Pine Bush High School graduated 395 students Friday evening, June 27, during the Class of 2025 commencement ceremony.

The Thomas F. Lonergan Field stands and much of the field were packed with family and friends wishing the graduates well. The Pine Bush High School Wind Ensemble played Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates processed onto the field. Senior choir members sang the National Anthem.

Principal Aaron Hopmayer welcomed everyone, especially the graduates, to this special night.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Amy Brockner called tonight “Not just the end of a journey but the beginning of a new one.”

She quoted singer Natasha Bedingfield’s song Unwritten. “Today is where your book begins…the rest is still unwritten.”

“From the very first day you walked into our schools – whether you were quiet and cautious or full of energy and confidence – you began writing your story,”

Ms. Brockner told the soon-to-be graduates. “And what a story it’s been. You’ve grown not just in knowledge, but in kindness, in courage, in strength. And along the way, you’ve reminded all of us that every student brings a voice, a dream and a future full of possibility. That’s what tonight represents: not a final chapter, but a fresh page.”

Ms. Brockner reminded the students they are never alone on their journey. “You had teachers who saw your potential, even when you didn’t see it in yourself,” she said. “You had coaches, counselors and support staff who cheered you on through every milestone. You had families who stood beside you through not only the celebrations but the hard days, as well. Most importantly, you had each other.”

No one can write this next chapter but you, she said, and referred back to Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten.

“No one else can feel it for you, only you can let it in…Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open.”

Salutatorian Berthange Valsaint

Berthange talked about the warnings when she was a small child to be careful.
“I remember running through the hallways – carefree and excited – and being told, ‘walk, don’t run, it’s dangerous.’ And it is dangerous,” she said. “You might slip and lose yourself. But as we grow older, we realize that life rarely gives us the chance to walk. Deadlines, expectations or dreams never stop for us. And the irony is, if you don’t keep running, time races ahead and threatens to leave you behind. I’ve slipped more times than I can count. But every time, I remember the person I want to become. So I get up and I keep running faster.”

Berthange moved to Pine Bush for her junior year. She was nervous, of course, leaving everything familiar behind. She didn’t force herself to fit in. But something clicked for her and she realized she had to do things for herself.

“Why am I wasting my time compromising my future when I could be doing something for myself now?” she said.

The moral of that story – “Don’t just be yourself. In my case, sometimes being yourself closes you off to the vast number of opportunities right in front of you. By choosing to do things I wouldn’t normally do, I took advantage of those opportunities and was able to achieve my goals.”

Her advice to her classmates is advice she took herself. “Be the best version of yourself. Be uncomfortable and do it scared. Find out how great you can be and keep fighting.”

Valedictorian Jeffrey Palma

Jeffrey shared his family’s story, about how each of his parents came to the United States when they were just teenagers. “They sought opportunity. A better life than what was offered at home.” They were here alone, though.

“They have taught me that no matter the obstacle, success is attainable and you must find happiness in what you have,” he said. “Their perseverance through rough times while being alone is why I see this as a transition where we will have to look out more for ourselves.”

He cautions that not everyone will champion you.

“There will be people who are jealous of you and will want to tear you down,” said Jeffrey. “Forget it and keep moving on.”

He quoted Drake who said “jealousy is just love and hate at the same time.”

“Make people want to be where you are and tell yourself, really believe you are number one, the best, in anything you do.”

He warned about seeking perfection. “Perfection is not attainable, no matter who you are or what you do, but still, you can strive for it,” he said. “Use it as a goal. Don’t see it as a failure if you never reach it, because you can’t. But it’s the process, attempt and ride that you put yourself through that never ends for the duration of your life that will lead you to success.”

Jeffrey encouraged his classmates to stick to their values and warned that life isn’t all about working or success.

“There will be times to branch off of the path,” he said. “Have fun. Go out. Explore. Run towards things you are scared of. We are all lucky that God has placed us here together and we must enjoy every bit of our lives.”

Principal Aaron Hopmayer

Principal Hopmayer ended the speeches with a message of service to the graduates.

“Service is about seeing the world beyond ourselves,” he said. “It’s about using what we have, our time, our voice, our energy, to make someone else’s life a little better. The great boxer Muhammad Ali once said ‘service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’”

He discussed the examples of service he has seen in the past four years.

“I’ve seen incredible examples of service from this graduating class,” Mr. Hopmayer continued. “I’ve watched students tutor classmates after school, lead community clean-ups, stand up for others, and start clubs that support mental health, inclusivity and civic action. You’ve already proven that you understand what it means to serve.”

In a world that celebrates individual success, he said, let’s not forget the strength found in helping others. The impact we have on people often says more about us than the titles we earn.

“I challenge you to redefine success as the impact you leave behind,” he said. “Be the kind of doctor who listens deeply; the kind of entrepreneur who builds ethically; the kind of teacher who sees every student.”

He talked about people in the Pine Bush community who do just that – make a real difference in people’s lives.

“As we step forward into this next chapter, let’s carry that spirit with us,” Mr. Hopmayer continued. “Let’s hold the door open for more than just the person behind us. Let’s listen more than we speak. Let’s lead with kindness, even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard. The world is calling for leaders who serve, not for recognition, but for purpose. I believe that leader is in each of you.”

In closing, he added, “Wherever life takes you, let service be your compass. In doing so, you won’t just make a living, you’ll make a difference.”

Mr. Hopmayer presented his Principal’s Awards – three for community members and two to students.

Gretchen Meier – President of the Pine Bush Board of Education and local business owner.
William Lacovara – Retiring Pine Bush High School teacher of 40 years, coach, mentor, motivator.
Robert Pawson – Retiring librarian at Pine Bush High School; “Heart of our high school”; volunteer coach for PBHS varsity baseball; advisor to the guitar club and world literature club.
Valedictorian Jeffrey Palma
Salutatorian Berthange Valsaint

Mr. Hopmayer also acknowledged PBHS Assistant Principal Mike Amsden, who is retiring after 30 years. Mr. Hopmayer called him a “quiet leader with a calm presence, dedicated to students success.”

“Whether he is mentoring new teachers, advocating for students or building the master schedule, Mike is a detail oriented, consummate professional,” he continued. “He’s left a legacy that will long endure after his retirement. You really are an unbelievable leader and I wish you the best, my friend.”

Congratulations to all of the Pine Bush High School graduates! There are great things in your future!

You can see the entire Pine Bush High School Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony here. For many photos from the evening, go to our district Facebook page and Instagram page.