Shortly into his comments, Mount Markham Central School Superintendent Joe D’Apice needed to stop.
People filling in the bleachers of Mustang Stadium, graduates and faculty members sitting on the turf and track interrupted D’Apice with applause. That came after he rattled off a lengthy list of all the Class of 2022 had gone through since March 13 of their sophomore year.
His list included a Prom in the parking lot, remote and hybrid learning and lunch in the bleachers. “Adversity builds character,’’ D’Apice said. “You have been forced to achieve at a higher level of patience.’’
For all they had gone through the past two years, the Mount Markham Class of 2022 was gifted with a beautifully warm sunny evening to celebrate their commencement outside, unmasked and as close as everyone wanted to be.
High School Principal Victor Zampetti opened the ceremony after faculty and Board of Education members led the graduates in the procession. He recognized the District’s employees who are retiring this month, including Middle School Principal Dawn Yerkie, who has 30 years in education.
Salutatorian Sara Thayer took her classmates down Memory Lane with fun times of memories made since elementary days. “We will miss…