From an aspiring marine biologist to an aspiring fashion designer and engineer, 26 students graduated from the Menands School on June 26 and moved on to the next stop on their paths to future success.
During a tradition-filled ceremony, the rising high school students reflected on their time in the K-8 school district and pondered with anticipation of their future endeavors.
“[Tonight’s] the beginning of something new. A new chapter. And probably a lot more homework. Today, It’s not just the end of eighth grade—it’s the end of a time in our lives when we were still figuring out who we are, and it’s the start of a new journey where we get to choose what we’ll become,” said Shawn Mendonca.
The rising eighth grade graduates are largely pursuing their academic endeavors in four area school districts—North Colonie, South Colonie, Watervliet and Tech Valley High School, but some are expanding their boundaries globally.
“I am [moving] to India with my family,” said Adhiraa Sivakumar. “It’s going to be a different experience. I am excited to learn new things.”
The eighth grade students completed a rigorous academic routine at Menands that provided many of them with advanced academic courses in a small school setting.
“We are extremely proud of the work you have done and the value they have added to the greater Menands School community,” said Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo, noting that for some, their entire nine years of academics [Kindergarten included] has been spent together in Menands.
During her speech to classmates, faculty and staff, graduate MEENAKSHI PRIJESH NAIR thanked the school community for its support.
“Throughout our journey as Menands School students, we always worked as a team. We always helped each other when we needed it. In fact, I became better at playing volleyball because my teammates would never give up showing me proper form,” NAIR said.
Classmate Bihmama A. Mendong likewise reflected on her time in Menands while also offering advice to rising middle schoolers.
“To our upcoming fellow middle schoolers, if there’s a quote I’ve always lived by it is to ‘Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.’ Yes, everyone is unique in their own qualities, but being who you are is what makes you, you. There will be people who find joy in being around you, and there will be others who won’t and that’s okay, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong or you don’t fit in; it just means you haven’t found your people yet, and I promise once you do it’ll be the most magical feeling ever,” she said.
The Menands Class of 2025 is as follows:
- Ahmed Ahmed
- Isa Ahmed
- Mohamed Salah AWAD Ahmed
- Deztinee Avila
- Elise Rose Barden
- Sri Manvi Battu
- Daniel Austin Brembs
- Amarion E. Brown
- Siva Saranya Karthika Chembeti
- Jayden Chen
- Mariana E. Finnegan
- Soleil Mia Galloway
- Evelyn Jaskula
- D. Jack Johnson
- Kritheek Kumar Kandukuri
- Lasai Keith
- Prince Kyiretwie
- Shawn Mendonca
- Bihmama A. Mendong
- Umair Mohammed
- MEENAKSHI PRIJESH NAIR
- Hira Naz
- Samar Shivasankar
- Adhiraa Sivakumar
- Kubra Syeda
- Angela Brianna Y. Villamor