Superintendent Pulvino to 2017 Graduates: ‘I Want You To Go For It’

Students and faculty alike prepare for the 2017 graduation commencement.

Members of the senior choir gather on stage to sing the National Anthem.

Mayor Ronald Woodward Sr. (right) sat alongside Board of Education members for the 2017 graduation commencement.

Superintendent Brian Pulvino speaks to the first class of graduating seniors under his role as Superintendent.

Valedictorian Aryelle Barbagallo (left) and Salutitorian Megan Nicholson (right.)

Valedictorian Aryelle Barbagallo addresses her fellow classmates.

The valedictorian’s family laughed and cried throughout her speech at the 2017 graduation commencement.

Salutatorian Megan Nicholson addresses her fellow classmates.

Faculty members line the front of the stage as the 2017 graduates enter the commencement ceremony.

GRB Principal, Donna Parkhurst welcomes the graduating seniors family and friends and congratulates the students on their accomplishments.

The GRB 2017 graduates await their time to accept their diplomas.

Students shake hands with several influential district officials as well as their class valedictorian and salutitorian.

Students walk the stage one at a time to accept their diploma.

Students were all hugs and smiles as they accepted their diplomas to become full-fledge graduates.

For the second year in a row, Christopher Leece is asked by the student body to speak the opening remarks at the senior’s graduation ceremony.

Christopher Leece, teacher and incoming principal at the Junior High School, looks out at the faces of seniors that requested he make the opening remarks of the ceremony.

Board President, David Cordone speaks to the graduating class on behalf of the Fulton City School District Board of Education.

Students creatively decorate their caps.

Students creatively decorate their caps.

Graduates move their tassels from right to left to officially become graduates.

FULTON, NY – The day has come and gone, as Fulton’s 2017 G. Ray Bodley seniors prepare to tackle the world as high school graduates.

Brian Pulvino, completing his first year leading the district in his role as Superintendent reflected on his personal experiences when sending his first group of FCSD graduates to embark on their next journey.

“Getting out of your comfort zone is the key to experiencing new things and growing as a person. Taking risks, extending yourself to your limits and striving for your goals,” he told the seniors.

Pulvino used a quote that he found meaningful to share his personal experience and encourage the seniors to boldly take their next step in life.

As John Shedd said in 1928, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for,” Pulvino quoted.

Pulvino recalled his decision to leave his former school district where he lasted a 25-year career, taking a risk and leaving the familiarity of his “safe harbor” to come to the Fulton City School District and encouraged the ambitious graduates to take their own risks.

“I want you to go for it, I want you to take the risks and be courageous. Your ship is ready to sail, and you’re prepared to leave the harbor of GRB to embark on the next phase of your path,” he assured the students.

But the Fulton community will always be a safe harbor for all FCSD students, he promised.

Valedictorian Aryelle Barbagallo and salutatorian Megan Nicholson shared similar wishes for their fellow classmates.

“My mother always told me, ‘There’s a big world out there for you to take, and when you find it you will know and you will have to grab it and see it as opportunity.’ If we give up that opportunity, we will wish we had it when given the chance. Take it although it may be scary and new, even if it means taking the path less traveled,” valedictorian Aryelle Barbagallo told the sea of faces of her fellow 2017 graduates.

She thanked her teachers, family, friends, and coaches that supported her along her high school career and shared some of the invaluable life lessons she learned, encouraging her classmates to continue learning from their experiences as well.

“Create opportunities for yourself, they will not come looking for you. It’s important that we acknowledge our dreams and do what is necessary to make them a reality,” she said. “We are the future, and we need to make a difference.”

Barbagallo dedicated her speech to the late Caroline Richardson, former GRB physical education teacher and varsity volleyball coach who tragically lost her fight with cancer last year but inspired many and taught Barbagallo and so many others to never stop fighting in the face of adversity.

“Coach Richardson, you should be here,” she said with emotion.

Salutatorian Megan Nicholson shared three wishes she has for each of her classmates.

“My first wish is that each of you can find something to be passionate about for the rest of your lives,” she said, expressing how little money means when you’re unhappy in your career.

“My second wish is that all of you take some time to travel outside of Fulton, the city most of you have lived in your whole lives,” she said.

She shared her experiences traveling and meeting people of different background and customs, teaching her not only about other people but herself as well.

“My third wish is that no matter where your wanderlust may take you, I hope you never forget where you came from,” she said. “I ask that you do not forget this little city in Central New York … Never say ‘I’m too good for Fulton.’ Say, ‘I can be good for Fulton.’ This city’s future is whatever you shape it to be. If you feel there is something wrong with it, I encourage you to take action and change it yourself. Instead of insulting the city that gave you a home, help it to grow. Be proud of the fact that you’re a product of Fulton.”

For 2017, a total of 246 students walked the stage to accept their high school diplomas as G. Ray Bodley High School graduates.

Of that number, 75 students received high honor graduate distinction by achieving a four-year average of at least 89.5 throughout their high school years.

Likewise, 46 students received honor graduate distinction by achieving a four-year average of at least 84.5 throughout their high school years.

Each student walked the stage with pride to accept their diploma and all together, the class of 2017 moved their tassels from right to left to officially be declared the newest G. Ray Bodley High School graduates.

“Best wishes to our graduates. Go out there, make your mark on the world, and stand proud as a Red Raider,” G. Ray Bodley Principal Donna Parkhurst concluded.

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