Opening Remarks
“My name is Kelly Zielke, and I am honored to be the principal here at Newark High School. I would like to welcome everyone to the graduation ceremony for the Newark Central School District Class of 2026. This is a very special moment in the lives of our seniors, encompassing years of hard work and dedication. Welcome to the graduating seniors, families and loved ones who have supported them through the years, and Newark staff who have joined us this evening. Thank you for coming and sharing in this celebration.
To view the full article, visit: https://aptg.co/pcR9cN
“As we gather at this important event, many of us will naturally be thinking of loved ones who are no longer with us to join in tonight’s celebration – friends, teachers, classmates, staff, or family members, who we remember today. We hold all their memories dear to us, so please join me in a moment of silence to reflect on those people who brought so much to our lives who could not be with us here today.
“I would like to introduce those joining me up front. Superintendent Susan Hasenauer, Assistant Principals Emily Schmitt and Timothy Buckley, Social Studies Teacher Mark Eakins, the members of our school counseling office, and all the staff who have joined us here today as part ofour Honor March. I would like to give special thanks to our Board of Education _ President Russell Harris, Vice President Julie Nevelizer, Miranda Brooks-Ruggeri, Matthew Burgess, Steven DeRenzo, Katie Pullen and Brandy Stephens.
“I would also like to recognize the Junior members of the National Honor Society assisting tonight. The following students have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement, and we thank you for your help and support tonight as flag bearers. Please stand as I call your name. Paytton Bierly, Trinitee Blanton, Anna Eckert, Sienna Hasseler, Arianna Hubright, Sadie Miller, Khloe Paul, Alyvia Poole, Kloie Sergeant and Lucas Young.
“Seniors. . . this is like our last morning meeting, but at night. I’m very happy to be here and in a way, we are like classmates. I started here the same time that you did . . . but I was like a transfer kid that started in December. But we have been here the same time, figuring it out and becoming a part of Newark High School together. I have really enjoyed getting to know so many of you. It may have been an ill-timed incident that brought you to the main office, or maybe I was observing a class you were in, and we talked about the lesson, it could have been a silent greeting the foyer in the morning or maybe the first time that we really talked was when we were cheering for the Red Knights in Toronto. But truly, one of the joys of my job, is getting to see freshman turn into young adults and then go off to their next chapter. It’s hard to put into words the emotions of educators on this day. I mean, we see you every day for years, and then you move on to do other things, and we wonder how you are doing while we are still here . . . do you like your roommate? How’s the food there? How is your job going? What about that boyfriend or girlfriend you had _ are you still together? Do you still play video games all night? Just so you know... we absolutely will be thinking about you, and I want to thank you for being so great. So, in your next chapter . . .continue to be great. OK. . . but what does that mean? Well, to be great could mean to be honest, successful, kind, hard-working. . . .it can mean a lot of things, but only you really know what greatness means to you, so don’t let anyone else define that for you. Be true to yourself and live the life you want to live to find happiness and be at peace with your choices. Have no regrets. You define it. You truly are a wonderful group, and I wish you all the very best of luck. I will honestly miss you very much. I will think of you, and I will cheer you on as you go to college,
join the military, get a job, or take a gap year. . .whatever you do, do it for you. Define your version of greatness and go after it.
“Congratulations! “Our first student address will be delivered this evening by our Salutatorian. This student has been the team captain of our Masterminds Varsity trivia team, is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and has worked on lighting several of our drama productions over the years. He has excelled in a variety of AP and college level courses, spanning science, technology and the arts. He plans to attend RIT next year for mechanical engineering. The son of Nola and Jim Pellegrini Sr., please welcome this year’s Salutatorian, Jimmy Pellegrini.”
Salutatorian James Pellegrini
“Hi there. Thank you all for being here today, I know it means a lot to myself and my peers. This is the first and probably the last time I will be addressing all my classmates at once. I know for a fact that just a year ago, there’s no shot I could’ve gotten myself to give a speech in front of a crowd like this, in front of my friends, my classmates, my family and community. But that’s not who I am anymore.
