Fishers Island School Graduation 2024

Welcome students, staff, board members, community members, parents, and of course the class of 2024. Before beginning today’s ceremony I would like to please ask for everyone to silence their cell phones and other devices. Bathrooms are in the top right corner of the theater and may be used at any time. Exits can be found at the back and sides of the stage.

I would first like to thank everyone for coming and for the endless support that you all have given us. Not only have you watched us grow and helped us learn, but you have also given us a loving and supportive environment for our journey. 

Now I am not one to be afraid of a little public speaking, but I will tell you that I have been scared for this day. But along with that feeling, I have begun to feel joy and excitement. Not only are we graduating today but we are moving on, ready to make waves in the real world. Within the past four years we have all grown together and learned so much from everyone around us. Our experiences at Fishers Island School and just being islanders will forever be unmatched and unforgettable.

I know that all of us are more prepared than ever before because of all of you so thank you again, and congratulations to the class of 2024!

I have the pleasure of presenting the class of 2024’s service project. As a class we have been lucky to work with the HLF Museum over the last 3 years. Their generous donations of supplies and tools have allowed students to see their impact on the community in real time. From putting up birdhouses to boardwalks and ramps it is always exciting to see our work in action.

Our main project since tenth grade has been the conservation of the beach tree population on the island. Throughout New York there is a disease called beach leaf disease which spreads rapidly and does devastating damage to beach tree groves. In 10th grade our main job was to measure and plot every beach tree on the oyster pond peninsula. This laid the groundwork for the museum and gave visiting scientists and professionals a map. Then in 11th grade we did more work with plotting using a GPS system at other spots across the island. This year we experimented with applying phosphides to the base of the trees which will act as a supplement. It’s predicted that in 5 years we will be able to see if all our work was successful in conserving the grove. 

On behalf of all my classmates and participating students I would like to thank the museum for all of the experience and knowledge we gained through our service with them.

Who doesn’t love a good story?

I’m sure we’ve all heard someone tell a captivating story, and if you’re anything like me, you envy those who can tell one that grabs the attention of everyone in the room. 

So what makes a good story?

Well you definitely need some witty humor, dialogue, and a great plot, but others I find important are a beautiful setting (preferably an island), some unique circumstances, and a few very interesting characters.

Our story dates back to 2005 and 6, when the Class of 2024 was born.

For many years, Ben, Tina, and I held down the fort; we watched old classmates go and new ones come, and lucky for us in sophomore year, we gained Casey.

We thought to ourselves, “Who is this curly-haired kid who’s crazy good at basketball and has the same, weird sense of humor that we do?” but within our first, memorable hour together in math class where we learned about Mr. Stanton’s life story, we knew our family was complete.

In the past three years, we’ve laughed, cried, and grown together, and like any adventurous characters in a story, we took on the challenge at hand—high school.

Now we haven’t had the most traditional high school experience, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. We got to snorkel during science class, learn to play golf together, swim in the ice-cold Mediterranean during our senior trip, and so much more.

We’ve built each other up, torn each other down, and offered words of wisdom along the way, like the time I asked for advice before my drivers test to which they replied— “Ellie, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry!”, “Dude, it’s so easy,” and finally, “Just don’t hit a cone like I did!”

And from that point on, I knew I could count on you guys.

I would argue that we don’t have a million things in common, but some of the best characters are united through their differences, and those differences gave us an opportunity to learn from one another. From the boys, I learned patience and to not take everything too seriously; from Tina, I learned that a bright smile and a little kindness can go a long way; and as for what I contributed, I’d say that I tried my hardest to convince them that listening to Beethoven is just as good as Bruno Mars. So, needless to say, I think that our individuality is what made us so close.

When I think about my high school experience, there’s one phrase that comes to mind—“It takes an island.” Stories aren’t only written by one author, but rather with the influence of several co-authors. So to our parents, teachers, family, friends, and community members, thank you for supporting us every step of the way. Thank you for coming to our basketball games, our concerts, our graduation (!), because although showing up may seem small at the time, your support has helped make our stories come to life. 

And to Ben, Casey, and Tina, I am so glad to know you all. Luckily, you’ll only be one phone call away if I ever need more advice or just a good laugh, and I’m excited to see where life takes you. As this chapter comes to a close, I encourage you all to share our stories from this time, all of the good and all of the bad, because what keeps the magic alive is feeling the joy of recalling the “good ol’ days.” 

So, to the Class of 2024, congratulations, and let’s go out into the world to continue writing our stories because this was only the beginning.

To our graduating seniors, Benjamin, Ellie, Christina, and Casey, you have been a Big Fish in our small pond throughout your years at Fishers Island School. You have exemplified the character, work ethic, and perseverance we want our students to have. As you leave us in the following stages of your lives, I want you to remember that you have everything it takes to continue to be Big Fish in whatever size pond you find yourself next. 

Please continue to rely on the relationships you have developed at Fishers Island School. Reach out for help when needed because our Small Pond will always look out for you, regardless of how big you become.

Christian Arsenault
Superintendent/Principal
Fishers Island School