The HFM BOCES Adirondack Academy alternative high school program recently celebrated the hard work, resilience, and dedication of 23 students who successfully completed the program and are set to receive their high school diplomas from their home school districts.
The ceremony took place on Friday, June 13, inside the Rao Theater at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College, where a crowd of family members, friends, teachers, and administrators gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements.
In her address to the graduates, Adirondack Academy Principal Christine Carioto highlighted the dedication exhibited by the class throughout their time at ADK.
“To our graduates: Look around you. This isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a testament. A testament to your strength, your resilience, and your unwavering belief in yourselves, even when the path felt uncertain,” Carioto remarked.
Adirondack Academy is designed to support students who have faced challenges in a traditional school setting. The program emphasizes small class sizes and close relationships with teachers, staff, and administrators, fostering an environment where students can thrive.
Graduate Bionca Persen addressed her classmates, sharing how her experience at Adirondack Academy positively impacted her life.
“Getting the opportunity to go to ADK really changed things for me for the better,” Persen said. “It opened doors to opportunities I never would have thought of and helped me form amazing bonds with incredible students.”
Christopher Rumrill, an Adirondack Academy alumnus, served as one of the event’s special guests, offering words of encouragement to the graduates.
“You don’t have to be the smartest or have everything figured out. You just have to keep getting back up,” Rumrill advised.
He continued, “That’s where real progress is made—not in the easy moments, but in the ones where you’re stuck and want to quit, yet still choose to try again. Not because someone’s watching, not because it will work, but because deep down, you refuse to give up.”
The ceremony also featured speeches from graduates Karina Gattman, Jasmine Schumacher, and Caleigh Snell, who expressed their gratitude to the teachers and staff for their unwavering support and guidance. Social studies teacher Thomas Halloran also contributed to the event by reciting a poem he composed.
In her closing remarks, Carioto reminded the students of the courage and determination that brought them to this milestone.
“Today, as you prepare to embark on your next adventure, remember the courage it took to get here. Carry that courage with you. Remember the support system you found within these walls—as well as outside—the teachers, staff, peers, and family members who believed in you, even when you struggled to believe in yourselves. Each of you arrived at ADK with potential, and the reason you are sitting here today is because you worked to make that potential a reality. That is something you should be incredibly proud of.”
She added, “Go out into the world and build the lives you envision. Don’t be afraid to forge new paths, challenge norms, and continue learning and growing in ways that are authentic to you. The world needs your unique perspectives, your innovative spirits, and your compassionate hearts.”
Students recognized at the ceremony included Braeden Bassett, Isaac Conrad, Jeremiah E. Cooper, Kyle Dwyer II, Karina Gattman, Chloe St. Germain, Kiera Gifford, Joshua S. Giglio, Hailey C. Hogan, Emma M. Mainville, Quinn Medina, Iain Melita, Kyle Parro, Bionca N. Persen, Lyric J. Porter, Joshua Rivera, Carolnita Marie Rondon, Jasmine Schumacher, Lucas Schnur-Greko, Caleigh L. Snell, Drake VanValkenburgh, Kaidyn Wilmont, and Makayla P. Zemanek.
