“Enter to learn, go forth to serve.”
As Pleasantville High School (PHS) students enter the front door of their school building each day, they see these words proudly displayed. This phrase is reflected in all of the experiences and opportunities each student is given during their time at PHS. The administrators, faculty, and staff of the school are dedicated to creating a supportive academic environment where students can grow into active learners, curious intellectuals and compassionate individuals. As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate and enter the next chapter of their lives, the impact of this mission statement is beyond evident.
In 2017, the Class of 2025 was about to graduate Bedford Road School and prepared to embark on the highly anticipated fourth grade Bronx Zoo Trip. Despite their high hopes, the trip was rained out several times and eventually cancelled. Seven years later, as juniors, they chose to use the money they had fundraised to finally take a trip to the zoo. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates this year’s senior class. Beginning their freshman year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2025 experienced the already challenging adjustment to high school in an even more unfamiliar way. They have overcome any obstacle set before them with grace and community spirit.
One noteworthy aspect of PHS is the administration’s commitment to helping students thrive within “the three A’s” – academics, arts and athletics. The Class of 2025 has fearlessly and enthusiastically explored passions in all three areas. Within the academic sphere, many students have challenged themselves in course offerings, such as Syracuse University Project Advance courses and the AP Capstone program, which includes AP Seminar and AP Research. Last year, Science Research students were even able to travel to France. Athletically, the school’s teams have prospered, achieving outstanding records and advancing far in playoffs. In the Arts sphere, the Class of 2025 has participated in several amazing play productions, this year’s being a showstopping rendition of The Music Man. Many students are also NYSSMA musicians and take part in the school’s incredibly talented music groups. “It’s really going to be a proud moment for me in June when we pass out diplomas, because this class is really special. They’ve contributed to all of the A’s and have really impressed us with the work they’re doing,” says PHS Principal Mr. Palumbo.
The future is certainly bright for the Class of 2025. Students have committed to universities and colleges across the country varying in size, academic programs, and geographic location. Boston College, Washington University, Barnard College, Williams College, the United States Naval Academy, Northwestern University and New York University are all on the growing list of schools that graduating seniors will be attending in the fall. Reflecting PHS’s ability to foster a diverse range of academic and extracurricular interests, students have also chosen a wide variety of majors. These selections include but are not limited to Biology, English, Psychology, Political Science, Mechanical Engineering, Theatre and Business.
Students are expected to explore a variety of post-high school options such as four-year colleges, two-year colleges, vocational programs and taking a gap year. Mr. Palumbo, however, has a special hope for how his students will pursue the future. “When people come back and they talk to me about everything that they’re doing in their lives, I’m also going to want to hear about the relationships [and] the experiences that they’ve had, the lives that they’ve created, and the way that they found meaning in whatever it is that they choose to do when they leave here,” he shared.
Much of the success of the Class of 2025 can be attributed to the inspiring guidance and leadership of Mr. Palumbo. He serves as a constant source of positivity, support and encouragement, as he helps his students grow not just as intellectuals but also as people. When asked what advice he has for this year’s graduating seniors, he stated, “I feel like you can work so hard for a goal that you have and maybe not enjoy the days, the weeks, the months, and the years that led you there and that would be a terrible mistake. You need to enjoy the time that you have [and] find balance. Experiencing life one day at a time is a big piece of advice I’d give folks… Your priorities when you’re younger are different than your priorities when you’re older, and that’s why I speak with kids here about doing the best that they can to enjoy the journey, not just look at the results at the end.”
Graduation is scheduled for June 20, 2025, in the school’s front circle. A unique and special PHS graduation tradition is that, rather than including a keynote speaker, PHS shines the spotlight on a graduating student in addition to the traditional valedictorian and salutatorian speeches. Mr. Palumbo explained, “We offer all of our students an opportunity to submit a speech and then potentially speak at the commencement ceremony. It gives each and every one of our students, regardless of where they may stand in the class academically, an opportunity to potentially be involved in the ceremony. So that’s a really nice tradition that we have each year.”
Mr. Palumbo continued, “If there is a characteristic that’s common among all of those different activities, it would be the camaraderie, the relationships, and the extent to which people help each other and work together to achieve a goal. When I think about the class of 2025, whether it be on the stage, the athletic field, as part of a research project, a trip to Italy… these are the moments that I enjoy reflecting on the most.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! This year’s graduating seniors are sure to take on the world with courage, determination, and a passion for inspiring change. They will undoubtedly carry the countless lessons that they have learned at PHS, especially the importance of working hard while remembering to enjoy the journey.
