Each year, our top 30 students in the graduating class is honored at a special ceremony. In turn, they honor someone from the district who has positively impacted them and inspired their love of learning.
The Pine Bush High School Class of 2025 top 30 students had that moment on Thursday, May 29, with their families present. The soon-to-be graduates shared their reasons why they chose a particular person as their special guest.
One found a father figure in her most influential teacher. Another went all the way back to kindergarten to honor the teacher who inspired her with a rhyme and lessons that have lasted her lifetime.
They are all excellent teachers. What differentiates them is their passion for teaching, their warm heart and the safe space they provide, their mentorship and their willingness to be a compassionate shoulder when needed.
Here are some of the heartfelt tributes:
- “She showed me that even unexpected things can be fascinating”
- “She makes math enjoyable and provides a safe environment where I’ve sought refuge over the years.”
- “It was nice to know I had a mentor and supporter behind me the past four years.”
- “She challenged me to push myself more. And she was supportive along the whole way.
- “Thank you for everything you have done to not just make me a better writer, but a better person.”
- “He has prepared me not only for my AP exams, but also just life in general.”
- “Such a great presence in our lives, that inspires us to be the absolute best we can be.”
- “Helped me become a better student and, more importantly, a better person.”
- “She is someone full of compassion, wisdom, and strength. Her guidance has gone far beyond the walls of a classroom. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself.”
- “Thank you for everything, for your time, your patience, your care, and most of all your heart. You are one of the most valuable and important people in my life.”
- “He reminds us that mistakes aren’t failures – they’re part of the learning process, and should be used for inspiration.”
- “Such a positive and inspiring force at our school.”
- “You taught us how to approach the world with humor, with care, and with creativity.”
- “… not someone who just teaches you facts but someone who leaves you with a little life compass disguised as a rhyme.”
- “I’m forever grateful for her kindness and always encouraging me to pursue my dreams. I hope that one day I can inspire others to chase their dreams just like she did for me.”
Interim Superintendent of Schools Amy Brockner noted that this ceremony is special for many reasons.
“What makes this ceremony so special is not just the celebration of individual achievement – it’s the celebration of connection,” she said. “Each of you had the opportunity to invite back a staff member who has played a meaningful role in your journey. That one teacher, coach, counselor or staff member who believed in you, encouraged you, challenged you or inspired you to be your best self.”
Pine Bush Board of Education President Gretchen Meier talked about her own daughter who graduated 11 years ago and presented at the Top 30 ceremony. Pine Bush provided her with opportunities to help her get to where she is today – with a Ph.D. in robotics!
Ms. Meier shared some lessons with the students and the parents.
“I learned that the accomplishments and joys will always overcome the failures and the sadness,” she said. “It will all help you. Ride the wave of achievement and learn from the things that don’t go your way. Stand up for what you believe in. Make the choices you believe in. And of course, please come back and brag to us about all of your successes.”
What a joyous evening for everyone involved!. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Top 30, their families and honored guests. We are Pine Bush proud!
Pine Bush High School Class of 2025 – Top 30 and their honored guests
- Jeffrey Palma – Ed Stelmaszyk
- Berthange Valsaint – Daniel Harrison
- Olivia Lazio – Chris Passudetti
- Lydia Luksha – Christina Tudisco
- Helena Salvato – Kelly Issa
- Caitlyn Loennecker – Kenny Marshall
- Rose Grant – Jefferson Nathe
- Janice Lin – Susan Sturm
- Leah O’Donnell – Chris Passudetti
- Heidi Pagan – Kristina Capuzzi
- Matthew Grieco – Kenny Marshall
- Benjamin Schuh – Kenny Marshall
- Christine Omosebi – Kyle Schneider
- Annisa Kheiralla – Daniel McMahon
- Emily Cassese – Ed Stelmaszyk
- Jacob Schuh – Chris Passudetti
- Maureen Russell – Andrew Britto
- Justin Gamella – Brian Shaw
- Liliana Deckaj – Christina Tudisco
- Molly Bakleh – Heather Stelmaszyk
- Jordyn Van Etten – Carl Wilms
- Ahmeer Terry – Daniel McMahon
- Rowan Stelmaszyk – Jennifer Wagner
- Jacob Pawlowski – Marc Gittelman
- Gianna Conklin – Chris Passudetti
- Erin Bell – Christina Tudisco
- Grace Grant – Kelly Wohlgemuth
- Kayanna Cauthen – Andrew Britto
- Galilee Cecchini – Charlene Webster
- Henry Brown – Kelly Wohlgemuth