WVCSD EdTalk & Photo of the Week: July 1, 2026

The Message I Left in My Pocket

One of the realities of graduation is that no matter how carefully you prepare, the day always has a way of writing part of the script for you.
Last Saturday morning, under cloudy skies and a cool June breeze, Warwick Valley High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026. C. Ashley Morgan Field was filled with proud families, dedicated faculty and staff, and 346 seniors ready to turn the page to their next chapter. It was a memorable ceremony in every sense.

Our student speakers and school leaders delivered thoughtful messages that reflected both the character of this class and the promise of their future. Principal Dr. Georgianna Diopoulos encouraged students to resist the temptation to compare themselves to others and instead focus on becoming the best version of themselves. Salutatorian Nathan Link spoke about the value of stepping outside his comfort zone by trying football and theater during his senior year. Board of Education President Keith Parsons reminded graduates that wherever life takes them, Warwick will always be part of who they are. Valedictorian James "Jamie" Curtis challenged his classmates to remain curious about the world around them, while Senior Speaker Abigail Yurchuk offered a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to be "cool"—having the courage to pursue your own passions.

As the final student remarks concluded, a light rain began to fall. Standing at the podium, I glanced down at my prepared commencement address—two-and-a-half pages of carefully crafted remarks—and quickly realized that several thousand increasingly wet graduates, parents, grandparents, and guests probably preferred shorter remarks over longer ones. So I improvised. I spoke briefly about the unique bond I feel with this class. Thirteen years ago, I joined the District.  That same fall, many of these graduates walked through our school doors as kindergarten students. Watching them grow from curious five-year-olds into accomplished young adults has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. 

Still, I left the field feeling that the message I had prepared was worth sharing.

Every graduation seems to revolve around the same question: What's next? It's a question we ask every 18-year-old as though they're expected to have the next fifty years of their lives completely planned. The truth, of course, is that most adults don't have the next fifty years figured out either. As I reflected on this graduating class, one quality stood out above all others: adaptability. This generation has experienced enormous change. That ability to adapt may ultimately become one of their greatest strengths.

Technology impacts our lives now more than ever. In fact, I've become convinced my smartphone believes it knows me better than I know myself. Every morning it sends me videos about lowering my cholesterol. Then a dermatologist explains how I can look ten years younger. Somewhere along the way, I watched a Rocky training montage, and for reasons I still can't explain, it insists I should also be watching Sabrina Carpenter videos. 

Apparently, my phone has me all figured out.

That's what algorithms are designed to do. They analyze your past to predict your future. They study what you've clicked, watched, searched for, and liked, then decide what comes next. But education should do exactly the opposite. The purpose of education isn't to define who you are. It's to introduce you to someone you never imagined you could become.

If Warwick Valley has done its job well, our graduates should be less predictable today than they were when they entered kindergarten. No algorithm could have predicted the student who discovered a love of music through Meistersingers, found confidence on the drama stage, uncovered a passion for engineering, or quietly changed another person's life through an act of kindness. Those moments aren't determined by algorithms. They're created by opportunity, curiosity, and the willingness to grow.

So my advice to the Class of 2026 remains simple. Don't let an algorithm write your story. Don't let labels define your future. Don't let someone else's expectations become your own. And don't let fear convince you that who you are today is who you'll always be. None of us knows exactly what's next—and certainly not your phone.

That uncertainty isn't something to fear. It's where possibility begins.

Congratulations to the Warwick Valley High School Class of 2026. Your Warwick Valley family is incredibly proud of you, and we look forward to watching you become people no algorithm could have ever predicted.

Here are some highlights from our schools this week:

Park Avenue Elementary School
Kindergarten students completed their study of the monarch butterfly life cycle by planting milkweed to bring home. Students learned that milkweed is the sole host plant for the monarch butterfly. They were encouraged to take the plants home and replant them outside to support the monarch population. Students rotated through three stations: creating a monarch butterfly (origami), planting milkweed, and coloring an accurate monarch butterfly (symmetrical, orange, and black).

Family and staff members celebrated the achievements of this year’s fourth graders at the 2026 Moving Up Ceremony. Class President and Student Council member Macie Fisher shared students’ gratitude for teachers and staff members.  She also reminisced about the days when she and her friends started their journey at Pine Island Elementary and how the class looks forward to reconnecting with friends who currently attend Sanfordville Elementary School when they get to the Middle School. The following award recipients were also honored: NYS Comptroller’s Award: Macie Fisher and Ethan Vallejo; Office of the Attorney General’s Civic Ambassador Award: Lucas Ramsey; Attorney General’s Triple C Award: Evelyn Spear,     Grace Calabro and Breanna O’Neill.

