Taking the High Road

Athletics Updates: I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend. The weather could not have been better! You know you have had a successful spring sports season when we are still competing in June. Our track and field state runners did very well for themselves over the weekend. Carly Benson earned 1500m medals at the state competition: 4th place in the D1 Public School category and 8th place in the Federation Championships. Emily Young finished in 12th place in the 800m at the state competition and the 4x100 relay team placed 14th. We could not be more proud of them!

As I was watching our Boys Varsity Lacrosse team play Ward-Melville, I was wondering to myself which college lacrosse teams they could beat. We have some exceptional, all-American talent on our team. They gave it their all; it was just not enough. I congratulate them on a great ride! Also, I appreciate the support they received along the way, especially everyone who made the trip to St. John Fisher, considering many of you could have watched it at home.

As Coach Mike Messere's legendary tenure comes to a close, I did want to comment about this season. First, we wish Coach Messere and Coach Deegan well in their retirement, and the process to secure replacements will begin right after graduation. As the Superintendent, you never know where your next challenge will come from, and one of those challenges came from the lacrosse season this year.

When you have a legendary multi-generational coach, public opinion about "how things should be," really varies, and it can make for divisive conversations. It also puts kids in the middle. I have known our senior players since they were in second grade, and the underclassmen even longer. I know their character because I have watched them develop it. I have watched them succeed, fail, and learn for a long time. I was not there for the interview after the game because I did not have a field pass, but somewhere in that interview, the players were characterized as being quitters. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I strongly disagree.

I think there was a disconnect for sure between the players and coaches, but the fact that the kids had every opportunity to say something negative when they had their time with the media and didn't, says a lot. It speaks to their character. They took the high road. They also had to endure the intense pressure of trying to win with the watchful eyes of prior generations on them constantly. No other group of kids will be asked to do that. They were given a challenge, accepted it, and showed their heart all season. I wish them the very best, and they have plenty to be proud of.

Seniors Visit their Elementary Alma Mater: Last week was the last week of classes for high school students. The seniors carried on the tradition of visiting their elementary schools on the actual last day and it was a heartwarming time for the students and their elementary teachers. They were also great role models for the younger students!

Graduation is Almost Here: Graduation is Saturday, June 16, and we are looking forward to another great ceremony. There will be someone graduating on Saturday from the class of 1988. Yes, you read that right. Let me explain.

Kimberly Sacco was a member of the class of 1988. She was very involved in school, participated in just about everything, and was a great student. Just prior to graduation, she was diagnosed with bone cancer and she had to immediately undergo treatments. Because of this, she never officially crossed the stage to receive her diploma.

Fortunately, she was able to beat cancer and for the past nine years has been an important member of our Board of Education. She will be retiring from the Board of Education at the end of June. We thought it would be fitting for her to attend graduation and receive her diploma on the 30th anniversary of her diagnosis, and as her career on the Board of Education comes to an end.


Graduation is about the whole class, so if you are attending you will recognize her by the asterisk next to her name. She will process with the students and receive her diploma exactly as every other student will. Congratulations and thank you to Kimberly for her service and perseverance!

A Busy Week Ahead: This week is super busy. There are final exams at the high school, field trips at the middle and elementary schools, the Athletic Awards Reception on Tuesday night, and the Onondaga County Safety committee meeting on Thursday! Thanks and enjoy the week!

Chris