When the night has come,
And the land is dark,
And the moon is the only
light we'll see.
No, I won't be afraid
No, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me.
So darlin', darlin', stand by me
Whoa, stand by me
Oh, stand, stand by me
Stand by me.
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should
crumble to the sea.
I won't cry, I won't cry,
No, I won't shed a tear.
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me.
On June 23, 2000, fifty-one seniors graduated from Hancock Central School. This page is a dedication to the Class of 2000- the first class. Please be patient as the pictures load.
My AOL info for June 23rd was as follows.......Graduation is today. It really hasn't hit me yet! I can't believe it's here already. 13 years ago I walked into Mrs. Ott's room, sat down next to Emma and drew a picture of my cat. At 8:00 tonite, I'm going to sit next to her onstage and graduate. Doesn't seem real. It's sad, exciting & scary all at the same time. I want to say thank you to my friends, after all this time together and everything that we've shared, I know I could never forget you guys! Tonite we're going to sit there, as the class of 2000, as friends, and end our school days together. But our days together won't end, everything is just beginning! There is somebody who isn't graduating, but needs to be included here. Just because you are not a senior, does not mean you are left out, or are any less loved. You will be a part of it all & that's the way I want it.
Mature as always, just after being announced as the class of 2000, we proceeded to silly string eachother!
Valedictorian Address by Emma Pokon
I can't remember exactly how old I was or what Adirondack lake we were fishing on, but it was the end of the day and my brother was trying a few last casts before we left. He was standing on a rock that was maybe two feet away from shore. I wanted to go over to stand next to him but I was afraid that I would slip on the slanted rock or not be able to make the jump and fall a few feet into the water. Ben encouraged me to jump, but I didn't think that he understood how short my legs really were. Eventually I worked up enough courage to leap across.
Tonight I stand on stage looking over that gap between now and the rest of my life. I don't know exactly where I will end up ten years from now or what I'll be doing but I have faith in myself that I can make it. The Class of 2000 is here tonight because we have all received the foundations necessary to our success. Countless numbers of people have put an immense amount of time and effort into our developmen, and now as they stand on the other side, they are telling us that we are ready to make that leap. We are ready to go off into the world, whether it is to work or college. If we have faith in ourselves and make the effort to become better people, we will be successful. There may be a few disappointments along the way or a few failures. Not trying is worse than failing though, and eventually, those efforts will pay off. We all have the capacity to become successful and more importantly to find what it is that will make us happy.
I believe that one of the most important ingredients to finding that happiness is something that all of us have already. It's something that we've all had from the very beginning of our lives, but the threat of losing it comes with age. That human spirit that makes us wonder at the world and gives us compassion and appreciation for human emotion. There is of course a balance between making good decisions and being sensible and taking into consideration the human factor. Too often though failures wear people down and they become cynical about life. Issues become mechanized and people forget the spirit of an issue, of a law, or of a situation when it's the spirit of such things that needs to be applied.
The Class of 2000 will go out into the world and achieve their best. Each and every one of us has the ability to make a difference. It may not be something great that will be recorded in history books, but it can be something great that will be recorded in our memories. I encourage all of my classmates to do something in their lives that will in some way be an improvement, whether it is for the world, the local community, or for your family. Don't become so cynical that you forget that you can make a difference. Stay true to yourself but take a few risks so that you can achieve something you will be proud of.
I would like to thank all of the teachers and administrators who have laid such a strong foundation for us so that we are capable of making that leap into our future. In closing I'd like to share a few words of wisdom from Kipling.......If
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall. ~ Class of 2000 Motto
Salutatorian Address by Jessica Worobey
Tonight we gather a little older, a little wiser ad a little more prepared to face the challenges the world will set before us. We as the Class of 2000 mark the beginning of one century and the close of another. This gives us the chance to draw courage from those who came before us, and the ability to look to the horizon and see the endless possibilities awaiting. Tonight we will set our sights on that undiscovered territory we call the future and ascend to new heights.
I have the profound honor of standing here tonight just as my mother stood 43 years ago representing the class of 1957 as president and salutatorian. Although many things have changed since then, the invention of computers, CD players and even man on the moon, some things will always stay the same. She said it best when she stood hefore her graduating class and said, "We can never obtain enough education."
I remember the day my high school career began. I spent the bus ride in anticipation, not realizing I was essentially crossing two borders at once. How big the whole place seemed to a Pennsylvania freshmen. I was a fish out of water, every staircase seemingly leading to the unknown. I was too timid for the lunch line, and determined that I would just have to pack the next four years. I was greeted by so many new faces in the halls. They didn't know my name, nor I theirs. I remember asking myself, "Could it actually be possible to stop at your locker and still make it to your next class before that alarming bell sounded?"
