S.S. Seward Institute graduation ceremonies held June 23

FLORIDA — On Saturday morning, June 23, the skies were cloudy but except for a brief period of light drizzle the weather was fine as approximately 700 guests attended the graduation ceremonies at S.S. Seward Institute in the Village of Florida.
Forty-six graduates received their high school diplomas that day during the school's 121st commencement.
S.S. Seward Institute is a secondary school in the Florida School District, educating students in grades 6-12 from Florida and parts of Chester, Goshen and Warwick.
The Class of 2018 Salutatorian was John Shaugnessy, who will be attending the University of Scranton this fall. He has received a four-year Army ROTC Scholarship and plans on majoring in chemistry and business.
The Valedictorian was Liam Quattrociocchi, who will be attending Marist College this fall. He plans on majoring in digital media and minoring in mathematics.
During the ceremony, awards were presented by Jim Sosler for both the Florida Alumni Association and the Florida American Legion Post #1250 and by representatives from the Florida Fire Department. .
After the presentation of special awards and scholarships and prior to receiving their diplomas Principal Michael S. Rheaume addressed the graduates.
He began by reporting that he always mows his lawn on Thursday, a habit acquired when his father demanded that the chore be finished by the weekend or he could forget about the usual family car keys or spending money.
However, Rheaume added that he appreciated all the rules set down by his parents, which continue to influence his own decisions.
"You will inherit pearls of wisdom from your parents," he told the class, while reminding the graduates that one day they will pass on those same pearls of wisdom to their children.
- Roger Gavan