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Congrats Seniors: Celebration Time for Briarcliff High School Class of 2020!

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Editor’s Note: So many families and fans of the Class of 2020 in the Briarcliff community are busy preparing to celebrate 137 seniors graduating from Briarcliff High School! Following spotlights in neighboring communities, we were delighted to hear right away as well from proud BHS family members about their own inspiring Class of 2020 graduates. Donna Mueller, who has spent nearly the entire pandemic voluntarily photographing local families, photographed these soon to be graduates, too. There are festive plans ahead: volunteers have been filming small groups of students at a time as the kids received their diplomas and tossed their caps on the game day field. All the footage will be put together for a compilation viewing at a Drive In concept to be shown at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown on June 19.  Congratulations from these families to their students, and congratulations from the Inside Press as well to the entire Class of 2020!

Emily Boviero

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Emily is a daily reminder of the possibilities that exist if you fight for your goals. Life has presented its challenges, including early learning and sensory differences. While she might doubt her abilities, she’ll still face any challenge. Through effort she excelled in honor and AP courses, achieved scholastic goals, and was accepted into her top college. When she felt helpless over the racism filling the news, she decided to help create change. She organized her peers and started a dialogue with her school to create action steps that support school inclusivity. She is an inspiration to persist despite fear.”

Bailey Zednik

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Bailey entered Briarcliff High School from Pocantico Hills as a freshman.  A three-season athlete for all four years, Bailey played soccer, basketball, was co-captain of the swim and dive team, and was an award winning shot-put thrower her junior year.  She had hopes for another record this year, when her season was cut short by Covid-19.  Bailey was co-president of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Club and turned her planned senior internship into a passion project with her basketball teammates where they donated time and resources to frontline workers.  Bailey is excited to attend Penn State in the fall.  Known as a friend to so many and always with a positive attitude we have been amazed by the resilience of Bailey and all of the seniors.  Presented with all of the challenges this pandemic has presented, they have all persevered.”

 

 

 

Anti-Racist Action Emphasized at New Castle Rally for Change and for Standing Up Against Racial Injustice

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Member of New Castle Against Racism, Urka Swinney

Chappaqua, NY— Over 100 people attended “A Rally for Change-Stand Up Against Racial Injustice” on June 13 to demonstrate their commitment to making a change going forward. Horace Greeley High School alumni and members of the New Castle Against Racism group, Urka Swinney and Lara Fuhrer, organized the event working with other groups to make the rally possible.

“New Castle Against Racism is a group of Greeley students and alumni that just wanted to come together and make a change. So, we paired with Up2Us and some other small Facebook groups to put on this rally for change so we could make progress in the community,” said Swinney.

In addition to Up2Us, the group worked with the New Castle town board and with the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee.

As of Friday morning, the day before the rally, the group had two speakers confirmed but dedicated energy and resources to securing others to ensure the rally would be a success. By Friday evening, the group had 15 speakers* lined up.  (See the full list of speakers at the end of this article.)

“I am proud to have been one of many involved in organizing A Rally For Change. The entire process was inspiring and encouraging to see how many individuals were dedicated to making this happen,” said Fuhrer.

Co-administer of Chappaqua Anti-Racism Dialogue Group: Reconciling Privilege, Juliette Harrison

Another Facebook group New Castle Against Racism paired up with is one that is co-administered by Horace Greeley High School alumna, Juliette Harrison.

“I think people in town need to start focusing on practicing anti-racist action which is one of the reasons I created the Facebook group the dialogue for anti racism where hopefully we can have zoom conversations to get that face to face interaction where the conversation is humanized a bit,” said Harrison.

Community members eager to both learn and to support black voices filled the rally.

New Castle Town Councilman Jason Lichtenthal said he attended the rally to continue to learn and to translate that education into action.

New Castle Town Councilman Jason Lichtenthal

“It’s important for me to be an ally for those who struggle to have a voice and to make sure that as a white cisgender heterosexual male that it is my job to listen and then go and act. I find that incredibly important,” said Lichtenthal.

Greeley senior Jacob Miller also attended the rally to continue to learning how to become a stronger ally.

Horace Greeley High School senior Jacob Miller

“I really wanted to come today because I think Chappaqua, along with the rest of the country, still has a long way to go in terms of overcoming its racist tendencies and I think just by uniting and listening to people in the community and hearing their stories, I will be better able to understand what I can do to be a better and more supportive ally,” said Miller.

Fuhrer also understands the importance of listening to become a stronger ally.

