WVCSD EdTalk: July 2, 2025

Following, is the text of Dr. Leach’s commencement address to the Class of 2025 on June 28:

Good morning, Warwick!
What a day — what a view — and what an incredible group of graduates before us. I think I started checking weather apps 20 days ago, and I’m glad the skies (mostly) cooperated.

Let me begin with a line you might recognize — even if it came long before your time:
 “Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today…”

I know your playlists are probably full of artists like Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, Olivia Rodrigo, or Drake — maybe even Zach Bryan or Ice Spice. But your generation has borrowed more than a few hits from mine: Michael Jackson on TikTok, Bon Jovi at football games, Whitney Houston in karaoke reels, Queen at school dances. The ’80s are still alive and well. And while Frank Sinatra isn’t from my generation, he’s iconic enough that I think both of ours can claim him.

This year, my inspiration came from an unexpected place: Yankee Stadium.

Last Sunday, I was there with my two sons. After a 4–2 win and a late-inning rally, Sinatra’s “New York, New York” echoed through the stadium, through the stairwells, and out into the Bronx night. Somewhere between the second and third time I heard it, I smiled and thought: That’s it. That’s the message.

That song — full of confidence and possibility — became the lens through which I saw you, Class of 2025.
Because like the lyrics say:
“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.”
And you?
You’ve already made it here.

You’ve made it here in Warwick — in classrooms filled with discovery, on stages and athletic fields, in studios and labs, in moments of doubt and milestones of triumph. You’ve overcome setbacks, embraced change, and shown heart, grit, and resilience.

Because of that, you’re ready to make it anywhere.

There’s something uniquely powerful about growing up here — in Warwick, in New York. There’s a rhythm to it, a spirit. You’ve learned to work hard, to speak up, to look out for each other, and to stand tall when things get tough.

Those are the values — your values — that will stay with you wherever life takes you next: college, career, military service, or paths still unfolding.

And yes, like the lyrics say, “These little town blues are melting away.” Maybe that’s how some of you feel today — like you’re outgrowing something familiar. Like you’re ready to trade what you know for what’s possible and exciting.

That’s not just natural — it’s necessary. It means you’re growing. It means you’re becoming.

But remember: leaving home doesn’t mean leaving behind who you are. It means carrying Warwick with you — your roots, your values, your voice — into every new room, every new city, every new chapter.

Some of you sitting here today have been accepted into your dream college. Some of you aren’t quite sure what’s next. Some of you are starting jobs, trades, or military service.

All of you — every single one — are ready for what’s ahead.

Just like the song says: “I want to be part of it — New York, New York.”
So be part of it — wherever your New York may be.

Maybe it’s a hospital lab. Maybe it’s a Broadway stage. Maybe it’s a tech startup, a classroom, a new trade — or something not even imagined yet.

Wherever you go, go with purpose. Rise each day with intent, aiming — as the song says — to be “king of the hill, top of the heap.”

And when life feels overwhelming — and it may — when the pace is fast or the lights too bright, come back to the song. Let it remind you where you began — in a place that believed in you, among people who still cheer you on, whether you’re ten miles away or ten thousand.

Let it remind you: there’s so much more waiting for you.

So now, Class of 2025 — it’s your turn.
Step forward. Be bold. Make noise. Chase dreams. Take the leap.

Wherever your New York may be — go there with confidence, with kindness, and with pride in where you came from.
You’ve made it here. Now go make it anywhere.

And when you do…
Don’t just sing the song. Live it.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week: 

Park Avenue Elementary School
Fourth graders were acknowledged during this year’s Moving Up Ceremony held at the high school. All students were recognized with certificates and the following students received special awards:

• New York State Comptroller’s Awards For Academic Achievement and Leadership Performance: Brendan Brown and Keira Sandfort
• NYS Attorney General’s Triple C Awards For Commitment, Character, and Courage: Ellie Conklin and Valentina DeJesus
• NYS Attorney General’s Civic Ambassador Award For Passion and Knowledge of Civics and Government: Rylee Rodriguez

This year’s fourth graders enjoyed a spectacular send-off early in the week with an around-the-world themed Moving Up celebration! After checking in with “Park Ave Airlines,” students had two hours to explore destinations including Rio de Janeiro (DJ dance party), India (faux henna and face/body jewels), Las Vegas (kid-friendly games of chance), Australia (a kangaroo hop game), London (photo booth), Paris (a cafe rest area), Egypt (find-your-name hieroglyphic game), and Japan (kawaii drawing station).

Students from all grades have been creating summer reading lists in the library. During each visit, grade-level books are placed around the library and the students are given a list with many of the books as well as blank spaces to take notes or write additional selections. Students have time to peruse the book selections, read blurbs and introductions, then circle or write any of the books that they are interested in reading this summer. The lists are folded into pamphlet style and brought home by the students.

