Sixty-six graduates of the Mayfield Central School District Class of 2026 were honored at a graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 20 on the athletic fields of the Jr/Sr High School. A special presentation of individual awards and scholarships was held prior to the event.
Ushered by bagpiper Paul Sheedy playing the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” the graduates made their entrance before family and friends, eliciting a warm welcome of cheers and proud smiles. To start the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by graduate Aiden Horn.
Principal Josh Santarcangelo delivered opening remarks and welcomed Mayfield’s top student at HFM Career and Technical Education Gavin Rowback to the podium. In his speech Rowback acknowledged the importance of perseverance and ability to adapt to changing situations.
“Most of us here are still improvising; even those of us who have plans, we’re still just moving one day at a time,” said Rowback. “If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that life rarely goes according to plan. The people who succeed aren’t always the people who have everything mapped out perfectly, it’s the people who keep moving forward no matter what.”
Salutatorian Morgan Oare encouraged her peers to find the value in truly listening to others and the understanding it can bring.
“When we listen to people, we learn their stories. We can begin to see them not as labels, stereotypes, or assumptions, but as people, living, breathing human beings,” said Oare. “I fully believe that the more we listen to others, the more we realize we have in common with one another. Although our experiences are all different, many of our hopes, dreams, struggles, and goals are surprisingly similar.”
In her speech Valedictorian Mila Valachovic thanked her teachers, friends and family, crediting her mother with being her biggest supporter and role model. In her final words to her classmates she advised them to find and use their voice.
“I encourage everyone here to not only recognize the power in their voice, but to also use it for good,” said Valachovic. “Don’t be afraid to have confidence in your words and actions. Don’t be afraid to show compassion when others show intolerance. I encourage you to be kind, be opinionated, be loud, be smart, and please, try to have fun while doing so.”
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Mark Aesch Scholarship to Mila Valachovic. Established in 2025, the scholarship awards $10,000 over four years to a Mayfield graduating senior who plans to pursue higher education and a career in public service. Valachovic has committed to attending Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the fall and plans to work in a hospital setting.
Guest speaker and proud Mayfield alum DiAnne Mott took to the podium to impart her words of wisdom to the graduating class. Mott has dedicated more than 40 years to music education in Fulton and Montgomery Counties and is known as a mentor and optimistic encourager to all those around her. She emphasized that the true journey happens within.
“The locations you travel don’t matter as much as the experiences you gain,” said Mott. “The journey happens within us, it makes us better people from the inside out. The real accomplishment in life is to take where you are and make it the place you want to be.”
Following the speakers was The Presentation of the Flowers, a traditional part of graduation where students have the opportunity to recognize an individual who has made a positive impact on their life with a yellow rose. Graduates then proceeded across the stage to receive their diplomas from Principal Josh Santarcangelo and Assistant Principal Ms. Alyssa Nellis.
The Mayfield Class of 2026 graduates are:
Logan Matthew Akey
Merella Ann Aldi
Patrick Allen
Azlina Arsenault
Gunnar James Backus
Ava N. Brooks
Sean T. Brown
Aubrey L. Byrns
Koldyn Carver
Madison Case
Trystan Lynn Case
Shannon Elizabeth Cornwell
Colin Michael Lee DaCorsi
Mya Lynn DeAngelo
Anthony J. Dolder
Julia Amber Dolder
Perry Dwyer
Kloe Ann Fetrow
Erik V. Fonda
Kyle D. Fonda
Kyle Ford
Carmine Fratianni
Hailey Marie Hallenbeck
Brooke Kaylyn Hayes
Hunter Charles Hayes
Aiden Matthew Horn
Brianna Iannuzzi
Paige Jackson
Chloe Y. LaJuene
John M. Lander
Marcus A. Leo
Gavin Joseph Malatino
Kayden Emily Martin
Onic Martinez
Owen R. May
Ian M. Michalski
Melora Arlene Miller
Amanda Lynn Mittler
Grace Mittler
Joshua Montysko
Lilith Jane Morehouse-VanSlyke
Dana Marie Mosconi
Brandon E. Nash
Morgan E. Oare
Alexis Marie Olden
Aleyshaliz Yvette Ressy
Tyler C. Rizzo
Collin C. Roth
Gavin J. Rowback
Ava-Lynne Rulison
Mariah L. Schrader
Gavin Xavier Schur
Jayden Marie Schur
Cora-Mae Jordan Stewart
Alexis Angel St. John
Dana Nicole Taggart
Mila Kathryn Valachovic
Rylee Ann-Marie VanHorn
Timothy E. VanKleeck-Eagan Jr.
Ava J. VanNostrand
Harlie Rose VanNostrand
Hunter VanNostrand
Leila Bree VanWagner
Ruth Nobela Wrabel