The Catskill Chronicle

Summer school co-principals, Mark Sutherland (left) and Dr. Jason Doyle flank Monticello High School graduates (l-r) Michael Gilligan, Kerri Fraser and Nathan Sanders.

MONTICELLO, NY – As August ends, a new life begins for the 16 summer school graduates of Monticello High School. Although they needed that little extra time to get their diplomas, that didn’t diminish the accomplishment.

“We’re especially proud of these young men and women because they didn’t give up,” said Monticello Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel at the commencement ceremony. “They are an inspiration and are going to do fabulous.”

The high school auditorium was packed with a small crowd of family members, teachers and district personnel who gave the young graduates a standing ovation.

Graduates included Josh Rivera (photo rigft) who will attend Sullivan County Community College to study the culinary arts. He hopes to one day own a restaurant or bakery. This day was extra special for Josh because he is the first person on the Rivera-side of his family to graduate from high school and go to college.

Anthony Jernigan and William Nolan (photo at left) also were recent graduates. Both young men credit Monticello High School student services liaison Deborah Fasce (left center) with helping them stay focused so they could get through summer school. Anthony will pursue a college education and major in the arts and animation, while William is dedicating himself to study communications so he can be a sports announcer.

Cecilia Escoto (photo below – center) who plans to study early childhood education at Orange County Community College, was chosen to be the student speaker at the graduation ceremony. In her speech, she commended her classmates for their hard work and perseverance and said, “We are standing on the brink of the future – we should be proud – we deserve this.”

Also graduating were: Luis Acevedo, Anjuli Bryant, Kerri Fraser, Michael Gilligan, James Ivory (photo > right), Natalia Lopez,  Dorentina Rraci, Nathan Sanders, Frank Small, Kerline Spriggs, Kayla Williams (photo > left)  and Jordan Wilson.