Florida bids fond farewell to Seward Class of 2006

Florida - This may be reaching back a little too far, but to borrow a phrase from onion-growing days, the S. S. Seward Institute Class of 2006 was a “Bumper Crop.” That designation simply meant the onion crop was bountiful, of highest quality and that those golden orbs had just the right amount of strength to bring tears to the eyes. Of course the era of “onion days” are gone at Seward. School would be closed so the students could stay home and help with the weeding or harvesting. (Except for those lucky few whose parents didn’t till that rich muckland. Those lucky ones would head for Glenmere Lake.) The S. S. Seward Commencement Program last Saturday morning showcased that “crop” of 59 students as scholarships, awards and diplomas were handed out to members of the Class of 2006. Even an old nemesis, the weather, couldn’t halt this one. It rained early but by mid-morning it turned hazy and humid. The seniors left the gym, walked through the archway and onto the portable stage set up on the Great Lawn. The Welcome by first-year Seward Principal Michael Rheaume and also by Senior Class President Selin Tekin was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem led by the Select Chorus. The large crowd of almost 800 parents, relatives, faculty, administrators and award-presenters settled into their white folding chairs under the large white tent to enjoy the 109th Annual Commencement. And enjoy they did. First on the program was the Salutatory Address by Alexander Arzoumanov. Alex, as he prefers, has become somewhat of a celebrity in his school and in his community - salutatorian, president of the Student Council, president of the National Honor Society, president of Boys’ Nation, ambassador of good will. With a mix of humor and seriousness, he gave thanks to his teachers who have taught him in Golden Hill Elementary and at Seward since the first grade. “Our lives have been shaped by a small group of dedicated teachers,” he said. He recounted this story: “When a certain teacher was asked by a somewhat well-paid CEO, ‘What do you make?’ the teacher replied, ‘I make a difference.’” The CEO had no comeback. The standing ovation that followed Alex’s speech should warm him on his way to Harvard University this fall. A long parade of awards followed, including: • The Walter R. Paul Memorial Award, Angela Flores. • The Alvin D. Higgs Memorial Award, Melissa Oliphant. • The Stanley Nowicki Memorial Award, Greg Hudson. • The Ralph Pomponio Scholarships, David and William Kelemen. • The Seward Alumni Scholarships, Kerri Verblaauw and Bryan Folkl. • A $4,000 New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Award went to Janice Harter. • Jon Redman and John Dymon, full-fledged firefighters, were presented with plaques by Florida Fire Chief Michael Coleman. It was a long procession, followed appropriately by the Select Chorus’ rendition of “It’s A Long and Winding Road.” That “road” led into the Valedictory by Janice Harter who finished first in her class academically with a 100.01 GPA. The key to her classmates’ success, she said, was “We asked questions. The answers helped us to understand who we are.” While she thanked her parents and teachers she reminded that the commencement was indeed a celebration. “We are celebrating the growth and maturity of us as individuals.” Janice, who will be attending the Albany College of Pharmacy and was active in many extra-curricular activities, concluded by noting, “These were not the best years of our lives; the best years of our lives lie ahead.” In his closing remarks, Rheaume made a point to thank his assistant, Susan Moore, who has become an integral part of the administration in her three years at Seward. And as a final note to the Class of 2006, he urged the departing seniors to “Wear proudly your badge as a graduate of S. S. Seward Institute.” It was a long time before the Great Lawn grew silent again.