Greece Odyssey Academy held its commencement for the Class of 2025, where district and school leaders, faculty and student speakers praised graduates for persistence and urged them to carry forward resilience and advocacy.

Superintendent Jeremy Smalling delivered the ceremony’s opening address, saying the evening was “especially meaningful” because it was his first graduation as superintendent. Smalling told graduates, “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it,” and urged them to treat setbacks as learning opportunities and to “choose to show up with courage, purpose, and hope.”

The principal, Dr. Corey T. Hepburn, placed the graduates’ work in a broader civic frame, urging them to use their voices strategically. Quoting a story about Muhammad Ali, Hepburn said students must see themselves as champions regardless of outside judgment and told them, “The Champs are here.” He also connected small day-to-day rules — referencing a past discussion about school cell phone policy — to building larger habits of responsibility.

Student speakers reflected on belonging and perseverance. Valedictorian Josiah Fry said joining Odyssey as a junior had been disruptive but ultimately formative, thanking the school community and saying, “Odyssey practically absorbed me.” Salutatorian Naomi Benitez delivered a spoken reflection on learning English and resilience, reminding peers that “the world can be filled with negativity, but love and hope will always be stronger.” Faculty speaker Julie Tortora urged graduates to stay curious and “be guided by humility and kindness,” closing her remarks with, “I love you guys.” Assistant Principal Gabrielle Graves, who has worked with the class since 2021, told students to “never settle for less than you are worth” and to remember their roots at Odyssey.

The ceremony included a musical performance by the Odyssey Academy Select Choir under director Stephen Miller. Board of Education President Shaw McCabe, speaking for the Greece Central School District Board of Education, said the class “has satisfactorily met all requirements set forth by the State of New York Department of Education and the Greece Central School District Board of Education” and, by virtue of that authority, authorized awarding diplomas to the graduates.

School and district leaders named during the ceremony included board members Sean McCabe, Mark Bonagorio, Megan Farah, Mary Lyke, Terry Malore, Jordan Stencil, Todd Butler, Tracy Farmer, William Maloney and Silas Alvarez; Deputy Superintendent Mark Fleming; assistant superintendents Dr. Christine Baker and Dr. Mike Zapitz; administrators Gina Larson, Kelly Flagler and Romeo Colelli; principal Dr. Corey T. Hepburn; assistant principals Kenisha Campbell, Christina Crisafore, Gabrielle Graves and Josh Lacy; and senior counselors Victoria Frank, Jennifer Kelly and Katherine Kapanenjek.

The program concluded with the cap-and-tassel ritual and a recessional. Graduates recessed from the auditorium and families were invited to meet them outside following the ceremony.