“It is important for our BIPOC community members to see and hear that they are not alone, anymore at least, and that we want to amplify their voices and for our White community members, like myself, to hear their stories and learn to become better allies. This is a movement that our community is dedicated to for the long haul,” said Fuhrer.

After the space began to fill with people wearing masks, holding signs and socially distancing, Swinney gave an introductory speech emphasizing the importance of committing to making changes going forward.

Then, a list of names was read. These names belong to black people who lost their lives to racial violence such as Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and D.J. Henry.

Henry was a college student at Pace University when he was shot by police in Thornwood, New York in October of 2010. His name was on posters at the rally on Saturday and shouted when the timing was appropriate as his death took place nearby.

After the reading, the crowd observed a moment of silence before the speakers addressed them.

People from different backgrounds ranging from current students in the Chappaqua Central School District to local clergy and to the current New York State attorney general shared their insights and encouraged the crowd to continue to take action and make a difference. The sole person of color on the Chappaqua School Board, Victoria Tipp, gave an impassioned account of her own background, and stated powerfully at the outset: “We know systemic racism is a death sentence for black people and people of color. We are here to reject the myth of ‘the other’, to affirm our common humanity, and demand bold changes in our institutions.”

Victoria Tipp, CCSD board member and president of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association

New York Attorney General Tish James summoned loud applause from the community members in attendance when she used part of her time to discuss how to learn, how to grow and how to make change come from this experience.

New York State Attorney General Tish James

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I see this really as a teaching moment that we need to be reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King-that power is the strength required to bring about political, social and economic change,” said James. “And that power at its best is love, implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything and everybody who stands in our way for a more perfect union.”

Emily Nobel, HGHS Class of 2020

The momentum continued to build as Emily Nobel, a Horace Greeley senior, shared a statement she read at the interfaith vigil held on June 7.

“I don’t want the only place I ever feel completely safe to be my own bedroom, the minute I step outside my door, my pigmentation will determine how I am treated and it’s overwhelming,” said Nobel. “I don’t always want to be reminded that my skin color, something I had no choice over, something that I was born into, could be the same reason that I am perceived as a threat, that I am the one who is dangerous when all I ever did was live. That’s all we want to do. We want to live.”

Nobel expressed that she was nervous to speak among the voices of impactful leaders as a high school graduate but is learning what it means to be powerful.

“I’m a small part of a movement that’s been going on before I was born. It’s almost comforting to know I’m only a very small part of this movement, because that means that there’s many people working to make this movement provide long lasting change. I feel that the only thing I really know is how I feel. Trying to describe how I feel to people, so they can understand just a glimpse of what it’s like to be me, has been most effective in making my own impact,” said Nobel.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins spoke about the 1999 Bruce Springsteen song, “American Skin (41 Shots)” written about the police shooting death of Amadou Diallo, a black man killed in the vestibule of his apartment in the Bronx by four New York City police officers. The officers fired a total of 41 shots hence the name of the Springsteen song.

“Bruce’s haunting refrain was ‘it ain’t no secret, no secret my friend, you can get killed just for living in your American skin.’ That was in 1999 and I for that brief moment thought that there were people other than people of color who understood what was happening to communities of color, I thought surely the working class hero that people admire and love would be able to break through that barrier but it didn’t happen,” said Stewart-Cousins.

Fuhrer received notes after the rally about how appreciated and inspiring the event was. One note in particular stood out to her.

“One of the Town Board members shared that her 11-year-old son told her after that he “felt a new understanding after hearing the speeches” and this deeper understanding is exactly why a rally like yesterday’s is important. It forces us to acknowledge our bubble of Chappaqua and challenges us to begin deconstructing our privilege and become accomplices in the movement,” said Fuhrer.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins
16th District Legislator Christopher Johnson

 

 

New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool quoted Senator Kamala Harris stating, “This is not a moment. This is a movement.” With Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland (left) and Town Council member Jason Lichtenthal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*SPEAKERS

Alyssa Ashley, recorded statement – Horace Greeley High School class of 2014

Eric Berkeley– Horace Greeley High School class of 2014

Adam Cisse, recorded statement – Horace Greeley High School class of 2017

Monique Dorsey – Community business owner: Double Dees Catering and Wrappers Delight located in Mt. Kisco

Vedat Gashi– County Legislator and Muslim immigrant, statement read by Rrita Osmani– a Chappaqua resident, recent Cornell graduate and former campaign staffer. 

