Elwood-John H. Glenn High School held its 63rd commencement on June 27, kicking off with the excited seniors clad in blue and white processing from the school’s doors to the football field where the families and their future awaited them.

Senior Class President Nicola Palisciano led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the high school’s band, directed by Gabrielle Caviglia, performed a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Additional musical performances during the evening came from the band, playing selections from “The Greatest Showman,” and the high school’s choir, directed by Brittany Wheeler, performing selections from “Wicked.”

“My message for the Class of 2025 is simple,” outgoing Principal Corey McNamara told them in his welcoming remarks. “Stay true to yourself. We have so many promising individuals sitting here today who have navigated their journey over the past 18 years of life to earn their diploma. They likely have made many mistakes along the way, but they have shared their talents, passion and spirit with us, representing John Glen High School with dignity, grace and a tremendous amount of Elwood pride.”

Noting that this, her first graduating class as superintendent, will always hold a special place in her heart, Superintendent Dr. Gayle Steele cited their kindness, leadership and school spirit as having made an indelible impression upon her

“You truly represent the best of John Glenn High School,” Dr. Steele said. “You infuse our environment with an energy and positivity that sets a refreshing example for every student who walks through the doors of our schools. That kind of leadership and compassion is what makes a community thrive, and you are an enormous part of that. It will be sad to lose you, but I am delighted to be sending this group into the world, because I know you will make a difference.”

Board of Education Vice President Deborah Weiss reminded the seniors of how they walked into the district’s Harley Avenue Primary School a dozen years ago with a simple backpack that held not just supplies but their hopes for their educational journey.

“Year after year, it was filled with new lessons and new friends, and every year, it carried a little more of your knowledge, confidence and heart,” Weiss said. “Tonight, as you sit here in your cap and gown, that backpack is here, too. Now it holds the tools that you need to take the next step – the courage to try new things, the curiosity to keep learning, the kindness and empathy that will make the world a better place. May your backpack always be ready and may your journey ahead be filled with purpose, promise and pride.”

Salutatorian Katherine Moravec talked about change and the idea of pursuing connectivity.

“Rather than allowing yourselves to fall into relentless consumption, spend time with other people,” Moravec said. “Keep an open mind and an open heart to people around you. You will find yourself enriched in ways that you may have never imagined. My personal growth throughout high school has been fueled by the engine of connectivity, and it has completely and utterly changed me as a human being. Connectivity with others is truly the greatest gift you can give to both others and to yourself.”

Palisciano reminded his classmates that each of them has the power to do something great that the world needs, before introducing valedictorian Davin Li.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Li expressed regret at letting time slip away during high school, and urged the students to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity.

“Seize the moment and follow your passions,” Li said. “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, because the perfect one will never come. Just get started and follow your dreams to the fullest extent. When you go off into the world, find what inspires you and do it wholeheartedly. I simply ask that you savor the moment.”

All Schools President Caroline Weiss took the podium next, extolling the virtues of the trait of empathy, before introducing the final student orator, Class of 2025 graduation speaker Christian Deonarine, who urged his fellow graduates to be themselves. 

“In college, you’ll finally be in control of your own life, so use that freedom wisely. Make mistakes, learn about yourself, discover who you really are, make new friends, have confidence in yourself, don’t let others discourage your interests, ignore the negativity and focus on what makes you happy. Be proud of who you are. Be you, and you will attract likeminded people who will support you and encourage you to do the right thing, not the easy thing.”

Diplomas were then handed out to the joyful new graduates, and McNamara bestowed an honorary diploma upon beloved retiring Athletic Director Dave Shanahan. At this point, all that was left in this magical ceremony was the traditional turning of the tassels, before the Class of 2025 hurled their caps to the sky and walked out of the stadium as Knights alumni, ready to celebrate.

Date Added: 7/1/2025

In a heartwarming display of acknowledging one generation moving forward to college and another on the beginning of their journey through the Elwood district’s schools, kindergarteners from Harley Avenue Primary School and seniors from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School met at the high school gymnasium on June 9 for the inaugural Passing of the Shield ceremony. The event was led by John Glenn Principal Corey McNamara and Harley Avenue Principal Dr. Denise Toscano, and sponsored by the schools’ PTSA and PTA.

Board of Education President James Tomeo spoke to both groups about the passing of time and valuing the moment, and McNamara gave the seniors the task of providing advice to the kindergartners, while the younger students were asked to say something nice to the soon-to-be graduates. The two groups of students stood on either side of the gym, then walked to the center to meet, share a moment of friendship and exchange a token of gifts.