Sanfordville Elementary School
On Monday, fourth graders began their day with a bagel breakfast organized by the school PTA.  Following the breakfast the students had a quick graduation rehearsal prior to heading to the high school. Once at the high school, the 180 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, Board of Education President Keith Parsons and board member Tara Cruz, as well as myself, gathered in the auditorium at Warwick Valley High School for the ceremony. Principal Johnna Maraia opened the ceremonies with her welcome address reminding students to dream big and work hard to make those dreams a reality.

Assistant Principal Timothy Ferraro 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.This year’s Triple C recipients are Erol Faraoni and Addison Beers-Wright. The fourth grade teachers introduced each of the fourth-grade students who were presented with their moving up certificates by Mrs. Maraia and Mr. Ferraro. A special thank you to all of our parents, the Sanfordville PTA, our teachers, staff members, Board of Education members, and WVHS Principal Georgianna Diopoulos and her staff for accommodating our students.

Fourth graders also enjoyed a bowling party at Pin Streets, which was organized by the SES PTA. Once they returned to school our students were able to pick up some of their Moving Up goodies, which were delivered to their classrooms thanks to the PTA. We extend our sincere appreciation to the fourth-grade faculty, the PTA Grade 4 Committee organizers, and our dedicated parent volunteers for their efforts in creating such a memorable experience for our students!

Warwick Valley Middle School
Warwick Valley Middle School proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as 275 eighth-grade students officially moved on to the next chapter of their educational journey. When the eighth graders left the middle school for the final time, fifth and sixth grade students lined the bus loop to cheer them on as they walked to the high school for their Moving Up Ceremony. What has become an annual rite of passage serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly these years pass and how much the students grow during their time at WVMS.

Upon arriving at the high school auditorium, students and their families were welcomed by members of our Sixth Grade Musical Lunch Bunch under the direction of Ms. Moser. Their performance helped set the tone for a memorable celebration. The ceremony officially began with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem performed by members of the Eighth Grade Honor Symphony Chorus. Eighth grader Sileny Baez served as this year's student emcee and did a fantastic job throughout the morning. Her confidence, professionalism, and enthusiasm kept the program moving smoothly and helped make the event even more special.

During the ceremony, Principal Jared Yapkowitz introduced this year’s Principal's Award recipient, Madison Candia. Madison delivered an outstanding speech encouraging her classmates not to be afraid of failure and reminding them that some of life's greatest lessons come from setbacks and challenges. Drawing on an example from Rory Gilmore’s experience working at a newspaper, Madison spoke about perseverance and the importance of continuing to move forward when things don't go as planned. Associate Principal Andrew Rao then recognized the many awards students would receive throughout the ceremony before Sileny introduced eighth grade guidance counselor Ms. Ogden for the official presentation of certificates and awards. As each student crossed the stage, they were greeted by their eighth grade teachers, providing one final opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well before high school.

To conclude the ceremony, Mr. Yapkowitz thanked Sileny for her outstanding work as emcee and reflected on the many memories, experiences, and successes that defined this class's time at Warwick Valley Middle School. As students exited the auditorium to celebrate with family and friends, there was a tremendous sense of pride and excitement for the future. Congratulations to the Warwick Valley Middle School Class of 2026. We are proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to watching you continue to grow and succeed at Warwick Valley High School and beyond.

Warwick Valley High School
The last day of classes is always a special milestone for our seniors, and this year’s Senior Picnic was a beautiful way to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they came together one more time before graduation.

Held outside on a perfect day, the picnic gave seniors the opportunity to relax, laugh, and enjoy time with friends as they marked the end of their high school classes. Students spent the day playing cornhole and spikeball, hanging out on the lawn, and enjoying the excitement of a bounce house. Food trucks added to the celebration, serving empanadas and ice cream for students to enjoy throughout the event.

Many students also took advantage of the opportunity to have teachers and classmates sign their yearbooks, creating keepsakes filled with memories, messages, and well wishes. Another special moment of the day was when seniors received the letters they had written to themselves as eighth graders. It was fun and meaningful for students to read their younger selves’ hopes and predictions and compare what they once imagined their high school experience would be like to the journey they actually had. This tradition is an important part of the senior experience. It allows students to celebrate all they have accomplished, reflect on the friendships and memories they have made, and look ahead to the exciting moments still to come, including graduation.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on reaching this special milestone. We are so proud of you and look forward to celebrating you in the days ahead.

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Photo of the Week

Warwick Valley High School graduates toss their caps in celebration following their commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 27, 2026.