'Don't stop us now': Somers High School Salutatorian Isabella Wissa looks to the future

SOMERS, N.Y. - Before the Somers High School Class of 2026 received their diplomas on June 24, salutatorian Isabella Wissa offered some words of inspiration:

"We have come a long way together!

A year ago, we were anxiously filling out college and trade school applications and writing what seemed like endless college essays. I remember one of my essay prompts asked, "What song defines your life right now?" As I ran around taking my IB classes, playing varsity soccer, serving as president of clubs, and hanging out with my friends, one song seemed to define my life: "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. And I believe that song defines our entire Somers High School journey—and the future we've been given. Don't stop us now!

Don't stop us now, 'cause we're having a good time!

It certainly didn't feel that way four years ago when we entered high school, carrying backpacks that felt too heavy and confidence that felt too small. We were wide-eyed, nervous, and unsure of what was yet to come. The seniors seemed so big, and the hallways were long and confusing.

But we didn't yet know about the good times ahead.

The good times at our pep rallies and Spirit Weeks, when those big hallways came alive with our class colors, creative costumes, and enough school spirit to bring every grade together. The good times winning state championships in football and lacrosse, and the excitement that came with each one. The good times singing and dancing our way through Chicago and Mean Girls. From memorizing lines to learning choreography, the stage became a place where friendships grew and talents shined.

And we grew.

We matured. We learned. We became shooting stars leaping through the sky.

We became the upperclassmen, helping and supporting each new freshman class. Whether we were challenged in math by Mrs. Gallucci and Mr. Rogers, made to laugh on difficult days by Mr. Habib and Mr. Alessio, or encouraged by the many teachers who believed in us before we believed in ourselves, we became leaders and mentors.

We started clubs we believed could change the world. We wrote songs and performed them for our friends and families. We designed clothing for fashion shows. We earned scientific awards. We traveled to new places, representing our school and our town with pride.

We did it all with the support, kindness, and encouragement of our teachers, administrators, and families.

We were on the go, go, go—there was no stopping us now. We were traveling at the speed of light!

And what a speed it was!

We found ourselves in senior year before we even knew it. What once seemed like endless school days somehow became memories that passed in the blink of an eye.

We finally understood that every first day, every football game, every club meeting, every exam, every paper we wrote, and every ordinary afternoon together was becoming a memory we would one day look back on.

We made memories on our ice-skating trip, where some of us gracefully glided while others spent more time falling than skating. We made memories at Six Flags, where our roller coaster screams lasted far longer than the rides themselves.

While our championships, performances, and achievements will become part of our school's history, the lessons behind them are what we will carry into our future, knowing that many of our accomplishments bear fingerprints that are not our own.

The guidance and experience we received from the entire Somers community have given us the knowledge and the tools to change the world.

We are ready for our next adventure.

We are ready to become teachers, doctors, lawyers, electricians, plumbers, and someday parents—just like the ones who gave us the opportunities and support to be where we are today.

We are ready to inspire others, just as we have been inspired.

So... don't stop us now! Don't stop us now! 'Cause we are having a good time—having a good time!

And the world...

We will turn it inside out.

Thank you very much!"