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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - White Plains High School graduate Jonathan Jon Mascia, 18, didnt just pick up a diploma at his Thursday night graduation ceremony. He strode across the stage wearing a gold bracelet with studs spelling out his name, which his grandfather, John, and had once given to his father, John.
Thats the one good part of all having the same name, said Mascia, who received the jewelry as a graduation present from his dad. Its really nice.
Mascia joined nearly 500 of his classmates at the Westchester County Center Thrusday to commemorate the end of their high school careers. The symphonic band and choir performed between speeches by salutorian Alec Johnsson, valedictorian Daniel Petralia, senior class presidents Grace Jefferson and Elyse Robles. The graduates then marched across the stage and exchanged handshakes with school administrators and board of education members. On the other side of the stage, a packed auditorium cheered along the diploma exchange.
Ive been waiting for this since the first day I walked into high school, said Mascia, who will be attending SUNY Cobleskill this fall and later transferring to Albany. My mom might cry, but I know my grandma and my other grandma will... My mom will cry when I go to school.
Although Mascia is eager to leave White Plains High School, he said he definitely will keep in touch with friends.
Well be living the summer up, said Mascia. We are going to make it count.
Other graduates, including Alison Brotmann, 17, will be getting a head start on their upcoming studies. Brotmann will be working at the Little Friends nursery camp program at the YWCA this summer before she heads off to Boston University to pursue elementary and special education degrees.
Im excited and I cant believe were graduating, said Brotmann.
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