Webster Class of 2021

Schroeder and Thomas high schools celebrated commencement at their home stadiums

TItan 2021 graduates pose for a selfie. (Photo Courtesy of Webster Central Schools Facebook Page)

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Webster, NY - Families celebrated the Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas High School Classes of 2021 at Schroeder Stadium on June 16 and Thomas Stadium on June 24 respectively.

The Webster Schroeder High School Class of 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Webster Central Schools Facebook Page)

The day was extra meaningful because students, district staff and faculty, and families were able to gather for the special occasion without face coverings.

“Today is a day of anticipating what is to come,” Interim Superintendent Brian Neenan said to the Class of 2021. “These students have persevered through some of the most challenging global circumstances we have experienced in recent history.”

“You have shown grit, tenacity, again and again,” said Neenan.

Webster Thomas Principal Glenn Widor echoed Neenan’s acknowledgement of the graduates’ perseverance throughout the pandemic. “I guarantee your class will forever be remembered as the original,” he said. “For better or worse, you are the class that did high school by Zoom and had thrust upon them a whole new set of experiences that didn’t exist a little over a year ago.”

He added, “Like it or not, that will be your legacy. You are the class that we will all remember as the graduates of the pandemic.”

The Webster Thomas High School Class of 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Webster Central Schools Facebook Page)

Cory Gomez, a 2010 Webster Schroeder graduate who has been with the Webster Central School District for seven years, was selected as the staff keynote speaker for the Schroeder ceremony. He shared with the graduates advice on appreciating all of the surprises life has to offer.

“Surprises are the most beautiful part of life,” said Gomez.

His resounding message to the Class of 2021: “Expect the unexpected from within.”

A Schroeder graduate crossing the stage to receive his diploma. (Photo Courtesy of Webster Central Schools Facebook Page)

English teacher Kyle Suffoletto was the Webster staff keynote speaker for the Titans. His message to the Class of 2021 was to not go through life without struggle.

“My hope… is that your high school graduation does not make your ‘Top 10’ moments list,” said Suffoletto. “I hope you find something that is going to knock you off your feet, whatever it is. And I hope you struggle with it! And as you struggle, I hope it sharpens your mind and softens your heart.”

And after it all, he says he hopes the graduates can look back on it and say, “It was worth it.”

Video footage of the full Webster Schroeder Commencement Ceremony is available on the Webster Central School District website at www.websterschools.org/schroeder. Video of the Webster Thomas Commencement Ceremony is available at www.websterschools.org/thomas.