendship.�

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