Eric’s Graduation ceremony was held at the HP football stadium on Friday night. The procession began with a car parade in a light rain from GWF to the HP high school. The rain did not dampen the spirits of the graduates or the spectators. The parade was initiated last year due to COVID but will likely become a tradition due to it’s popularity.

At the high school we were dispersed on the field with DIY seating to hear musical arrangements, speeches and presentation of diplomas. It’s been a rough 18 months; Eric, like many, didn’t do well with remote learning; the school – especially his principal – really worked with him; Eric put in a lot of effort to attain this “Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.” So this celebration was well-earned!

At the end of the speeches a fabulous fireworks display.

From Rome Sentinel:

HOLLAND PATENT — The Holland Patent Central School District braved the rain to celebrate its 2021 commencement with a ceremony at the school’s sports stadium on Friday, June 18. The ceremony began with opening music followed by a welcome by Principal Russell E. Stevener, Jr. Students then marched in to Pomp and Circumstance followed by the pledge of alliegiance led by Senior Class President Grace Elizabeth Mahanna. The national anthem was then performed by Thomas R. Breil, Nicco A. Klein, Jessica Rene Landman and Arianna Rose Lange. Jonathan Schmitt gave the salutatory address. Stevener delivered a recognition of faculty before Lange gave a profile of the Class of 2021. Breil gave the valedictory remarks before Superintendent Jason P. Evangelist recognized the class standard bearers and Rory J. Richard performed “Rise Up.” Lydia Kelly, president of the Board of Education, gave the proclamation of graduation, followed by the presentation of diplomas, the singing of the school Alma Mater and the recessional.