Summer graduates celebrate achievement at White Plains High School

Five White Plains High School students marked an important educational milestone Monday evening as the district celebrated its Summer Graduation Ceremony.

Two of the graduates -- Axel Tapia and Jessica Tapia Salustio -- attended the ceremony with family members, teachers, administrators and district leaders. The other three – Alje Burton, Alexis DeJesus and Brandon Tamayo Zuniga – could not make it.

Summer School Principal Sara Hall congratulated the graduates for persevering through high school and completing the work necessary to earn their diplomas.

“I am so proud of each of you,” Ms. Hall told them in the Media Center. “You guys persevered through the last four years, and in the last six weeks, and we were cheering you on from the start. … Your life is about to begin, but we're here to support you no matter what.

“As Dr. (Joseph) Ricca always says, ‘Once a Tiger, always a Tiger,’” she added, referring to the district superintendent.

WPHS Principal Emerly Martinez said the summer ceremony reflects the district’s commitment to helping students reach graduation, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way.

“The fact that we have a graduation during the summer speaks to what White Plains is,” Mr. Martinez said. “We’re not going to give up. We’re going to support you through it all.”

Dr. Ricca also focused on the graduates’ perseverance, telling them that while they had received support from their families, teachers and the school community, ultimately they were responsible for reaching the finish line.

“Thank you for believing in yourself, and thank you for pushing harder,” Dr. Ricca said. “This celebration tonight is all because of you.”

He encouraged the graduates to remember the lesson they had learned through their experience: that one of life’s most important challenges is pushing themselves beyond what they may initially believe they can accomplish.

“I think ultimately what it really comes down to is we’re in competition with ourselves,” Dr. Ricca said. “You figured out that this was a priority, and it is. Graduation from high school is no small feat. It is an enormous step towards securing the life that you want.”

For Axel, who has attended White Plains schools since the beginning of his education, graduation closes a chapter filled with friendships and positive memories.

“It was amazing and I made a lot of friends,” said Axel, who plans to pursue a career in the trades and become an electrician.

For Jessica, who joined the district as a senior, the next chapter is beginning almost immediately. She plans to attend Borough of Manhattan Community College to study business administration, with classes beginning Friday.

“After that, I want to transfer to another school and keep pursuing the same degree, and more,” she said.

Also attending the ceremony were Summer School Assistant Principals Vincenza Persampieri and Megan Purvis; Board of Education President Rosemarie Eller and Board member Craig Mondschein; Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations Dr. Anna Vaccaro-Teich; Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Services Dr. Karen Tesik; and WPHS Assistant Principals Raegan Figueroa and Gaetano Vitiello.