DeGennaro: ‘You are never alone’

With each graduating class, I could easily speak to their success in the classroom, rate point averages, standardized test scores, et cetera. All levels of academic success—including competitions that are in person, local, state, national, international submissions of student work and on and on.

Outside the classroom, on the stage, in the gym and on the fields athletically, and the amount of service to others' recognition. The combination of these strengths has led to acceptances in the most competitive colleges and universities, and not only the country but the world. Our students have thrived at BOCES programs and are prepared to enter the work world, skilled and to find immediate employment and success.

Let me break it down further about this talented group. The district’s philosophy is to develop the whole child. The Class of 2026, arguably, represents this approach, maybe better than any other class we've ever had.

To do this, there has to be endless opportunities to which students, with the support of you, their family, and the entire structural organization of our school system, take advantage of, which ultimately leads to participation and high level success.

Every corner of Yorktown High School excelled this year. Science research awards were many and high level honors. BOCES skills, USA competition participants, and award recipients. Co curricular club competitions, every area of performing arts, including community outreach, and the word superior, attached to each of our programs.

Athletics, team, section, state, championships, all American honors, sportsmanship recognition, scholar athletes, and newer sports programs reaching new heights, including a state championship.

Service to others at all levels, and the incredible hours completed, combined with the positive impact made locally, nationally, and internationally.

Our senior class has been outstanding in every area. Again, successful.

Personable, creative, and in so many ways bringing us forward as a building to new heights. They support each other at every cause. The memorable walkouts and clapouts, police out sports, to and front campus, to celebrate and honor teams, people, and programs.

Even the energy in the building is max alluded to during the Nix Hicks historic Championship playoff run. Fun being around teenagers during a run like that. And the excitement of the beginning of the World Cup soccer tournament.

This year's musical was the Wizard of Oz. As the class of 2026 follows their own yellow brick road to their next chapter of life, college, the work world, or military service.

I stand here confident that this group is prepared to succeed and handle anything that comes their way even if they are not in Yorktown anymore.

If struggles arise, we are here, and you are never alone in that journey. When we say “Huskers for life,” it isn't simply a statement. It's a meaningful truth that we will always be here for you.

Our adults in this building have proven, over time, to stay connected to our students. On numerous and consistent occasions, our counseling and clinical teams provide support to our graduates on their own time.

Again, for the students in class of 2026, you were never alone. You got parents and families that love you, friends from this wonderful community, new friends that you haven't even met yet, and all the support that you need right here in the building to my right.

As Dorothy famously said, “there's no place like home.”

A big shout out to the senior leadership. In all areas of the building, and on all topics and issues, they were an absolute pleasure to work with, and truly were effective, mature, and change makers.

We came into this year with a new challenging mandate regarding cell phones. That's a tough battle with teenagers.

As you can imagine, adult and student conversations were many on how best to implement this. They were passionate discussions, and I would say very passionate discussions. And in the end, lessons in life were learned, and we landed in a great place due to our senior leaders and the entire senior class.

On behalf of Yorktown High School and the Yorktown Central School District, we applaud you, the Class of 2026, and are so confident in your future's successes.

Congratulations to all.

Read Principal DeGennaro’s entire speech at theyorktownnews.com