Niskayuna’s 66th graduating class celebrated commencement on Wednesday, June 26 in a ceremony that featured music, recognition of distinguished alumni, and reflection on the boundless possibilities that await the 307 graduating members of the class of 2024. The graduation ceremony took place at the MVP Arena in Albany.
In his welcome address to graduates, senior class president Arya Dixit reflected on how he and his classmates were faced with challenges shortly after beginning their freshman year at Niskayuna High School in 2020. Dixit spoke about the many accomplishments and accolades he and fellow members of the class of 2024 have earned. He also shared sentiments of gratitude with friends and family members, as well as the faculty and staff at the high school for shaping their time there.
“Embrace the road ahead with courage and resilience,” Dixit said in closing.
Superintendent Carl Mummenthey commended the class for demonstrating a desire to explore both the world around them and their places. He left the graduating class with this piece of encouragement:
“While I can’t look into a crystal ball and foresee their individual futures, there is one thing I know for certain: They are ready to explore,” Mummenthey said.
Three alumni were inducted into the Niskayuna High School Hall of Fame. Each year the induction takes place as part of the graduation ceremony to recognize distinguished graduates who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
- Dr. Andrew Bloom, Class of 1991
- Lili (Friedman) Dunn, Class of 1986
- Dr. Franklin Lehr Moon II, Class of 1994 (awarded posthumously)
The program included several outstanding musical performances by members of the graduating class and the Niskayuna Symphonic Orchestra.
Class treasurer Louis Chicatelli and class historian Brendan Ross presented the class gift, a “N” sculpture located outside the new athletic complex at the high school.
Graduation by the numbers:
- 307 Graduates from the Cohort (303 Diplomas and 4 Credentials)
- 97.17% Cohort Completion Rate (316 total)
- 95.88% Building Score (per state)
- 227 students out of 303 earned Regents with Advanced Distinction (75%)
- 248 students out of 303 Completers are attending a 2-year or 4-year college (82%)
- 10 Graduates are attending the highest rated colleges in the country
- (Cornell-2, Princeton-2, Yale, U-Penn, Stanford, USC, Boston College, and Purdue)
- 58 Graduates will be attending a SUNY school (including 2-year)
- 111 Graduates earned a Seal of Bi-literacy
- 5 National Merit Finalists
- 22 Academic Medals
- 40 Graduates (13% of the Class) will be NCAA athletes at their college or university
- (1 Full Scholarship to New Jersey Institute of Technology)
- 4 NYSMMA All-State Musicians and 1 Alternate
- 8 Graduates are pursuing performing arts or fine arts in college
- 9 Graduates are pursuing trade school or have full time employment
- 5 Graduates are pursuing enlistment into the military
- 1 Full ROTC Scholarship
You can watch the entire 2024 Commencement Ceremony on our YouTube channel.
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