“Partially because, I’ve had to give a LOT of presentations on a lot of different things this past year, from constellations to whatever a sumptuary law is, and at this point I really don’t stress about it. The hardest part is just getting myself to make the PowerPoint. Pretty sure I finished every single project this year the day it was due . . . or later.
“But it’s also because I was forced to experience a whole lot more than just… school. This sash with a fancy label means nothing if I had to dedicate everything to grades while others were so close while doing so much more with their time.
“It’s embarrassing, but I spent WAY too much of my time as a high schooler living in the past, thinking life sucks because I felt happier as a kid. I had no motivation, and it just kept getting worse because I let it and couldn’t communicate with people. Even then, I still wanted to accomplish something, had big ambitions, but I couldn’t get myself to just apply all that math and science I was apparently good at into just something, anything.
“Our school has its problems, like that weird wall with the rot, or the darn sign on the hill over there that still says 2021. Seriously! We have a robot that paints the fields now, I think we could do something about that, right? Please?
“While it has those sore features you can’t help but notice, it also has some amazing teachers and people who do so much to help us succeed. And things have definitely improved, like the new lunches that are lowkey fire. But most importantly, we’ve all experienced those flaws, it’s not like we are on uneven ground. There’s so much stuff woven into our friend groups and our class that has resulted from them.
“Things like the grey man. Big A. The ETR spectrum. Most of you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, while a few of you are getting a kick out of it. These random things are inside jokes that I’ve had a hand in, and they make me realize I am part of something. Even if they are incredibly stupid and immature, the memories they make mean more than you realize. They’re proof that the last 13 or 14 years were not a total waste, even if you weren’t good at algebra or sports. I’m no longer as pitiful and incapable of talking to people as I was for most of my high school years because of things like that.
Enough about character development. I usually like to end big things like this with some lengthy, profound statement, but I procrastinated writing this too much already and just left “insert fancy conclusion here” in brackets. I’m not a philosopher, most of my wisdom comes from kids shows, so… I’ll just end us off with a few words from Ash Ketchum:
“Life is a series of battles! You just need to fight! Never let fear decide your fate, and never stop pursuing your dreams!”
Like my goat, Ash, believes in his companions and Pokémon, I believe in all of you. Don’t give up, don’t ever fall idle into despair, because you can create something incredible; and be someone even cooler than you already are. There was NO point to giving this speech if you aren’t inspired, so… be inspired. Thank you all for your time and go do something awesome Class of 2026!
Superintendent Susan Hasenauer
“Good evening.
“First and foremost, I would like to begin by extending my sincerest congratulations to each one of you this evening.
“Two nights ago, I sat where your parents are sitting, as I watched my youngest child, the baby, graduate. Throughout the last month, I replayed the years in my head, the firsts, the lasts, the unexpected challenges, the celebrations, and everything in between.
“Watching this year unfold in my own home, I know, each of you, in your own way, have done the same. While being a senior (Senior Year) can feel like freedom, it can also feel like standing on the edge of something huge, knowing you have to jump, but perhaps, also not being quite ready to let go.
“Many believe that senior year is that “final hurrah before real life begins” and in some ways that is true, however, it can also be the opposite, a time filled with many decisions and choices, some of which you do not feel prepared to make. And, for those of you who knew exactly what you wanted to pursue, it can still be overwhelming, as you watch familiarity start to slip away, while trying to stay excited about what comes next.
“Yep…Senior year is big — messy, beautiful, exhausting and exhilarating all at once. Proof that two truths can exist at the same time _ simultaneously.
“Why is this important?
“It’s important because today you will no longer be a senior, but a graduate. And taking that next step doesn’t mean the contradictory experiences end, in fact, ambivalence will become more prevalent as you navigate your new reality. Adulthood.
