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North Salem High School's Class Of 2015 Graduates

KATONAH, N.Y. -- North Salem High School held its 54th annual commencement on Monday evening for its class of 2015.

Beach balls are hurled in the air as North Salem High School's 2015 commencement winds down.

Beach balls are hurled in the air as North Salem High School's 2015 commencement winds down.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Members of North Salem High School's class of 2015 give their applause on stage.

Members of North Salem High School's class of 2015 give their applause on stage.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Members of North Salem High School's class of 2015 head to their commencement.

Members of North Salem High School's class of 2015 head to their commencement.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
A North Salem graduate displays mortarboard artwork.

A North Salem graduate displays mortarboard artwork.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Patrick Loftus, North Salem High School's 2015 salutatorian, gives his address.

Patrick Loftus, North Salem High School's 2015 salutatorian, gives his address.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Wilson McCloy, North Salem High School's 2015 valedictorian, gives his address.

Wilson McCloy, North Salem High School's 2015 valedictorian, gives his address.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
North Salem High School Principal  Patricia Cyganovich speaks at the 2015 commencement

North Salem High School Principal Patricia Cyganovich speaks at the 2015 commencement

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
A floral display is placed in front of the North Salem's graduating class. The display was donated by a local business.

A floral display is placed in front of the North Salem's graduating class. The display was donated by a local business.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

Dressed in blue caps and gowns, members of the graduating class sat on stage for the ceremony, which was held at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah. An elaborate floral display, donated by Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards, was placed in front of the stage.

Chosen to be this year’s salutatorian was Patrick Loftus, who noted the contradiction between what people say about something and how they then respond. For instance, Loftus talked about how North Salem gets criticism for lacking certain things, yet people have moments in town that they appreciate.

“Every so often someone will gaze with amazement in their eyes and admit just how much they truly love it here, and no one within ear shot ever disagrees.”

Serving as this year’s valedictorian was Wilson McCloy. In his speech, McCloy encouraged people to pursue their dreams and gave advice on dealing with naysayers.

“Just remember, if they have to ask the question, they'll never be able to understand your answer.”

The commencement also included a chance to honor graduates in another way, which involved a presentation of awards.

Patricia Cyganovich, the school’s principal, stressed the class of 2015’s strengths by telling a tale of how its members do not act. 

The tale involved a fish who was stranded ashore and was passed by several people who did not save him. These people, Cyganovich said, either lacked compassion to do so, came up with ideas to help but did not make a choice, or offered advice for improvement going forward but did not take action to assist in the present.

Cyganovich noted that the fish would have been better off had he met a North Salem graduate.      

“His future, like ours, would be bright.”

As commencement drew to a close, several beach balls were flung in the air above the graduates' section.

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