Glens Falls High School Class of 2023 Graduation

Although Saturday morning was filled with gray clouds and drizzling rain, that did not dampen the graduation festivities for the Class of 2023 at Glens Falls High School! The Class of 2023 celebrated their successes and challenges, having traversed their high school career while navigating the COVID Pandemic.

Clara Avery, in her Valedictorian address, highlighted the challenges faced by the class of 2023 when school was shuttered for COVID pandemic… She began her speech with the simple advice given to freshmen when they started high school: “Always walk on the right side of the hallway. It seemed simple to follow the established traffic patterns, a linear path to sophomore year,” Clara said. However, the events of the COVID pandemic erased all of the established norms and rules… Her speech highlighted how her class, along with so many others, faced their fears during the pandemic, and adapted to unpredictability and unprecedented change.

Clara highlighted the adaptability of the students, faculty, and staff throughout the pandemic. She thanked the custodial staff – and especially Ms. Mary – for their efforts in keeping the students, staff, and community safe. Ms. Mary, as she is fondly known, can often be found supervising the lunch rooms or along the sideline at sporting events, keeping an eye on all of the students at Glens Falls High School.  

This year, Glens Falls High School added more student speakers to the Commencement Ceremony… For the first time, the administration held a commencement speaker contest! Aiden Gormley – one of the two winners of this contest – will be attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in the fall. Aiden’s speech began with childhood lessons, and how his own mistakes had taught him these lessons… The first lesson was never stop being a kid, which was advice from his father; followed by never losing your curiosity or excitement for life.

Aiden highlighted getting the mundane right – the importance of time with friends, family dinners, and the beautiful chaos of life as one long journey. He ended his speech with importance of leaving the world a better place. 

Aiden’s commencement speech added depth and humor to the ceremony… The commencement speaker contest added an opportunity to hear unique voices from the class of 2023. As the tassels were turned and the graduation ceremony came to a close, cheers rang out in the auditorium, and the members of the class of 2023 took their first steps towards their future.