Members of the Mahopac High School Class of 2025 took the stage on June 25 for a joyful and heartfelt commencement ceremony that celebrated academic achievements, growth, character and resilience. Families, friends, teachers and district leaders gathered to recognize the graduating class and wish them well as they prepare to take their next steps beyond high school.
Senior class president Isabella Scuoppo opened Mahopac High School’s commencement ceremony with a message about self-worth and personal growth. Reflecting on her journey, Scuoppo shared a humorous but powerful turning point sparked by a bumper sticker she saw while stuck in traffic.
“Live free,” Scuoppo said. “Stop chasing closure. Stop forcing connections. Stop auditioning for roles in other people’s lives where the script never lets you win…You don’t need anyone else to choose you when you already choose yourself.”
The ceremony included musical performances by the senior chorus under the direction of Dr. Jacob Rhodebeck, including a rendition of ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music,” chosen by the class as their senior song. Principal Patrick Keevins reflected on the seven-year journey he shared with this class, having first met many of them as sixth graders when he was assistant principal at Mahopac Middle School.
“As I stand before you as your proud principal, I am reminded of your amazing journey and the tremendous growth that has shaped you into young adults,” Principal Keevins said.
He praised the class for their problem-solving skills, compassion and resilience, and encouraged them to lead with kindness as they take on the world beyond Mahopac.
Salutatorian Daniel Walsh took a motivational tone in his address, encouraging classmates to face challenges head-on.
“Do hard things,” Walsh said, sharing a simple but powerful mantra that has helped guide his own success. “Try out for that team, take that difficult major, start that business, talk to someone, stand up for yourself. Difficulty should never stop you from living out your goals.”
Valedictorian Maya Lewis delivered a poignant and reflective message, encouraging classmates to embrace the bittersweet nature of graduation and look toward the future with hope.
“Grieving the end of high school isn’t a bad thing,” Lewis said. “Grief means that you have something to miss, that you did something right during your few years here. Don’t spend all your time reminiscing about the past. Make new memories, experience new things, live in the moment.”
In her remarks, Superintendent of Schools Christine Tona encouraged the students to view adulthood not as a list of responsibilities, but as a series of meaningful choices. She reminded the graduates that true success is grounded in character, integrity and courage.
“Choose to do what’s right, even when it’s hard,” Tona said. “Choose to be kind. Choose to grow, even when life gets uncomfortable.”
As Tona and several Mahopac High School administrators presented the students with their diplomas, each graduate crossed the stage to cheers from loved ones. The ceremony concluded with a moment of recognition for graduates entering military service followed by the traditional turning of the tassels.