Teddy Graves, recorded statement – Horace Greeley High School class of 2013 

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe – Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua, New York

Tish James – Attorney General of New York

Ken Jenkins – Westchester Deputy County Executive

Christopher Johnson -Westchester County Legislator of the 16th district, Yonkers

Ivy Pool and Jeremy Saland– New Castle Town Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor Pool is starting a Council on Race and Equity to create an action plan for our community.

Zabeen Mirza – Interfaith Council & Community Outreach Ambassador, Upper Westchester Muslim Society, New Castle Resident, Chappaqua Mom

Emily Nobel – Horace Greeley High School class of 2020

Andrea Stewart-Cousins – New York State Senate Majority Leader

Urka Swinney – Horace Greeley High School class of 2015

Rene Syler, recorded statement – Community member and American broadcast television journalist 

Victoria Tipp– Member of the Chappaqua Central School District Board of Education, president of the Westchester Putnam School Boards Association representing 54 school boards in the two counties, on the steering committee of the Lower Hudson Education Coalition advocating for the 77 school districts in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess Counties.

Photo Credits: Photos of Urka Swinney, Juliette Harrison, Jacob Miller and Jason Lichtenthal by Lauren Rosh. Additional Photos by Grace Bennett

Celebrating Greeley’s Senior Class in Style: A Car Parade Filled with Community Love

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Horace Greeley High School Seniors (L-R) Charlotte Templeton, Emma Rosh, Georgia Goldstein

On Friday, June 12,  families, residents and visitors to the town of Chappaqua gathered together to show their love and support for Horace Greeley High School’s 2020 graduating class through an early evening car parade.

While the line of cars made its way down Route 117 and King Street and Greeley Avenue, parents and guardians sat behind the wheel as their seniors stuck their heads out the window or through sunroofs to either wave back at all the well wishers or to simply absorb all of the excitement around them.

Caryn Shapiro, parent of Horace Greeley senior Lily Shapiro, said, “the car parade was a silver lining that came out of this pandemic. It was such an amazing event that brought the whole community together to celebrate our seniors who have lost the fun traditions that make the spring of senior year so special.”

According to Horace Greeley PTA Vice Chair Suzanne Lodge, the Chappaqua PTA worked together with the Chappaqua Central School District and in cooperation with the Town of New Castle and its police department to organize the parade in order to replace the traditional celebrations this year’s graduating class is missing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This led to the senior class car parade.

“We had seen other districts do the same thing but we also wanted to follow New York State guidelines, so I spoke to the New Castle Police Department and they were super supportive,” said Lodge.

Teachers at Horace Greeley High School waving and cheering for the senior class

Lodge managed the event and worked closely with community members, teachers, parents, seniors and the police department to ensure the car parade was well organized and successful.

Seniors and their families slowly began to roll into the Chappaqua train station parking lot around 5 p.m. Students painted the exteriors of the cars to celebrate their accomplishments.

Senior Charlotte Templeton said the car parade was “a great time and fun way to see classmates while celebrating being a senior.”

As more people filed into the parking spots, the noise level and energy built. Once the police officers leading the parade motioned for everyone to head back into their cars, the honking began.

The parade route started at the train station, weaved through town and ended at Horace Greeley High School. Throughout town, members of the community lined the streets with noise-makers, signs and cameras.

Cheers and shouts from community members combined with cars honking created a symphony that brought smiles to seniors’ faces.

When the seniors pulled into the high school, teachers greeted them by honking their horns right back at them and cheering loudly.

Lodge said the PTA advertised the parade in the town superintendent’s note of the week and in the elementary and middle school newsletters this week. The note encouraged community members to come out and cheer for the seniors while wearing masks and following social distancing guidelines.

Community members in town showing their support for the senior class

Senior Lily Shapiro, daughter of Caryn Shapiro, said, “it was so fun to watch the whole town come together for the first time in a while, socially distanced of course, to celebrate the seniors.”

Lisa Kassin, parent of a Horace Greeley junior and college freshman, lined the parade route with her family to cheer on the seniors.

“My family had so much fun watching on Route 117 and cheering for the entire class of 2020. Seeing the smiles on the seniors’ faces while they stood through the sunroofs of their decked out cars was the best part of the parade,” said Kassin.

Before the parade Lodge said, “we are so excited to finally be celebrating these kids, they’ve worked so hard for so long and we were feeling a little disappointed they would not be having their usual accolades but I think Mother Nature agreed that they need a celebration because today is going to be a beautiful day.”