After four short years at Hancock, I've sought and found answers to many questions. Who would have thought those unfamiliar faces would become some of my best friends, and those alarming bells comforting. We as a class have grown so close, all in the name of education. We have made so many memories that we'll cherish forever. We'll never forget Captain Dad Turner and our trips to the river, or Mr. Mecharoni, our favorite oblate spheroid. We now know that any question we could possibly have can no doubt be answered by Mrs. Peper. We've spent two years with Mr. Connors getting it in the notes, and succeeded in misplacing his car,a feat we're genuinely proud of. We've serenaded Mr. Wacker as he tried to slip past the lunch table, laughed with Ms. Ingalls and cried when DeLucia assigned another paper. We've come to consider each other family.
Throughout our four years here at Hancock we've had wonderful teachers showing us that knowledge is power, parents supporting us when we've succeeded and failed, and friends to offer companionship when we needed it most. These pasy years have enabled us to build a cocoon, allowing us to mature, develop and to ready ourselves for today. This is the day we will take our newly found strength o move beyond our cocoon. We will spread our wings like those of a magnificent butterfly, allowing the wind of opportunity to be our guide into tomorrow.
Education in all forms is our key to finding the never ending horizon. Our education here was just the beginning. To my fellow classmates: I wish you all the power to become what you're capable of being. I know the possibilities are endless. To all who have gathere here tonight, I leave you with a short anonymous quotation.
A child is like a butterfly in the wind.
Some can fly higher than others
But each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the other?
Each one is different.
Each one is special.
Each one is beautiful.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me, and be my friend. ~Camus
Everyone always says that they want to keep in touch. Our class is going to be different and actually do it! If you are a member of the HCS Class of 2000, go to
Nowandthen.com's Reunion Hall!
Once you get there, search for Hancock Central School. You will then be able to register for free and enter information such as your e-mail address and enter your own message for everyone to see so that we will be able to keep track of eachother and keep in touch, no matter how far away we go!
Come stop your crying, it will be all right. Just take my hand, hold it tight. I will protect you from all around you. I will be here don't you cry.
For one so small you seem so strong. My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm. This bond between us can't be broken. I will be here don't you cry.
'Cause you'll be in my heart. Yes, you'll be in my heart. From this day on, now and forevermore. You'll be in my heart. No matter what they say. You'll be here in my heart always.
~Lyrics from Phil Collins, "You'll Be in My Heart, sung at graduation.
When the night has come,
And the land is dark,
And the moon is the only
light we'll see.
No, I won't be afraid
No, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me.
So darlin', darlin', stand by me
Whoa, stand by me
Oh, stand, stand by me
Stand by me.
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should
crumble to the sea.
I won't cry, I won't cry,
No, I won't shed a tear.
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me.
On June 23, 2000, fifty-one seniors graduated from Hancock Central School. This page is a dedication to the Class of 2000- the first class. Please be patient as the pictures load.
My AOL info for June 23rd was as follows.......Graduation is today. It really hasn't hit me yet! I can't believe it's here already. 13 years ago I walked into Mrs. Ott's room, sat down next to Emma and drew a picture of my cat. At 8:00 tonite, I'm going to sit next to her onstage and graduate. Doesn't seem real. It's sad, exciting & scary all at the same time. I want to say thank you to my friends, after all this time together and everything that we've shared, I know I could never forget you guys! Tonite we're going to sit there, as the class of 2000, as friends, and end our school days together. But our days together won't end, everything is just beginning! There is somebody who isn't graduating, but needs to be included here. Just because you are not a senior, does not mean you are left out, or are any less loved. You will be a part of it all & that's the way I want it.
Mature as always, just after being announced as the class of 2000, we proceeded to silly string eachother!
I can't remember exactly how old I was or what Adirondack lake we were fishing on, but it was the end of the day and my brother was trying a few last casts before we left. He was standing on a rock that was maybe two feet away from shore. I wanted to go over to stand next to him but I was afraid that I would slip on the slanted rock or not be able to make the jump and fall a few feet into the water. Ben encouraged me to jump, but I didn't think that he understood how short my legs really were. Eventually I worked up enough courage to leap across.
Tonight we gather a little older, a little wiser ad a little more prepared to face the challenges the world will set before us. We as the Class of 2000 mark the beginning of one century and the close of another. This gives us the chance to draw courage from those who came before us, and the ability to look to the horizon and see the endless possibilities awaiting. Tonight we will set our sights on that undiscovered territory we call the future and ascend to new heights.
