The Holley High School Class of 2010 celebrated commencement on June 26 with a moving ceremony during which 112 graduates walked across the stage. Class President Matthew Alan Cole welcomed graduates, families, board members, administrators and staff, and announced that the ceremony would be dedicated to fellow classmate, Timothy James Barbato, who passed away December 8, 2009. “Tim faced each day with a smile,” said Matthew. “Although he can’t be here today, his lessons will always remain with us.”

Valedictorian Mark Robert Heath performed “Take to the Sky” by Jordan Pruitt as part of his valedictory speech. Salutatorian Barbara Veronica Gallets, who plans to major in Spanish at St. Bonaventure University, addressed the audience in Spanish for a portion of her speech. The Class of 2010 officers – President Matthew Cole, Vice President Melanie Emma Gemerek, Secretary Anna Jayne Bower, and Treasurer Mark Heath – presented the class gift of the first brick in a memorial walkway that will be built in front of the school to honor students, staff and community members. Their brick honors classmate Timothy Barbato. Proceeds from the walkway will fund a $50 award that will be given each year to the graduate who best portrays Tim’s characteristics of determination, optimism, leadership, and scholarship.

This year’s guest speaker was Margaret Culhane, retired English teacher. She spoke about courage, giving the contemporary example of the Miracle on the Hudson when Pilot Chesley Sullenberger saved the lives of over 150 passengers with his skillful landing; the fictional example of racial courage portrayed in To Kill a Mockingbird, and the example of courage found right at home - that of their classmate Tim Barbato.

Before receiving their diplomas, Senior Class Co-Advisors Suzanne Lepkowski and Tammy Menzie presented graduates with 57 awards and 20 scholarships. “The Holley Class of 2010 earned 950 college credits, $12,000 in awards, $11,000 in community scholarships, and $360,000 in college scholarships – they are an outstanding class,” said Principal Thomas Jones.

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