Columbia High School celebrated its 85th commencement on Saturday morning with 310 graduates receiving their high school diplomas at Hudson Valley Community College. Donning traditional caps and gowns, the graduates walked across the stage and accepted their diplomas from Principal Michael Harkin, Superintendent Jeff Simons, and Board of Education President Jesse Temple.
Valedictorian Ei Aung ’25
The ceremony featured student performances throughout the program including the Chamber Singers performing the Star Spangled Banner, an original poem read by Mia Williams ’25 and the Kelly Clarkson song “Breakaway” sung by Lucia Soliman ’25 and accompanied on guitar by Roan Butterfield ’24.
Students also delivered inspiring speeches with incredible poise. Class of 2025 President Madilyn Elliott ’25, Student Council President Kole Hardy ’25, Salutatorian Evan Rainville ’25, and Valedictorian Ei Aung ’25 reflected on their high school experiences and looked to the future with optimism.
“Class of 2025, a mountain of responsibilities will now be placed on our shoulders,” Ms. Aung told her classmates. “Whether you are going to college, entering the workforce, or the military, we are going to be truly independent for the first time. It’s going to be stressful, and it will feel like 24 hours in a day is not enough time to get anything done. But life is not a checklist made up of just graduating from high school, getting a good job, finding a partner, and saving up for retirement.
“Instead, take a deep breath and put yourself first,” she continued. “It’s easier to be thrown off if you can’t find balance. Stay active, indulge in new hobbies, and never stop learning. Take your mind off what you can’t control and get your hands on what you can change.”
Faculty speaker Stephen Lapolla, who teaches Social Studies at Columbia, offered two pieces of practical advice to the graduating class – be present and be kind.
Columbia Social Studies Teacher Stephen Lapolla
“Be kind. I mean it sincerely and I mean it practically,” Mr. Lapolla said. “Be kind when it’s inconvenient. Be kind when no one’s watching. Be kind even when you’re not entirely sure the other person deserves it. It’s easy these days to feel divided, to shout opinions into the void, to assume the worst of each other, but the people you meet in life, whether they agree with you or not, are just that, people. They’re trying, they’re stumbling, they’re learning – just like you.”
Mr. Harkin ended the commencement by reminding the graduates to smile as they move on in life.
“I recently learned that adults only smile and experience joy about 12 to 15 times a day while the average child smiles and experiences joy about 400 times a day,” Mr. Harkin said. “Always remember to smile, have fun, and bring joy to the world. You never know when a single smile can change your life or someone else’s in a positive way.
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with you these past four years,” he continued. “I wish you all the very best of luck in your new endeavors. Remember, the only person who can stop you from reaching your goals is yourself.”
Congratulations to the Columbia High School Class of 2025!
Commencement Program
The 85th Commencement program for Columbia High School includes a list of graduates and their honors, the administration, Board of Education, and ushers; a description of the academic attire; the school motto; and the program’s order of events. 85th Commencement Program.
Video of Ceremony
The 85th Commencement ceremony was live streamed on the school district website. A video of that recording is available to watch. Watch Video.
Senior Sign Out Video
The Class of 2025 left its mark with a Senior Sign Out video produced by Tyler Reisig ’25. Watch Video.
Graduation Photos
A photo gallery is available on the East Greenbush CSD Facebook page. Photo Gallery.
Special Thanks
Thank you to everyone who made this special event possible – Columbia Class of 2025 advisors Emily Cooke and Siobhan Kennedy, Principal Michael Harkin and the Columbia administrators, faculty and staff, district administrators, the Board of Education, Hudson Valley Community College facility staff, the Dominant Five Brass Quintet, and volunteers from the Columbia Class of 2026.