Although “Honk for Seniors” is traditionally held on the first and last days of school at Horace Greeley, this car parade may become a new way of holding the event and celebrating the seniors in the future.

“I think ‘honk for seniors’ may have been more special than ever before, and I think this would be an awesome tradition to have each year,” said Lily Shapiro.

 

Emotional and Heartfelt: An Interfaith Vigil in New Castle Advocates for Racial Equality

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“I can’t breathe.” These words are currently part of a national chorus as on May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man died of a cardiac arrest when white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. His death sparked a wave of protests all across the country, with people coming together, either in person or on social media to advocate for racial equality. Demonstrations ensued in over 75 different U.S. cities surrounding the issues of police brutality and systemic racism. People are also coming together to remember the lives of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and many other people of color who have lost their lives to law enforcement.

In New Castle, as previously reported here,https://www.theinsidepress.com/racism-hits-home-as-a-school-district-self-examines-and-commits-to-change-and-growth troubling videos and images have emerged on social media depicting local kids using derogatory words targeting people of color. This comes on the heels of Floyd’s death and has set off a multitude of discussions surrounding how we deal with racism in our local community. In an attempt to address this too, The Chappaqua Interfaith Council and the Town of New Castle hosted an online vigil on Sunday, June 7th, in order to provide a chance for the community to come together during this tumultuous time as well as to offer a voice for many who have been silenced in the past.

The HGHS Black Student Union and E.N.O.U.G.H. club, as well as the Town of New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee, the New Castle Police Department, the Upper Westchester Muslim Society, Superintendent of the Chappaqua Central School District, Christine Ackerman and Town Supervisor Ivy Pool all came together to voice their support for a reform to a system that oppresses people of color.

The vigil began with strong words from Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, co-chair of the Chappaqua Interfaith Council. “The inspiring images of our youth taking to the streets of our cities and even here this weekend in Chappaqua have made it all the more apparent that for we of the older generations, now is not the time to lecture, but rather to listen. Not to speak, but rather be educated. If anything, this moment calls for a deep sense of humility and the willingness to readily acknowledge that we do not know all that we should know and that voices once overlooked demand to be heard.” He continued stating that there is much more work that needs to be done and that “tonight is not the end, but rather the beginning of a broader discussion.” 

New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool followed Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe’s remarks. She passionately explained how we, as a community must work together and be there for one another, especially in times like this. “We long to be together, to wrap our arms around each other, to hold and lift each other up. And we will. My promise to you is that tonight is just the beginning. We must grieve in order to heal. We must listen in order to act. Tonight is not a box we are checking – it’s a journey that we are on together. I invite all of you to join me in making this a personal and community priority.”

Town Supervisor Pool stated that she understands how hard it is to grieve as tragically her 11-year-old son Mattias died three months ago. However, she continued, resolutely stating that “I am here. I am with you and I am listening, and I am grateful for you.”

“May we open our hearts and minds to the racism that lives within most of us. May we open our hearts and minds and be really honest with ourselves about how we feel about people who are different from us. God help us to acknowledge the pain of those who have been targeted because of the color of their skin. Help us to acknowledge our own tacit approval of those who are targets,” Reverend Dr. Martha Jacobs continued in prayer.

Emily Nobel, a member of Greeley’s graduating class of 2020 then delivered a stirring and passionate speech detailing her experiences with discrimination and racism. “I feel like … I’m underwater, drowning in a pool of my own thoughts and I don’t know how else to explain except by telling you sometimes the only place I feel safe is in my own bedroom.” Nobel detailed how her struggle with racial bigotry is present in her own family and community. “I don’t want the only place I ever feel completely safe to be my own bedroom because I know the minute I step outside my room, the minute I step outside my door, my pigmentation will determine how I am treated and it’s overwhelming. I don’t always want to be reminded that my skin color, something I had no choice over, something that I was born into, could be the same reason that I am perceived as a threat, that I am the one who is dangerous when all I ever did was live. That’s all we want to do. We want to live.”

“Although we cannot change our inaction in the past, we cannot continue to silence the power of our voices because this conversation could be too uncomfortable or too unfamiliar. We need to address the discomfort and invite it in with the stories and realities of the lives of others. We must use our voices to support people or color and organizations that fight for racial equality and legal protection. We must speak up and take active steps to call out and combat racism in our own lives. We must demand change from our institutions while also looking inwards to see how we can improve on a personal level,” declared Greeley junior and member of Saint Mary Virgin Church, Alexandra Fitzgerald.