Mr. Spicehandler shared, “Giving students a starting point for their summer reading and a list that can help plan what to look for during any visit to somewhere that books are available (library, book store, etc.) will help the students stay motivated to read over the summer, visit libraries & book stores, and ultimately avoid any academic backsliding over the summer. Students will become better communicators, ethical and global citizens, problem solvers, and life-long learners.” 

Sanfordville Elementary School
It was a week of fun-filled farewells for the fourth graders. On Monday, the 161 fourth graders were recognized for completing their elementary school requirements prior to heading off to the Middle School next year. Students, staff, and guests, which included Assistant Superintendent Ms. Cindy Leandro and Warwick Valley Board of Education members Bill Fanos and Tara Cruz, joined me in the auditorium at the Warwick Valley High School for the ceremony. Principal Johnna Maraia opened the ceremonies with her welcome address. Ms. Fitzgerald introduced the Principal Leadership Awards, which are given to students who consistently demonstrate PAWS behavior in and out of the classroom as well as the NYS Attorney General’s Triple C awards. Congratulations to this year’s SES winners: Aubree McCall and Bohdi Honerkamp. Our fourth grade teachers introduced each of our fourth grade students who were presented with their moving up certificates by Mr. Ferraro. A special thank you to all of the parents, the awesome Sanfordville PTA, teachers, staff members, board of education members, WVHS Principal Mrs. Georgianna Diopoulos and her staff for accommodating us and everyone who had a hand in making this event come together for the students!

We would like to extend our gratitude to the SES PTA and the Fourth Grade Moving-Up Committee for hosting an amazing bowling party celebration at Pin Streets Bowling. Thank you to the fourth grade staff, the PTA planners and all of the helpful parent volunteers for making the day so special for our fourth graders!

Another highlight of fourth grade is Glow Day! Students decorated their very own T-shirts, so they will glow as they rotate through station games that glow like ring toss, hopscotch, bean bag toss, Connect 4 and tic tac toe. They learn about bioluminescence and different animals and fish that glow naturally. They use their knowledge of geometric shapes to create artwork with neon paper. Our students had a fun-filled glowing day. Thank you to the teachers and parent volunteers for decorating the classrooms for a glowing great day. 

Warwick Valley Middle School
Warwick Valley Middle School proudly celebrated its Class of 2025 as 280 eighth-grade students participated in the annual Moving Up Ceremony. Families filled the high school auditorium to mark the milestone moment as students prepared to transition to the next chapter of their academic journeys. The ceremony began with Mr. Yapkowitz introducing student emcee Maryam Jallow, who confidently welcomed the crowd and helped lead the day’s celebration.

The Star-Spangled Banner was beautifully performed by WVMS music teachers Ms. Brown, Mr. VanDewater, Mr. Muehlbauer, Ms. Moser, and Mr. Peters, setting a proud and reflective tone. Mr. Radon and Mr. Rao followed with an overview of this year’s student awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across academics, service, and character. Among the award recipients was Bay Orr, who earned the prestigious Principal’s Award. Bay also addressed his classmates with a motivational message about perseverance, reminding them, “You can’t hit a hole in one if you don’t swing the club first.”

Guidance Counselor Ms. Meg Wright then announced each student by name as they crossed the stage, greeted by cheers and applause from family and friends. Dr. Leach addressed the crowd with reflections on memorable middle school moments – especially the much-loved eighth-grade kickball game – and offered advice on embracing the high school experience ahead. Mr. Yapkowitz concluded the ceremony by reflecting on the growth and resilience of the Class of 2025 over the past four years. He encouraged students to carry their curiosity, kindness, and determination into high school and beyond. With a final send off, he declared the eighth graders Warwick Valley High School’s newest students and invited them to join their proud families for celebration.

Warwick Valley High School
As the 2024-2025 school year came to a close, Warwick Valley High School students finished strong, demonstrating their dedication, perseverance, and academic growth through final exams, New York State Regents Exams, and academic presentations.

During the final weeks of June, students completed their Regents Exams – rigorous, state-administered assessments that serve as a culminating measure of the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired throughout the year. Subjects included Algebra, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. History, and Geometry, among others, reflecting the breadth and depth of the high school curriculum. These exams not only mark an important academic milestone but also showcase students’ readiness for the next stage in their educational journey.

In addition to completing Regents Exams, select students proudly participated in the New York State Seal of Biliteracy presentations – a distinguished recognition of high proficiency in a world language. These students demonstrated their skills in Chinese, French, or Spanish by completing a comprehensive series of assignments, including written work, oral presentations, and interviews conducted entirely in their target language. Their achievement is a testament to their personal commitment, academic excellence, and deep appreciation for language and culture. It also reflects Warwick Valley’s broader commitment to fostering global citizenship and cultural literacy among its students.

As the school year comes to a close, Warwick Valley High School embraces a time of both reflection and celebration – a chance to honor achievements, thank educators and staff, and look forward to the future with hope and enthusiasm. From challenging final exams to impactful academic presentations, students concluded the year with determination, pride, and a strong sense of accomplishment.