Valedictorian Address by Emma Pokon
Tonight I stand on stage looking over that gap between now and the rest of my life. I don't know exactly where I will end up ten years from now or what I'll be doing but I have faith in myself that I can make it. The Class of 2000 is here tonight because we have all received the foundations necessary to our success. Countless numbers of people have put an immense amount of time and effort into our developmen, and now as they stand on the other side, they are telling us that we are ready to make that leap. We are ready to go off into the world, whether it is to work or college. If we have faith in ourselves and make the effort to become better people, we will be successful. There may be a few disappointments along the way or a few failures. Not trying is worse than failing though, and eventually, those efforts will pay off. We all have the capacity to become successful and more importantly to find what it is that will make us happy.
I believe that one of the most important ingredients to finding that happiness is something that all of us have already. It's something that we've all had from the very beginning of our lives, but the threat of losing it comes with age. That human spirit that makes us wonder at the world and gives us compassion and appreciation for human emotion. There is of course a balance between making good decisions and being sensible and taking into consideration the human factor. Too often though failures wear people down and they become cynical about life. Issues become mechanized and people forget the spirit of an issue, of a law, or of a situation when it's the spirit of such things that needs to be applied.
The Class of 2000 will go out into the world and achieve their best. Each and every one of us has the ability to make a difference. It may not be something great that will be recorded in history books, but it can be something great that will be recorded in our memories. I encourage all of my classmates to do something in their lives that will in some way be an improvement, whether it is for the world, the local community, or for your family. Don't become so cynical that you forget that you can make a difference. Stay true to yourself but take a few risks so that you can achieve something you will be proud of.
I would like to thank all of the teachers and administrators who have laid such a strong foundation for us so that we are capable of making that leap into our future. In closing I'd like to share a few words of wisdom from Kipling.......If
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall. ~ Class of 2000 Motto
I have the profound honor of standing here tonight just as my mother stood 43 years ago representing the class of 1957 as president and salutatorian. Although many things have changed since then, the invention of computers, CD players and even man on the moon, some things will always stay the same. She said it best when she stood hefore her graduating class and said, "We can never obtain enough education."
I remember the day my high school career began. I spent the bus ride in anticipation, not realizing I was essentially crossing two borders at once. How big the whole place seemed to a Pennsylvania freshmen. I was a fish out of water, every staircase seemingly leading to the unknown. I was too timid for the lunch line, and determined that I would just have to pack the next four years. I was greeted by so many new faces in the halls. They didn't know my name, nor I theirs. I remember asking myself, "Could it actually be possible to stop at your locker and still make it to your next class before that alarming bell sounded?"
After four short years at Hancock, I've sought and found answers to many questions. Who would have thought those unfamiliar faces would become some of my best friends, and those alarming bells comforting. We as a class have grown so close, all in the name of education. We have made so many memories that we'll cherish forever. We'll never forget Captain Dad Turner and our trips to the river, or Mr. Mecharoni, our favorite oblate spheroid. We now know that any question we could possibly have can no doubt be answered by Mrs. Peper. We've spent two years with Mr. Connors getting it in the notes, and succeeded in misplacing his car,a feat we're genuinely proud of. We've serenaded Mr. Wacker as he tried to slip past the lunch table, laughed with Ms. Ingalls and cried when DeLucia assigned another paper. We've come to consider each other family.
Throughout our four years here at Hancock we've had wonderful teachers showing us that knowledge is power, parents supporting us when we've succeeded and failed, and friends to offer companionship when we needed it most. These pasy years have enabled us to build a cocoon, allowing us to mature, develop and to ready ourselves for today. This is the day we will take our newly found strength o move beyond our cocoon. We will spread our wings like those of a magnificent butterfly, allowing the wind of opportunity to be our guide into tomorrow.
Education in all forms is our key to finding the never ending horizon. Our education here was just the beginning. To my fellow classmates: I wish you all the power to become what you're capable of being. I know the possibilities are endless. To all who have gathere here tonight, I leave you with a short anonymous quotation.
A child is like a butterfly in the wind.
Some can fly higher than others
But each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the other?
Each one is different.
Each one is special.
Each one is beautiful.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me, and be my friend. ~Camus
Everyone always says that they want to keep in touch. Our class is going to be different and actually do it! If you are a member of the HCS Class of 2000, go to
Nowandthen.com's Reunion Hall!
Once you get there, search for Hancock Central School. You will then be able to register for free and enter information such as your e-mail address and enter your own message for everyone to see so that we will be able to keep track of eachother and keep in touch, no matter how far away we go!
Come stop your crying, it will be all right. Just take my hand, hold it tight. I will protect you from all around you. I will be here don't you cry.
For one so small you seem so strong. My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm. This bond between us can't be broken. I will be here don't you cry.
'Cause you'll be in my heart. Yes, you'll be in my heart. From this day on, now and forevermore. You'll be in my heart. No matter what they say. You'll be here in my heart always.
~Lyrics from Phil Collins, "You'll Be in My Heart, sung at graduation.