Earlier this year, the ceremony was going to be held in two parts with limited attendance. But, as state officials lifted COVID restrictions, the school district was able to hold one, all-inclusive ceremony with no restrictions on family attendance.

The ceremony commenced with organ preludes from Brian Bogey, director emeritus of the A Cappella choir. After graduates proceeded down the aisle to their seats, Anthony Dolce, student organization advisor, welcomed the audience.

Jamestown Superintendent Kevin Whitaker was introduced by Class of 2021 member Cyrus Morano. He shared a couple words commending the senior class on its achievement this year.

“You were thrust into the task of having to navigate through a generational and historical challenge,” Whitaker said, speaking of the pandemic. “This challenge curtailed your social life, eliminated major events (and) impacted how you went to school. … Yet, through all of this, you have succeeded.”

Jamestown Public Schools superintendent Kevin Whitaker is pictured addressing the crowd at the graduation ceremony Friday. Whitaker commended the efforts of the seniors who forged their way through the past 16 months of the pandemic and graduated.

Salutatorian Ryan Malarkey followed and reflected on his time at JHS. He relayed the message that the achievements of the Class of 2021 were not achieved by themselves.

“This is the conclusion of the last 13 years of our lives,” Malarkey said. “Our time in school gave us not only the opportunity to grow intellectually, but also to grow as individuals. Along the way, each one of us has been shaped by our experiences into the unique individuals we are today. This did not happen on our own.”

He recognized the efforts of teachers, coaches, friends and family members in molding the class of 2021 into who they’ve become. He also addressed his brother for his efforts in mentoring and guiding him to be involved in school activities and prioritizing academic success.

Malarkey concluded by stressing the importance of reciprocating the effort the community has invested into the Class of 2021.

“Our future is what we make it, but it starts with being the best we can be, and then lifting others up to be the best version of themselves,” he said. “This graduation celebrates the Class of 2021, but, in a sense, it celebrates everyone who has assisted us in our life’s journey. They were all a part in helping us achieve. Thanks for believing and encouraging us; we will strive to do the same.”

High School Principal Dana Williams was introduced by Olivia Pinciaro, a member of the Class of 2021, to share a few remarks.

After a piece from the JHS A Capella seniors, John Carlson, the valedictorian of the class of 2021, took the stage and addressed those in attendance. His message was one of perseverance.

“As a freshman full of aspirations, I , from the very beginning, wanted to exhibit just how much I truly love learning, and dreamed of becoming valedictorian,” Carlson said. “Expressing my goals to fellow students and teacher alike, I was disappointed to be told that reaching that goal was numerically impossible.”

Because he was homeschooled prior to his high school career at JHS, he lacked some of the early advanced classes, but that didn’t deter Carlson from setting his hopes high. He worked meticulously to take as many advanced classes as possible throughout his four years at the school.

“I refused to submit to the rejection of that dream, and proved it was possible,” Carlson said. “Don’t give up. If something seems impossible, don’t accept that. We are brilliant, magnificent creatures with the ability to change our world, but if we sit down and tell ourselves that it’s fine, allowing ourselves to become stagnant, then there is no point.”

Carlson finished his speech by commending the efforts of those around him who helped him reach his dream as a freshman.

The keynote address was given by David Munella, JHS business teacher and assistant varsity football coach. After class gifts were presented, the graduates walked the stage to claim their diplomas.

After changing over their tassels, the Class of 2021 are now able to call themselves Jamestown High School alumni.