Date Added: 6/27/2025

It was a meaningful but bittersweet commendation ceremony at the Elwood School District’s June 12 Board of Education meeting, recognizing students, staff, administrators and Board members for their accomplishments and saying goodbye to longtime fixtures in the district’s schools.

First to be honored was senior Caroline Weiss, the outgoing student liaison to the Board, who gave her final report to the community.

“Caroline has dedicated her time at John Glenn to meaningful service, representing her peers on the student council; participating in athletics, music and various clubs; and devoting countless hours to organizing school events and advocating for student-led initiatives,” Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Principal Corey McNamara said. “She has been an invaluable member of our Shared Decision Making Committee and has served with poise as the student liaison this past year. She truly embodies the values we hold dear at John Glenn High School. She is kindhearted, noble, inclusive, genuine, hardworking, trustworthy, supportive and a role model for her fellow Knights. She consistently demonstrates maturity, foresight and a level of character well beyond her years. Caroline, I will always remember your efforts and advocacy for for your peers. On behalf of the John Glenn faculty, staff, students and the entire Elwood community, I thank you for your time, dedication and service annd wish you all the best in the future.”

“Not only did you represent in high school, you represented every school, and you were able to share all the happenings with us in such an articulate way.” Board of Education President James Tomeo told Weiss. “You really represent the true meaning of what a student liaison is. You fulfilled the role and you did it graciously.”

Board member Dr. Sara Siddiqui was then recognized for earning a Level 3 Board Mastery Award from the New York State School Boards Association’s Board Excellence Recognition Program, which acknowledges school board members who strive to continually expand their governance, knowledge and skills. NYSSBA members receive points ranging from Level 1 to Level 4 for attending trainings, workshops, events and activities as well as taking on specific roles of advocacy.

“Dr. Siddiqui, we appreciate your service as a board member and your dedication to the entire Elwood community,” Superintendent Dr. Gayle Steele said.

At this point, the Board honored newly tenured faculty and staff, retirees and 25-year employees.

Recommended for tenure were Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Principal Corey McNamara (who also announced his departure from the district); Elwood Middle School Assistant Principal Julie Bilello; teachers Lauren Baker, Catherine Carbone, Matthew Carrino, William Cordts, Amanda Culbertson, Meagan Dolan, Loren Levine, Joanna Maricondo, Jesse Marroquin, Domenica Piccoli, Amelia Profaci and Jon Rowland; and teacher assistants Delia Donohue and Susan Triolo.

Retirees honored were Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Sonia Hood; Director of Athletics and Physical Education Dave Shanahan; Harley Avenue Primary School Principal Dr. Denise Toscano; staff members Virginia Rouse, Karen Wenda and Jason Winters, and teachers Nicole Biscari, Solomon Buchman, Christopher Lafferty, John Ledda, Karen Maggio, Lisa Magrino, Denise Michelle Ottley, Linda Scotto, Christina Tellekamp and Beth Theodorellis.    

Recognized for 25 years of dedicated service were Joseph Lynch-Loscalzo, Lisa Magrino, Scott Mikelbank, Linda Scotto, Keriann Thomas and Regina White.

“We have some faculty members here that were the epitome of what Elwood stands for,” Tomeo said. “They cultivated the level of excellence that Elwood is known for. They set the bar high. There’s over 500 years of collective service and education that has been brought to our community. So, I thank our retirees for all the years that they have given to the Elwood community. For those who are starting on that journey or continuing their journey, remember that this is a very special place. Once a Knight, always a Knight.”

Date Added: 6/23/2025

Forty-five Elwood-John H. Glenn High School students from the World Language Honor Society and American Sign Languages classes visited James H. Boyd Intermediate School on May 29, guided by WLHS advisers Nicole Correia and Nicole Gendjoian, The high schoolers created their own lesson plans, and each group taught three lessons throughout the day, focused on basic Spanish, Italian or ASL vocabulary such as greetings, animals, school, food and sports.

“The Boyd students were so engaged and loved learning new languages,” Gendjoian said. “Our high school students loved creating and teaching the lessons, as well as interacting with the younger kids and showing them the importance of learning another language. The Boyd teachers also enjoyed seeing their former students all grown up and coming to teach. Overall, it was a very successful day.”

Date Added: 6/11/2025