Ilion High School - Class of 1983

Source is here Utica Observer Dispatch - June 28, 1983

Image Courtesy of The Observer Dispatch

Ilion Grads Take Stroll Down Memory Lane
By Jim Van Develde

ILION - In song and in speeches, the 147 graduates of Ilion Central School's Class of 1963 were reminded to hold on to memories of their high school years.

It was the first outdoor ceremony in five years as sunny skies prevail for much of the afternoon. A sometimes brisk wind forced many graduates to place one hand on their bead to stop their caps from taking across the Diss Memorial Athletic Field.

"The classrooms, the teachers, the athletic competitions, the prom and all other school-related activities have provided us with a common bond which we all share," said Gina M. Coroniti during her salutatory address.

"Our school friendships are the ... of our youth and these will never fade in our memories."

"I've learned to see when I'm only making lame excuses, when I am giving up because I'm scared of falling and hurting," continued Dudish.

The memory theme was echoed in a special duet by two Ilion seniors, Justine Detore and Matthew Brown, who sang "Cherish The Memories," a composition written by Detore which also urged graduates to remember and cherish their high school memories.

"I've learned to see when I'm only making lame excuses, when I am giving up because I'm scared of falling and hurting," continued Dudish. "But, I've also learned .... forget about failing and simply do my best."

Dudish said his 18 years of "growing" have also taught him to respect others and to be happy with himself. "Whether I become a physicist, sell hot dogs on street corners, I will be happy, I will never give up trying.

Dudish concluded "... the greatest knowledge of all to learn, and I thank the school ... and all the people I love for helping me learn it.

In a special part of the graduation ceremony, Superintendent Joe Fusco presented retiring art teacher Marge Anderson with the first annual George E. Anderson Excellence in Teaching Award. Anderson, a one time Ilion administrator and school board member, retired from board post last year.

Fusco said the school was looking for a way to remember all that Anderson gave to the school and students.

Marge Anderson has dedicated 2S years to "nurturing the love of art in her students and embellishing the elementary curriculum with her special knack for creativity," according to school officials.

One of the largest of the multitude of scholarships given out was the Air Force Scholarship to Rudyard Edick worth $34,000.

Dudish, Edick and Jeffrey Yule all received National Merit Scholar Letters of Commendation. Fourteen seniors were given New York State Regents Scholarships.