“But that is the beauty of the journey at any age and in any stage of life…by accepting ambiguity, we can use each opportunity and change to your advantage. So, remember…Life doesn’t always allow us to fit our emotions or experiences into neat little boxes, even when that is what we want to do most.
“Embrace that every new chapter of life requires us to say goodbye to an old one. For that is the unspoken prerequisite for stepping into your next evolution. Trust the process.
“In high school, we are often seen as an outstanding athlete, scholar, performer…Never mourn the loss of a title as your public image will never be as important as how you view yourself on a daily basis.
“Furthermore, as your circumstances change, so will you… Use this to discover deeper clarity, build stronger boundaries, and more authentic connections with others. You cannot build what is next if you are still living in what was.
“Reframe black and white thinking and recognize nuances can help you grow and accept the deep complexities of life, including all the endless possibilities that are in front of each and every one of you. Parents who are becoming empty nesters, this includes us too…So, when the old version no longer fits, but the new version of you hasn’t arrived yet…
“Stop checking boxes… Learn to live with the ambivalence of two things being true at the same time. Don’t worry if every choice or decision is the right one. Just like senior year, life is big, messy, beautiful, exhausting and exhilarating all at once. Take in every experience, every challenge, every opportunity, and ask yourself each day, not what is it I want to be, but with every changing circumstance, and every existing truth, who am I Learning to Become?”
“Our next address will be delivered by a student who has been actively involved in student government, music, drama and athletics. As a four-sport athlete, it is impressive that he has also been in Drama Club, Masterminds, and Principal’s Council, all while excelling in academics. He has taken a variety of AP and Gemini courses and plans to attend RIT next year for computer science and political science, with a minor in finance. He enjoys coding, biking and photography and it has been nice getting to know him as a student member of the Board of Education and recipient of the Superintendent’s Award this year. The son of Elizabeth and James Crowley, please welcome this year’s valedictorian, Ethan Klock.”
Valedictorian Ethan Klock
“The purpose of life. To some, it’s to play videogames; others, it’s nothing at all. To start a family, or just to scrape by. I’m beginning to think the purpose of life is to play mini golf. But there is one line of reasoning I quite like, and it seems like the data back it up: We’ve found that, once life is close to its conclusion, and you have time to reflect after getting off TikTok, what matters most was relationships with people. “I was a good friend, good boss, good mentor, good teacher.” A good brother.
“It can’t be too surprising—given social human nature—that what matters most to us is human connection, even if, confusingly, ignoring that fact helps us fit in. Of course, I can’t condense that into a witty aphorism, so, for the eternal key to happiness, I’ll say this: Do what you love that you can be both proud of and remembered for.
“Some can take this for titles or accolades, but others—the ones who truly have it figured out; the ones I respect and envy—do what they enjoy so much that
they can’t help but be remembered for it by accident. I implore you: if you haven’t already, find something in this world that you love and would love to share with the world.
“1. Education is a powerful asset that builds doors of opportunity you didn’t have before; ones your situation didn’t give you by default. Class of ’26, and all who come before, and after, too: some of you think you’re done building doors. This is not true. You don’t need college or night school to be agreeable, to learn new skills, or to find beauty in mundanity. I hope you’ll excuse my door metaphor, by the way. My dad uses it incessantly when talking about life so there was no way that I wouldn’t adapt it into my speech. You never stop creating opportunity. But you might stop looking for it. Don’t just sit in darkness. Pick a path and see if you love it. You can always change your mind. The excuse I tend to give to ignore this advice is based on the suitability of my environment. I’d even consider it my biggest flaw. There’s an obvious difference between me and those who find pleasure in doing. You can ask me later; I have a slew of ideas for future projects that I’ve never started simply because I’m not in my “ideal environment”—because I don’t have the degree, I want with the income I want at the house I want in Washington state. Do what you love that you can be both proud of and remembered for. The best time to start is right now. Don’t give my excuse.
