Archive: Around Town

Lansing graduated another class at the 58th Annual Commencement in the High School gymnasium last Friday.  The ceremony was a celebration of the 86 graduates, but also of a missing classmate, Katy Dhimitri.  Many of the speakers spoke fondly of Katy, remembering her life and the profound effect they had on them.  The ceremony started with the Lansing Central School Orchestra playing "Pomp and Circumstance" as district officials and the graduates entered through traditional flowered arches, borne by younger classmates.



Principal Michelle Stone began by introducing class President Katy Hartz, saying, "She is the type of person who would give anything to help someone else.  I am inspired by her work ethic, dedication, determination and the love she shows to all those who cross her path."  

Principal Michelle Stone and Superintendent Mark Lewis (left) and Board of Education (l-r) Bonita Lindberg, Tom Keane, Sandi Dhimitri, Anne Drake, Glenn Swanson (not pictured, Christine Iacobucci)

Hartz had praise for Stone as well, who began as Principal the same year this class started their Freshman year.  "Miss Stone has guided us with just the right mixture of love and discipline, and she deserves a huge thank you tonight," said Hartz to long applause.  "Having guided us for four successful years is a major accomplishment for her."  She went on to encourage her classmates to take leadership roles, and to join service club and do good works.  


"In fourth grade we had a very dear member of our class pass away from Cancer.  Katy Dhimitri, one of my best friends in fourth grade, was the happiest person you would ever know.  When Katy passed our class was so young that death was incomprehensible."  She noted that in sixth grade the elementary school playground was dedicated to Katy.  "She was and is such an important part of our class that we want to make sure she is remembered forever," she said, telling the crowd that the class of 2006 has dedicated a tree and a bench in honor of Katy.  She concluded by presenting a year book, signed by the entire class, to Katy's parents, Sandy and Bill Dhimitri.  "Mr. and Mrs. Dhimitri have supported our class and we are so thankful that they have stayed connected to us," she said.


Salutatorian Phil Abbott noted that some people see Lansing as a hick town, but that he sees it as a great place to grow up.  "This hick town is a wealth of opportunity," Abbott said.  "Not only do we live on a beautiful lake, but we are also surrounded by 50 miles of trails and an abundance of gorges and parks."


More than 40 awards and scholarships were then presented (including the new Lansing Star Award for journalism, on-line publishing and/or art, which went to Rebecca Mapes this year).  The Dhimitris presented five memorial scholarships honoring their daughter.  Bill recalled incidents in Katy's life, saying that she loved school.  "Reading, writing, math -- she loved it all," he said.  "She especially loved the people, the administrators, the staff, the teachers.  And above all she loved her classmates, the class of 2006." 


Valedictorian Laura Hover began her speech by dedicating it to Katy Dhimitri.  "Katy taught me so many life lessons, like what the true meaning of courage is and what it means to be a truly good person," she told the assembly.  "She has changed my life forever."  She then recalled the last 13 years and the special memories the class shares.  "We can all fondly look back on Lansing and the wonderful experiences we have had," she said.  She thanked faculty and staff and families for making the class so successful.  "Always remember your time at Lansing and realize that because of the incredible past we have had here we can conquer the future," she concluded.

After diplomas had been presented the orchestra finished with Mouret's "The Masterpiece" as Lansing sent its graduates out into the world, filled with thoughts of inspiration and accomplishment.

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