Congratulations to the
Fishers Island School Class of 2023
CJ Alexander
Maddie Hatfield
Bee Scroxton
Caleb Sieburg
on your Commencement
Friday, June 23
5:00 pm
Fishers Island Theater
After the procession into the Theater to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Fishers Island School Band, Maddie Hatfield gave a moving Welcome Address to all and especially to her classmates.
Bee Stroxton introduced RJ Burns as the Commencement Speaker. She explained that Mr. Burns served in the US Coast Guard for 23 years before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2005. Though he can often be spotted sailing the water around Fishers Island, he is known to most of the FIS community as the former Marine Operations Manager for the Fishers Island Ferry where he played an essential role in safely transporting the students for eight years.
The Class of 2023 Gift was presented by Caleb Sieburg. “Our class gift is like a big “thank you” to the community who has been with us through all the ups and downs of our school days. They’ve cheered us on, believed in us, and helped us grow. So, we wanted to give something back as a way of showing our appreciation.
One of the things we did was give a new look to The Media Lab for Good at The Union Chapel. We took up brushes and paint cans, and together, we transformed it into the vision they had hoped for.
Why did we do it? Well, we wanted to help them create a room that is going to become a resource for students and adults on the island to express their creativity, develop skills, and learn how to produce videos and podcasts. We put time into this project because we genuinely care about our community. We wanted to leave a lasting impact and make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.
Our hope is that our class gift as service projects inspire others to see how important it is to lend a helping hand. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have an effect on others. Thank you Fishers Island.”
The tradition of the seniors creating a slideshow of themselves and their friends continued this year with a wonderful collection of heartwarming images.
Principal/Superintendent Christian Arsenault’s remarks confirmed, “This is a very special group. The Class of 2023 has left our school ‘Better than they found it’ and I know that this will remain true of wherever life takes them next.”
Presentation of 2023 Scholarships
Dr. William Gallaher Science Award from Island Health Project, presented by IHP President Susie Parsons to Madeleine Hatfield
Dr. Ralph K. Hoch from Island Health Project, presented by IHP President Susie Parsons to Madeleine Hatfield
Barrie Fiske Award from Island Health Project, presented by IHP Vice President Diane Baker to Bee Scroxton
The Edwin and Katherine Horning Award from Union Chapel, presented by The Rev. Dr. Rosanna Anderson and Museum Director Pierce Rafferty to Madeleine Hatfield
Fishers Island Community Scholarship from St John’s Church
Each graduate from Fishers Island School who chooses to pursue a degree in higher education may apply for scholarship funds for a period of four years of undergraduate study. All Fishers Island students who choose to attend an accredited college or university may receive the scholarship annually, upon application, for a period of up to six years. This year we are pleased to award scholarship awards to CJ Alexander, Madeleine Hatfield and Caleb Sieburg. Both St. John’s and the Fishers Island Community wish you all the best for a bright future.
Chelsea Groton Bank Scholarship to Caleb Sieburg
2023 Series Scholarship for Academic Excellence to Bee Scroxton and Caleb Sieburg
NY State Comptroller’s Award to CJ Alexander and Madeleine Hatfield
Anti-Bias Task Force Award of Southold to CJ Alexander
Fishers Island Lemonade Scholarship to CJ Alexander
Fishers Island School Teachers’ Association Scholarship to all four seniors
The Long Island School Superintendents’ SCOPE Scholarship
presented by Christian Arsenault to CJ Alexander
Conferring of Diplomas
Mr. Christian Arsenault, Superintendent/Principal
Mrs. Jamie Doucette, Board President
Mrs. Julie Arcelus, School Counselor
Clarke-Joslyn Alexander
University of Southern Maine
Graduating with a Regents Diploma
Madeleine Hatfield
University of New Hampshire
Graduating with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and a Pending Mastery in Science
Bee Scroxton
Career in Trades
Graduating with a Regents Diploma
Caleb Sieburg
Alfred State College
Graduating with a Regents Diploma
The Commencement Ceremony closed with the Presentation of the Class of 2023 when Mr. Christian Arsenault asked the graduates to move their tassels to the left and a beautifully written Closing Address by Clarke-Joslyn ‘CJ’ Alexander, Class of 2023 and the singing of the Alma Mater.
Board of Education
Jamie Doucette, President
William Bloethe, Vice President
Matthew Edwards, Member
Catherine Edwards, Member
Amy Harris, Member
A special thank you to the Fishers Island School faculty and staff and the entire Fishers Island Community.
Alma Mater
Above the roar of crashing breakers
Above the wild gull’s piercing cry,
We raise our youthful voices
As we praise Fishers Island High.
Hail to Alma Mater,
Guardian of the Light,
May your lamp of learning,
Burn forever bright.
Beaming truth to guide us,
Through the fog and fear.
Lead us ever onward
Alma Mater dear.
Please click any image in this gallery to see larger photos and to scroll through the album. Photos by Jane T. Ahrens
