Red Hook High School

Max Darling asked his classmates to think about where they would be without the interactions they had during their time in the Red Hook Central School District.

“Whether it’s your sense of humor you gained from that one friend group, that new perspective you got from that one teacher, or that sense of community you developed with some of your classmates, we constantly pick up and carry pieces of one another with us throughout our journeys,” the Red Hook High School Class of 2025 valedictorian said. “We are the product of each other.”

Maybe that’s why, many speakers Saturday morning agreed, the Class of 2025 was so special. Accordingly, their commencement was framed by perfectly sun-splashed conditions throughout the ceremony on the Linden Avenue Middle School front lawn.

One hundred thirty-two graduates were celebrated by their family and friends. Of them, 23 students earned an International Baccalaureate Diploma and 41 were members of the National Honor Society.

“Today marks a major milestone, one filled with excitement, pride and – yes – maybe a little uncertainty,” Dr. Janet Warden, superintendent of schools, told the graduates. “But, that’s OK. All these feelings belong here. This is the beginning of something new and with newness comes possibility and vulnerability.”

Warden noted the resilience of the class, which was in the seventh grade during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, they rose and achieved.

“This class is so kind, thoughtful and grounded. You lead by example and you support those around you,” she said. “You are already leaders today, and I have no doubt you will be bold, compassionate and fierce leaders in the future.”

Board member Kate Kortbus, whose son, Quinlan, was among the graduates, and Principal Dr. Kyle Roddey expressed similar praise for the class. Roddey said it was “a pleasure to serve as their principal.

“You have made our school a better place. You have made our community a better place. And I know that as you go out, in the future, you will make this world a better place,” he told them.

Arianna Ramirez performed the national anthem, supported by the high school's brass quintet, and the graduation choir performed a pair of songs, including the school song.

In addition to Max Darling, his twin sister Danielle Darling – the salutatorian – and Class President Eve Hayes provided remarks. Each thanked those who have helped them along the way and, at different times in their speeches, encouraged all to take risks as they move forward.

“Try that new club at your college. Try that new food that may scare you a little,” Danielle Darling said. “Trying things is a new way to figure out who you are.

“Be yourself,” she continued. “Being yourself is the greatest privilege in life, so take advantage of it. Get out of your comfort zone and allow others to get to know you.”

Hayes, the last of the trio to speak, reminded her classmates “life isn’t measured by miles or years, but rather by the connections and the memories we make along the way. …It is important not to be afraid to live, but rather push yourself to always follow your heart.”

In addition to the graduates, two more members of the Red Hook community were honored Saturday. Roddey recognized Lisa Murray and Maria Schibelli upon their retirement as chair people running the annual post prom party. Murray started the program 34 years ago and Schibelli has been her co-chair for 24 years. Each year after prom, they organize the after party at Bard with food, activities and prizes, giving students a safe way to continue the celebration.

"Their commitment to the students of this community has been unwavering,” Roddey said before giving each plaques and flowers. “It is accurate to say that, literally, entire generations of Red Hook students have benefitted from their hard work and commitment.”

Murray, speaking for both of them, noted when she was a student at Red Hook she attended “many funerals” for her classmates.

“I’m not patting myself on the back, but I’m patting the students and the parents,” she said, “for 34 years that I’ve been doing this, when my daughter was a sophomore in high school is when I started, there has not been one fatality of any accident of any student in Red Hook in that time. That’s huge.”

After four years at Red Hook High School and, for many, 13 years in the Red Hook district, Saturday served as a launching point for the next step in the graduates’ lives.

“While it is sad that we must part ways, I hope everyone will remember all the good times we’ve had together, especially as we venture into a new, unknown journey,” Danielle Darling said.

Before that, though, the graduates celebrated with a party on the lawn, posing for photos with friends and family for more than an hour after the red caps flew in the air.

“We worked hard to get where we are,” Max Darling said. “And now, it’s time to celebrate.”