Massena Central Graduates Class of 2014

Traditional Mohawk clothing, Gustowahs and Haudenosaunee sashes punctuated a sea of red and blue as more than a dozen Native American students received degrees from Massena Central School on Saturday, June 28.

Several of them that spoke with a reporter said they are thrilled to see the fruits of more than a decade of schooling, and are eager to kickstart the next phase of life.

"I'm ecstatic right now," Montana Jacobs said after the ceremony. "It's an amazing feeling."

Jacobs said he will serve in the Canadian Army. He was to have left for boot camp the Monday after he got his diploma.

"I'm excited for the future," Hunter Francis said. He will attend Coastal Carolina University in the fall to study marketing and wants to get involved in their golf management program.

His parents, Darlene and Tim Francis, said they were filled with pride watching their son's high school career come to a close.

"It was hard work and dedication," Darlene Francis said. "He always tried really hard in everything and he didn't give up."

Perseverance was the word of the day for Carrigan Lamb. Although glad to be completing high school, she said it wasn't without some hard times and now looks forward to new territory.

"I'm glad it's over. I ... struggled a little bit, but I got through."

She says she will attend SUNY Canton in the fall to study criminal justice. She said she doesn't want to be an actual law enforcement officer, but wants to someday make a career in a related field.

Among the upwards of 200 students graduating was Brett Bouchard. His arm was severed in an April accident while he was cleaned a pasta-making machine at Violi's Restaurant, where he worked. He recently returned home to Massena after having the appendage re-attached at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. He spent nearly two months at the medical facility and continues to recover. Bouchard received his diploma to a thunderous throng of applause, which continued for the better part of a minute as he circled from the stage back to his seat among his peers.

The ceremony started with Interim Superintendent William Flynn addressing the crowd of upwards of 700, but not before the class of 2014 entered as the school band performed Pomp and Circumstance.

"They have grown over the course of what seems somewhat a short time into fully articulated young men and women ready to take on the world," Flynn said.

The choral students then sang Jubilant Song by John Lennon.

Salutatorian Daniel Elman gave a speech where he told his classmates that procrastination is one of their greatest adversaries.

"Bite the bullet and do the work ... you will appreciate the decision," Elman said.

Valedictorian Samuel Gerber spoke of personal responsibility and carving one's own path in life.

"[A] valuable lesson I've learned is I control my own destiny," Gerber said. "Wherever we go from here, more responsibility and more freedom awaits us."

Native American members of the class of 2014 include:

Hunter T. Francis, Daylen M. Greenfield, Deonna M. Bero, Coyodie S. Cole, Bradley A. Cooke Jr., Serena M. Hall, Montana J. Jacobs, Carrigan A. Lamb, Iakokwenienstha Porter, Patrick G. Printup, Cameron L. Tarbell, Rhoades B. Tarbell, Eric B. Thomas, Ryan A. Thomas and Sakowennenhawi N. White.