John Jay HS Class Of 2024 Celebrates Commencement At Caramoor

CROSS RIVER, NY — The Caramoor has played host to the greatest performers in the word — last Tuesday, the venue witnessed a coming of age story for the ages.

From the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

On Tuesday, June 18, over 200 seniors proceeded through Caramoor's Venetian Theater and took their seats on the stage. Through the next hour, filled with sweetness, laughter, memories and song, the students became graduates of the Class of 2024.

It was an auspicious commencement, both for the legacy of inclusion and school spirit that the Class of 2024 brought to John Jay High School, and that it also marked the retirement of Superintendent Andrew Selesnick.

"Class of 24, you and I have much in common this year," said Superintendent Selesnick. "You’re younger and much cooler, but we’re both leaving, both facing the excitement and the uncertainty of not being in a K-12 school system for the first time in a long time, both wondering, what happens now?"

Principal Steven Siciliano called out the class's impressive accomplishments in performing arts, in sports, in academics and in service.

Valedictorian Alice Cai used the now funny questions that worried graduates' younger selves as a marker of growth. Salutatorian Shayna Kar highlighted the welcome and warmth of the Katonah-Lewisboro Schools community and the leadership that her class brought to school traditions and even creating new celebrations.

As Senior Class Officer Sofia Verrone put it, "We are the class that reignited the spirit, energy and humanity of John Jay."

"Be here, under the canopy at Caramoor, now," said teacher Chandler Lewis, in the Keynote Address, reminding students, families, educators to savor the moment.

The Notables and the Treblemakers filled the Venetian Theater with beauty.

Superintendent Andrew Selesnick called out the love in the gracious white tent, giving space for exuberant cheers and applause that the graduates could tap in moments of uncertainty.

"Seniors, about to be graduates, I’m proud of you and always will be," said Superintendent Selesnick. "And when you hear this sound, and think of it months from now, know that I and all my KLSD colleagues are cheering for you, too."