“2. My regret in high school is caring too much about legacy; about what ephemeral part of myself I leave behind. Past speeches at this podium have either focused on the halls of the school— its indifference to our absence—or have been other some gimmicky attempt to figure out what to do with a speech. Those speeches impacted me then, but their effect has worn off since. The manner in which one conducts themselves, the way one handles social interactions; it informs the receiver’s attitude now. And it informs their entire perception in the future. Not the words, not the gestures. It’s the way you present yourself and how much you love what you’re doing. If you want to think about legacy, think about those two things. Catalog them. And on that note, they say the most important part of interactions are the first and last impressions.
“So, for my last, I’d like to thank you. Class of ’26; the lovely people on the Board of Education; parents, even the ones who advocate too much for their children; my teachers. Thank you. I am who I am and where I am because of you. You’re doing good work, and you belong in this community. Thank you for being here.
“I’ve been Ethan “the Doomsday” Klock. Keep in touch.
“I would now like to invite Avé Ellis, President of the Class of 2026, to the
podium for the introduction of this year’s commencement speaker.”
Avé Ellis
“I would like to introduce our faculty speaker for this evening. I am happy to welcome a teacher from the High School, who was voted on by the students, to deliver this evening’s address.
“Not only is he an amazing teacher and leader of his department, but this year the yearbook was dedicated in his honor.
“Many of us have been fortunate enough to have had him teach us at some point, and have so much respect for him, and his funny nature.
Please welcome our 2026 graduation speaker, Mr. Mark Eakins.”
Commencement Speaker Mark Eakins
“Class of 2026, parents, family, friends, Board of Ed, and fellow faculty members . . . I’ve got a question for you. Where would you rather be, than right here, right now?
“There are many reasons why I liked this class. I could have graduated or retired with them, but they inspired me to keep teaching. They are intelligent, talented, creative, insightful, some mastered the art of sarcasm and they are just fun to talk to. I want the very best for all of you, so I have a few things share.
“In history we often talk about the big names, and we never know about the people that got them there. Shout out to the behind-the-scenes people that make this place run who’ve recently retired. Mr. Hurteau, Mrs. Garrett, Mrs. Rising-Stone, Mr. Milligan, Mrs. Yatteau. I want to thank all our bus drivers, TAs and monitors. A round of applause!!
“Now the fun part, a little history lesson and one last quiz in high school.
“As an American History teacher, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to mention that on July 4th we are celebrating 250 years since we Declared our Independence. Young people took a huge risk and they stood up for what they believed in. I encourage you to do the same.
“Surround yourself with people that will challenge you, support you, and even call you out when you do something wrong or haven’t thought things through. Someday, you might want to be on a reality show like Love Island, but a good friend should say, maybe that’s not the best idea.
“If you didn’t know, a small committee was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. And like any group project, they decided to let the strongest writer do most of the work. That was Thomas Jefferson. The other guys said that sounds good or we should put a treasure map on the back.
“So, my quiz question, Jefferson wrote that we have three unalienable rights. Life, liberty and ……….
the Pursuit of Happiness. He could have said property, but he chose happiness. Not wealth, not fame, not popularity or a lake house. It was the idea to live your life with purpose, virtue and for the common good.
“I want that for you! As graduates, it is up to you to use this freedom. Pursue what will make you happy/your purpose. Become a teacher, an engineer, start your own business, serve our country, travel the world, go fishing, continue to act, sing, make art, raise a family, and help others.
Pursue your Happiness!
Congratulations Class of 2026. And to quote Josh Allen . . .
“Be good, do good, God Bless, Go Bills and most importantly Go Reds!!!!!
After certifying the graduates of the Class of 2026, Hasenauer invited Class President Avé Ellis to lead class members in turning the tassels on their caps from right to left.
And then many Class of 2026 members gleefully tossed their caps into the air!