James Blasdell, a graduating senior from Pleasantville High School and member of the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua also joined in and spoke on behalf of the United Church of Christ Leadership and the staff of the Open and Affirming Coalition. “We have been saddened and angered, but unfortunately not shocked to witness, along with the rest of the country the deaths of Geroge Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, James Scurlock and David McAtee. They are the latest in a long long line of black folk, queer, straight and transgender, our parents, siblings, children, neighbors and friends, God’s children, murdered by the white supremacy that lies so close to the heart of our nation like a cancer.”

Lauren Clark, a Horace Greeley senior alumni, also expounded on what she believes to be the core foundations of the ensuing protests. “The death of George Floyd sparked reactions all over the world. Some may find this time frightening, but it gives me hope. Speaking out against white supremacy and race-based violence doesn’t make you anti-white, anti-police, right or left. It makes you pro-justice, pro-accountability, and pro-racial equality. Caring about the life of another person isn’t political – it’s human.”

Following Lauren Clark’s speech was Sam Rosenberg, a member of Greeley’s junior class and co-president of the E.N.O.U.G.H. club. He advocated for ways in which we can be a more inclusive and wholesome community. “We can start by not allowing police officers with 18 previous complaints to remain active on the force. We can work in our schools to educate our youth in a way that allows them to grow without learning the terrible stereotypes that my generation and all the ones before have been plagued with. We can teach them that words can be poisonous. But most of all, we must make sure that in one week, in 5 weeks and in a year, that the urgency of this issue does not die the same way George Floyd did.”

President of Greeley’s Black Student Union and graduating senior Gavrie Wayne added: “I have been angry for most of my time in CCSD. I was angry when Trayvon Martin was killed. I was angry when I walked into my 7th grade history class and saw a Confederate flag. But some of you are new to anger. You were angry when George Floyd was killed. That was when you woke up. When I was new to anger I didn’t know how to handle it well. I was just angry with no action. That is when I started the BSU. With the help of the current administration, the BSU was able to make significant changes, so I implore those new to anger, find your BSU and create the change you want to see.”

Dr. Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of the Chappaqua Central School District also made an appearance, addressing the racial inequities present in the school system. “As the superintendent, I want to begin by apologizing – not just for the video that is circulating on social media, but to every student who has felt marginalized and not accepted for who they are as a student and a member of our school community. I accept responsibility for this – I am the leader of this district. It is unacceptable, it is wrong and it cannot be allowed to continue. For my part as an educator, I see this as a systematic curricular issue which needs a holistic approach.”

James Carroll, New Castle Chief of Police, and Zabeen Mirza, Interfaith Council Ambassador at the Upper Westchester Muslim Society, New Castle resident and Chappaqua mom, along with Ali Rosenberg and Stacey Saiontz who co-chair the New Castle Holocaust and Human Rights Committee, also delivered heartening messages aimed at spreading acceptance and inclusion within our society.

Reverend Canon Alan Dennis then delivered the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi in remembrance of all those who have died. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe continued with a special version of Mourner’s Kaddish in which he included the names of those who have been the victims of racial injustice. Reverend Dr. Martha Jacobs delivered the closing prayer in which she advocated for unity and strength within the town of New Castle. The vigil concluded in song by Sophia and Michela Masotti as they sang Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me.”

Interfaith Vigil:

‘Getting to Know’ & Celebrate Some of the Wonderful Seniors of the Pleasantville High School Class of 2020

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There are many reasons to celebrate the accomplishments of the 145 seniors in the Class of 2020 at Pleasantville High School. I just finished my second year of college at The University of Maryland so it seems fitting to have the opportunity to reflect on the special milestone as I am approaching two years since I graduated. Seniors, although this day may look a little different than how it has looked in the past for previous graduating classes, this does not diminish your successes. In fact, you have accomplished more than just graduating from high school- you completed your senior year during a global health crisis. Something we know was a challenge. As cliché as it may sound, I have learned that graduation is truly just the beginning. No matter what your plan is for after high school- college, work, travel- graduation signifies the start of a new chapter in your life. Below, is a sampling of this fantastic class from which we had the opportunity to ‘pair’ parent/student words with photographs taken by Pleasantville-based photographer, Donna Mueller, www.greatkeepsakes.com. Take the time to read about what makes each of these soon-to-be high school graduates special, as described by their respective families.  – Lauren Rosh

Editor’s Note:  Plans for the class’s graduation are still unconfirmed, following a recent interview with Pleasantville High School Principal Joseph Palumbo, who had stated: “We are working hard to make the ceremony about the students,” he said. Most importantly, he added, “The members of the Senior class are healthy and safe. Our door remains open for them.” In a June 1 email., Joyce A. Connell, coordinator of School Counseling, responded re a follow up inquiry re plans that “he (Mr. Palumbo) has been working tirelessly with the parties involved to get it confirmed.”  Mr. Palumbo also responded: “Our poll for students/parents just closed last night and we are currently working to finalize plans. I have a meeting today with venues/vendors; the hope is to have complete plans by the end of the day.”

