By KYLE WIND
Freeman staff
kwind@freemanonline.com; twitter.com/kyleatfreeman

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Quoting Babe Ruth, Kingston High School’s Class of 2012 salutatorian Seth Stauble told his peers never to let the fear of striking out hold them back.

Stauble, the captain of the school's varsity football team, told 457 graduating seniors at Friday’s graduation ceremony in Dietz Memorial Stadium that not every decision they make in life will work out the way they envisioned it, but they should not let that stop them from chasing their dreams.

“Listen to your heart and your mind,” added valedictorian Rose Whitcomb. “Your passion will drive you to do what you love, and your reason will lead you to do what’s right.”

Whitcomb, who plans to study music at Harvard this fall, urged her peers to be “agents of success,” putting the necessary work in to get what they want and taking the time to be teachers and mentors to others.

Citing her experience with music, Whitcomb said there is no greater feeling of satisfaction than transforming complete dedication into perfection.

Mayor Shayne Gallo, the ceremony’s commencement speaker, told students the community has given them roots, and earning a diploma has given them wings. “You can do anything you want with your wings, Class of 2012,” he said.

Omar Mahmud, the class president, lauded his classmates for persevering to get their diplomas, and he expressed confidence his peers can handle whatever the world throws at them.

“I’m standing here to say today that we can, we did, and there is nothing that is going to stop us,” said Mahmud. “We’re here today so that nothing stops us from what we want. Nothing will beat us, nothing will break us down -- not even this rain. Nothing will ever get in our way, and if there is, we will break through it and keep going. If you need proof of that, look at the traditions that we brought back this year. Look at the policies that we changed in this school. We have students in this class that are going places in life. Mark my words. Remember this moment. We will go places. We will dominate in whatever we do in life.”

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