For the 193rd time in its history, the Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District honored a graduating class, hosting Commencement exercises for 118 members of the Class of 2023 Saturday morning.
Matthew Delasandro, the senior class president, served as the master of ceremonies. Ayla Oakley sang the National Anthem.
“There is no way to be able to avoid mistakes. It’s part of the growing process. You have to learn from them and you cannot let them hinder your forward progress,” Delasandro said recalling Thomas Edison’s 2,000 attempts to make a lightbulb before finally succeeding. “Right now, we’ve grown to fit Springville, but there’s a whole world out there. If we take everything we have learned in our small town, and we continue to grow and disperse throughout the world, we will impact all of the lives around us.”
In his salutatorian’s address, Simon George told his classmates to look back on their path, both their achievements and their failures.
“Hold on to these memories - each and every one of them. Use them as a reference to guide your life. I’m certain that you have learned something throughout your school years, whether it be in the classroom, on the field, or in a club. Before you travel out into the world, though, take the time to enjoy today.”
Maria Rumfola, valedictorian, gave a special shout out to her dad, who was the valedictorian of the S-GI Class of 1994, and who encouraged her to be standing in the same position on graduation day.
She recalled games played in elementary school and all of the twists and turns between those times and where they are now - both figuratively and literally when referring to whitewater rafting on the senior trip.
“Even though we didn’t expect any of those things, we should be grateful for each and every unique experience because that’s what molded our high school story to be what it is today.”
Graduates also heard an inspirational message from 1983 graduate, William Rindfuss. Rindfuss had a successful career as a banker before following in his parents’ footsteps to become an educator. Now he is a professor of finance at the University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
Rindfuss was valedictorian of his class and recalled the diverse experiences and paths of his classmates. He did not give advice to the unique individuals in the Class of 2023, but posed a question from American poet Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Summer Day.”
“‘Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one, wild and precious life?’ It's a simple line, but there's a lot in it. First, that life is wild, unpredictable. And that life is precious. It's important, and it can break, if you're too rough with it. And she says you only have one life, so you have to have a plan for it.”
He recommended planning for what is coming, whether that is a happy life, a family, or being there for a friend in need, while also looking forward toward their dreams.
“I wish you happy and fulfilling lives, followed by continuous learning, long-lasting friendship, love and adventure.”
Julia Uhteg, senior class vice president, presented the class gift to S-GI Superintendent James Bialasik. The class will donate a quote from Zig Ziglar that will be hung in the stairwell to inspire future Griffins.
“Our gift, a quote, to encourage and influence classes, as their journey will not be linear. And to persevere through all challenges,” she said.
Bialasik, thanked the Class of 2023 for the gift, the day’s presenters, and teachers and parents for their efforts and sacrifices that got students to this point.
“It's time to take what you've learned. To take that assistance, to take that encouragement and begin to make your mark,” he told the graduates. “And I want you to remember as we close this chapter on your lives, that this ceremony and the word commencement means ‘to begin.’ And with that, I wish each of you all of the best as you begin this next journey. Make us proud, Griffins! I know you will.”