B-P celebrates the Class of 2024 with commencement ceremony

VIDEO – The commencement ceremony was live-streamed and a replay can be viewed on the district’s Facebook page.

The weather welcomed the graduation festivities, allowing the Broadalbin-Perth community to gather at Patriot Field to celebrate the graduation of the 127 members of the B-P Class of 2024 on Thursday, June 27.

B-P Junior/Senior High School Principal Mark Brooks emceed the ceremony, with Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson and Board of Education President Chad Egan handing out diplomas and assistant principals Adam Barnhart and Erica Darling presenting awards.

Brooks lauded the class for their perseverance through unprecedented adversity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that they have come through that adversity now "thriving." The Class of 2024 received a total of 1,588 college credits, with 77 students taking at least one college course and 138 AP level classes were taken. Brooks highlighted students who had participated in clubs, athletics, the arts, and other programs at B-P, as well as those who had volunteered and worked a job as high school students.

The top three students in the class — Jordyn Solwe, Owen Compani, and Alexandra Brown — were invited to address their classmates. Swole reminded her fellow graduates to live in the moment and "don't live your life waiting for the next big event." She encouraged her peers that no matter where life takes them, "be sure to cherish the journey."

Compani's speech focused on the theme of bravery, saying "My wish for all of us is that bravery is contagious... Our journeys through life will not be the same, but we are joined by our pursuit to make a difference for ourselves, our families, and our communities."

Brown's speech started focused on the idea of a kaleidoscope, saying "I think we all have a kaleidoscope of our own, a pattern of the passions, treasures, dreams, and beliefs that make us who we are. It is the perfect symbol of the concept that is each one of you." She talked about as the kaleidoscope shifts, so will life. "In moments of insecurity or doubt, think back to your kaleidoscope, and find comfort," Brown said. "It has been beautifully crafted of all the things that make you you."

Before beginning his remarks, Tomlinson took a selfie with the Class of 2024. He deviated from his yearly tradition of a speech that consisted of yearbook quotes, citing that this class deserved something different.

"In my 16 years of giving graduation speeches, I can honestly proclaim this class gives me hope that the world will be a better place because of you," Tomlinson said. "I gave them permission, without Mr. Brooks knowing, to actually break out into a food fight. I actually planned the menu for the day, but they just wouldn't do it."

Other highlights of the program included:

1. Members of the Broadalbin-Perth Cover Band, under the direction of Michael Graves, performed as the graduates processed on to Patriot Field, as well as for the National Anthem.

2. Graduating members of the Broadalbin-Perth Senior High Concert Choir and Concert Band performed “Vienna” by Billy Joel, under the direction of Alex Hitrick.

3. Class co-president Katherine Bolebruch announced that the class would be donating a large home of the Patriots sign near the Margaret Robin Blowers Auditorium.