Blind Brook High School, let’s do this! Commencement ceremony held on June 24, 2025

The members of the Blind Brook High School class of 2025 were ready. They arrived on time, lined up and processed into the auditorium of SUNY Purchase, cheered on by family and friends, settled into their seats on stage, and recalled the popular saying from “the greatest principal to ever live,” BBHS Principal Mark Greenwald, “Blind Brook, let’s do this!”

In the end 100 diplomas were awarded, well 101 actually, in a ceremony that brought tender moments and laugh out loud situations.

Class advisor, Cher Treacy opened the event by noting that the one word that she felt described this class was “perseverance.”

Following a beautiful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” sung by the BBHS School Choir, Class Speaker Charlotte Zelin spoke to her class, and was introduced by good friend Emily Tian.

Charlotte, an admitted television watcher, said she especially loves long running shows, which offer consistency, predictability and a slow unfolding story, which is not that different from their educational story, one she’d choose to binge all over again.

She walked the audience through their experience from Season 1, when they were in kindergarten through Season 12, as seniors.

“Tired, but eager for whatever lies ahead,” she said. “Every year we fast forward waiting for the next big thing, the next season. Now, at this moment, the show’s finale, I found myself wanting to hit pause.”

She recalled several “scenes” that she and her classmates experienced during their time together.

“We didn’t realize that all these insignificant moments truly developed a sense of comradery that we have today,” she said, including the closeness of being a part of small community.

Whatever comes next, she encouraged her classmates to slow down and appreciate the moments they are experiencing.

“Don’t just watch it, live it,” she said.

Wyatt Feist, another class speaker, reminded those in attendance how special a place Blind Brook truly is.

“I found a space to grow, to speak, to be taught,” he said.

“Each of you brought something uniquely incredible to this place,” Wyatt said. “After all, it’s easy to define yourself by what you do, its visible, its celebrated. But titles are temporary. Character, the way you treat people the way you carry yourself when no one is watching is what counts. That truly is the gift of a small school.”

“When I look at you all, I don’t see the baseball captain, the debate champion or the lead in the musical I see kindness, resilience, kindness, humor, heart.” 

Before anyone from the Class of 2025 received their diplomas, an honorary one was given to retiring Superintendent, Dr. Colin Byrne by Board of Education President Jeffrey Mensch, who joked that not only had it been 22 years, but it was something the superintendent’s wife had, as Kathy Byrne is a BBHS alum, that the superintendent did not.

“Dr. Byrne, congratulations,” Mr. Mensch said.

The Superintendent stepped back in time, to 1986, a time when the mix tape reigned supreme. 

“I did the most 80’s thing I could think of. I made you mixed tape,” he said, as he could not come up with just one song for the class.

Creating a mix tape was a true labor of love that took a lot of time. He selected four songs: “Running Up that Hill,” by Kate Bush, “Don’t Stop Believing, by Journey, “Everyday Sunshine,” by Fishbone, and “Burning Down the House,” by the Talking Heads.

Each song has a lesson: seeing things from someone else’s perspective, keep going when things are not going your way and to keep trying, stay optimistic and look at the positive in every situation, and breaking free.

“As you continue to develop your own playlist, make sure it reflects the true you,” Dr. Byrne encouraged.

Mr. Greenwald encouraged graduates to not be bystanders in life, but since they have proven to be involved individuals, in their school and community, they have the tools to continue to participate in the world around them.

“Graduation is not just a celebration of achievement; it’s a turning point. It’s when we step out of the crowd and take ownership of not only your futures, but the world we want to help shape. Now it’s your turn to take your place, your role in the next community.”

“I have confidence in each and every one of you,” he continued. “You won’t stand by. I know in the bottom of my heart, that you will face what’s next with courage and confidence and say, “let’s do this.”