Rhinebeck High School seniors Adrian Jensen and Gregory Reed represented their school at Dutchess BOCES’ annual Distinguished Graduate Recognition Breakfast at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls May 21.
Two representatives from each of Dutchess BOCES’ 13 component school districts gathered and were introduced to receive a certificate by their superintendent or designee.
"We expect students to create, connect, and contribute -- to engage meaningfully as learners and citizens while positively impacting the world around them. Adrian and Greg exemplify these ideals in distinct and inspiring ways," said Rhinebeck Superintendent Albert Cousins in introducing Jensen and Reed at the breakfast.
Jensen is the president of her senior class.
“I was surprised to be picked because I thought there were so many other amazing qualified people in my class,” she said. “I was really happy I was picked. It was a great thing to experience.”
Jensen will study psychology at Lafayette College. She’s planning to be a behavioral therapist to help develop needs and behaviors of children with autism.
Jensen has been working with children since she was 12 at Ramapo for Children, a camp for children with behavioral problems and learning disabilities.
“That place is so special to me and it has fostered my love for kids,” said Jensen. “It’s just amazing to be working with them and it’s so rewarding for me.”
Reed, who is studying welding at Dutchess BOCES, will follow his grandfather and uncle by attending the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he’ll study mechanical engineering.
“They both had great careers and lives,” said Reed of his grandfather and uncle.
Reed explained how his education in Rhinebeck has prepared him.
“It’s given me growth in choosing what I want to do and being able to actively pursue it,” he said. “There are so many opportunities here that I have taken. It’s all here and pretty accessible.”
BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia and Lydia Biskup, chief of staff for state Sen. Rob Rolison, welcomed attendees before enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet.
Biskup urged the graduates to courageously follow their own paths, even if those choices defy external expectations, much like her own decision to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She also highlighted a famous speech by retired Navy Four-Star Adm. William McRaven, noting how completing the first task of the day, such as making your bed, can lead to completing other tasks throughout the day.
Biskup emphasized that taking pride in this initial accomplishment creates a ripple effect, building the discipline and momentum needed to tackle the larger challenges and ultimately change the world.
“If you want to change the world, make sure you make your bed,” she said.
This year’s keynote speaker was Grace Burns, a Lehigh University junior and a 2023 distinguished graduate herself from Dover High School. She noted that graduates do not need to participate in every extracurricular activity or elective, as they could risk stretching themselves too thin and losing sight of who they really are, something she learned in college.
“Life is short and time is the only currency you can’t earn back,” Burns said. “Being distinguished isn’t about doing everything, it’s about having the courage to do what actually matters.”
Burns challenged the graduates to leave high school with purpose, grit and an identity that means more than what is on a resume.
“Don’t spend your whole life building a resume and completely forget to build your character,” Burns said. “Go out there and be more than a transcript, be the person this community already knows you can be.”
DeLucia closed out the breakfast by noting that not all the graduates recognized were their respective school’s valedictorian or salutatorian, but students who had amazing journeys and worked hard to deserve the honor.
“You’re the reason that we come to work every day,” DeLucia said. “In these moments where we get to celebrate you, we are very proud.”
The breakfast also showcased student work as the Wappingers Small Jazz Combo played some bopping tunes, Poughkeepsie High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard presented the American flag and students from the Career & Technical Institute’s Careers in Animal and Plant Sciences program created beautiful centerpieces for every table.