Faculty and Staff and the Board of Education celebrated the Class of 2016 Commencement on Friday, June 24.
The Processional Pomp and Circumstance was played by the Fishers Island School Band, directed by Christopher Dollar and Superintendent/Principal Karen Goodwin welcomed all to the ceremony. Member of the Class of 2016 Connor Beverly led the Flag Salute and Welcome, the Welcoming Address was delivered by Elias Kane and Elizabeth Clark, and Max Switz introduced the Commencement Speaker.
Mistral Dodson is the Program Director for New England Science and Sailing. Ms. Dodson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Conservation with Honors from Murdoch University in Western Australia. She has worked with students ages 4 – 18 in both marine and terrestrial environments, including several Fishers Island students. Mistral shared her journey with the seniors and suggested they should sometimes take the detour if it feels right and pursue their dreams.
Max also introduced the Alumni Speaker Robert Backhaus. Robert is a 2013 graduate of Fishers Island School and is entering his senior year at Rollins College in Winterpark, FL. Mr. Backhaus majors in Economics with a minor in Global Health and is currently employed by Pfizer,Inc. where he works in Regulatory Affairs. During his time at Fishers Island School, Robert demonstrated leadership and academic success.
Alan Eastman and Keaton Hanson shared the Presentation of Class Gift – a new scoreboard for the school’s gym. Following the seniors’ slideshow featuring them through their years and organized by Gabrielle Krysiewicz, juniors Molly Cypherd and Emma Cypherd performed Lean on Me Written by Bill Withers.
Karen Goodwin, Guidance Counselor Gilbert Amaral, and Board of Education President Jamie Doucette conferred the Diplomas to the eight members of the Class of 2016. The commencement concluded with heartfelt remarks in the Closing Address by Arrianna Reyes-Suarez.
Celebrating The Class of 2016
Connor Beverly
St. Joseph’s College of Maine
Graduating with a Regents Diploma
Elizabeth Clark
Three Rivers Community College
Graduating with a Regents Diploma
Alan Eastman
Keene State College
Graduating with a Regents Advanced Designation w/ Mastery in Science
Keaton Hanson
University of Hartford
Graduating with Regents Advanced Designation with Honors w/ Mastery in Math and Science
Elias Kane
Brandeis University
Graduating with Regents Advanced Designation with Honors w/ Mastery in Math and Science
Gabrielle Krysiewicz
University of Connecticut, Avery Point
Graduating with a Regents Diploma
Arrianna Reyes-Suarez
Hult International Business School
Graduating with Regents Advanced Designation w/ Mastery in Science
Max Switz
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Graduating with Regents Advanced Designation with Honors w/ Mastery in Math and Science
