CC grads reflect on years of joy, tragedy

Speakers acknowledged a history of adversity and a future filled with promise as the Crescent City Junior-Senior High School class of 2023 had its graduation ceremony Thursday evening.

In addition to receiving their diplomas, many of the 132 graduates were recognized for being honor students, enlisting in the military, becoming certified in a vocation and exemplifying the high standards for which the Putnam County School District wants them to strive.

Principal Tim Adams said the commencement service is a product of years of personal growth, adaptability and perseverance.

“It is with great pride and joy that I stand before you today as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the graduating class of 2023,” Adams said. “This momentous occasion marks the culmination of years of dedication, hard work and growth. Your ability to adapt, learn, persevere in the face of adversity is a testament to your character and strength.”

While Thursday evening was a time of celebration, Adams recalled the tragedies Crescent City High has endured while the class of 2023 attended the school. He pointed to an empty chair on the football field to honor Sean Delaney, who died April 27 after a fight with cancer.

Graduates were given 50-cent pieces to keep as tokens during the ceremony and present to the Delaney family. The school chose 50-cent pieces because Delaney collected 50-cent pieces and his jersey number was 50 when he played football for Crescent City High, Adams said.

“We want to take the time to recognize him, as Coach Delaney was our senior class sponsor, our head football coach, a caring teacher, an amazing friend, husband and father,” Adams said.

During a tribute to the class of 2023, graduate Violetta Salazar-Barrientos addressed other, more wide-reaching, obstacles her classmates faced. When they began their freshman year, she said, none of them could have imagined a pandemic cutting short their academic year and having such long-lasting effects.

Reciting her tribute in English and Spanish, Salazar-Barrientos said she and her classmates began the 2019-2020 school year excited about starting a new chapter in their academic lives but ended it prematurely.

“Little did we know, the world would be challenged with COVID-19 that blindsided us and cut our freshman year short,” she said. “We left school for our spring break not knowing we wouldn’t return for almost a year. Of course, we were all excited when we found out we were getting extra time off. But one week turned into several months.”

Despite the pandemic, she said, the class of 2023 toughed it out, relied on their loved ones and accomplished great things. Between homework and worrying about grades, the graduating seniors managed to have fun at pep rallies, maintain friendly class rivalries, and make great friends and memories.

“There’s been long nights, early mornings and various mental breakdowns,” Salazar-Barrientos said. “But take a minute, look around and appreciate that we did it.”

While giving her own tribute, graduate Summer Crosby said the struggles her class faced made them appreciate their accomplishments more than they would have otherwise. She also reflected fondly on the students, faculty and staff who made Crescent City High a great place to attend.

Crosby encouraged her classmates to celebrate their achievements and prepare for the future, which she predicts will be rewarding but require hard work.

“One lesson we have learned is that time flies, but memories last forever,” she said. “Tonight marks the beginning of our futures.”

Adams wished graduates well as they prepare to step into adult life. He advised them to be curious, open-minded and committed as they work toward their goals.

Much can be achieved, he said, if they embrace empathy, collaboration and viewing things from different perspectives.

“Remember that education is not confined to the walls of the classroom,” Adams said. “It is a lifelong journey of learning, growth and discovery.”