As the Monroe-Woodbury Class of 2026 gets ready for an upcoming graduation on June 25, members of the senior class are reflecting on their experiences in high school and giving great advice to younger students. These students are able to share exactly what it means to be a graduating member of Monroe-Woodbury.
Valedictorian Prasad Saha said being a member of the Monroe-Woodbury community is about building connections and embracing new opportunities.
“Being a Monroe-Woodbury Crusader gives me the courage to pursue new relationships and constantly expand my network,” Saha said. “The people at Monroe-Woodbury are some of the best there are, and I’m glad to have been a part of this community.”
Saha believes that younger students should focus on things that interest them instead of comparing themselves to others.
“Focus on what you enjoy, not what someone else said you should do; that will help you keep your sanity, even if you have a lot on your plate,” he said. “Always be open to meeting new people; our school is friendly, they won’t bite. And finally, know that high school goes by quickly, and don’t take it for granted.”
As graduation approaches, many students described a mix of emotions about closing this chapter of their lives.
“I feel pretty good about it; it’s like a new chapter in my life,” said Cait Whren, who said that her relationship with high school was often “love/hate.” Whren said her senior year was ultimately “the best” because of the added freedom and the realization that it is all coming to an end.
Michalina Calascione echoed that uncertainty, describing herself as “nervous” but also “ready for it” and eager for it “to be over.”
For a lot of the graduating seniors, friends were part of the most important memories they will keep with them for a lifetime. Top 25 graduate Gregory Grisar said the relationships he built over the past four years will be what he remembers most about high school.
“I think I am going to miss the people the most,” Grisar said. “I made some long-lasting friendships and will miss those who aren’t going to university with me.”
Karlens Berjuste reflected on the same sense of appreciation, saying the “memories and fun times” in school stood out the most to him.
“The community was so refreshing, with all the different people and activities they had available for students,” said Berjuste. “Sometimes I did wish I was a little more outgoing and did more programs, but at the end of the day, I loved every second of it.”
Grisar encouraged younger students to remain focused on their own goals and efforts.
“Work hard, even when most grades seem inevitable,” he said. “It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but that can impact you negatively, so as long as you’re doing your best, that’s what matters most.”
Looking ahead, students are preparing for a wide range of futures. Whren said her plans include college and working, hoping to earn money more easily while continuing her education. Calascione plans to attend college with an interest in social work; she wants to help others based on her own experiences growing up.
Berjuste has already taken clear steps toward his career goals. He will continue his education through Orange Ulster BOCES after being accepted into the Licensed Practical Nursing program. He said his ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse, building on his experience as a certified Medical Assistant during his junior and senior years.
While many students will miss the friendships and experiences, they are also ready to leave behind certain challenges. Berjuste joked that he will not miss chemistry, calling it “the death of me” during junior year.
Despite those challenges, an emerging theme from the seniors interviewed is that success is not just measured by your grades, but also by relationships created and experiences lived.
“The people at Monroe-Woodbury are some of the best there are, and I’m glad to have been a part of this community,” said Saha.