We will share more at the Inside Press as we learn more. In the meantime, congratulations to the entire Class of 2020 from everyone at The Inside Press.— Grace Bennett

Aidan Canfield

“Aidan Canfield will be graduating from Pleasantville High School and will continue his education at Bucknell University. Bucknell is a perfect fit where he will challenge himself academically and athletically. Aidan played football and wrestled for the Pleasantville Panthers throughout high school. He was awarded “All Section” for three years, won the section title his junior and senior years and placed in the New York state competition. Aidan will wrestle for the Bisons and plans to continue his passion for playing the guitar and fishing while he is in college. Pleasantville High School has prepared him well for this new and exciting chapter in his life.”

 

 

 

Ryan Dirgins

“A lover of music since birth, Ryan enjoys songwriting, playing the guitar, piano, saxophone, ukulele and the occasional kalimba solo. He ran outdoor track and cross country for the Panther and was named “All Westchester County” in 2019. He is also passionate about the visual arts. When not filming and editing humorous YouTube and TikTok video, he can be found at Rockwood Hall photographing his friends. Ryan sang in the Razor’s Edge acapella group and appeared earlier this year as King Triton in “The Little Mermaid.” This year’s Pleasantville High School’s salutatorian, Ryan plans to attend Wesleyan University this fall.”

 

 

Lauren Drillock

“To know Lauren is to love Lauren. With a zest for life, Lauren is a special girl who works tirelessly to excel academically and in sports. As a captain of her soccer team, she helped lead her team to a state championship this year. As a two-time captain for lacrosse, she has demonstrated great leadership and resilience over the last few years. In addition, as vice president of youth group, she donates much of her time to community service. More importantly, she exemplifies all that is good in a person and friends are essential to her. Lauren will play lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross in the fall.”

 

 

 

Ben Fischer

“Ben has made the most of his experience at Pleasantville High School. In addition to enjoying his studies, Ben has been a member of the track team and Pioneer Sports League. He has also been actively involved with the garden club and peer to peer club. Outside of school, Ben is an avid hiker. Great friends and great memories have been made at Pleasantville High School.”

 

 

Norah Foley

“Norah is a caring and gentle soul. She is competitive yet sympathetic. Norah is reflective and amusing. Norah is the voice of reason in our large, chaotic Irish family. Norah has always chosen to do things in life not because they are easy, but because they are hard. We love you and as you begin the next chapter of your life in Loyola, Maryland, remember “we busted out of class, had to get away from these fools…” Go Greyhounds! Congratulations Norah!”

 

 

 

 

Megan McLane

“Meg is an amazing girl with a heart of gold. She is a hard worker, diligent, patient, funny, thoughtful, honest, quirky, compassionate, kind and optimistic. Her smile lights up a room and she has an infectious laugh. She loves music, theater and people! She is loud and excitable. Her voice can fill a room and melt your heart. She is a good friend and dependable. She is fair, true, generous and empathetic. She is someone you like to be around. The present may be on pause but the future looks bright for this senior.”

Sean Mueller

“Sean is kind and rarely complains. He is a hard worker when he cares about what he is working on. He is ‘loyal, kind and true’ to his friends and family. His favorite sports are football and lacrosse. This year, he was the captain of the Pleasantville varsity football team but what he enjoys most is playing the game of lacrosse which unfortunately could not happen this season. He will be attending Mount Saint Mary College in the fall and is looking forward to brighter days and playing on their lacrosse team. Go Pleasantville Panthers! Go MSMC Knights!”

 

 

 

Molly Perrine

“One of Molly’s greatest accomplishments at Pleasantville High School was to be selected to represent her school and participate in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program where she attended conference at Adelphi University and Loyola University in Chicago. In school, Molly was the captain of cross country and track and field. She participated in various clubs such as “Familiar Faces” and “Echo” that allowed her to be an active member of her community. Outside of school, Molly has studied acting for 13 years, and in her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends. Molly is very excited to attend Skidmore College where she plans to pursue a double major of acting and marketing.”