On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Friendship Central School celebrated its historic one-hundred sixty-first commencement exercise, marking a major milestone for fifteen outstanding seniors. Families, faculty, and community members gathered to honor the Class of 2025 as they concluded their high school journeys and prepared to step into bright futures.
Words of Wisdom and Final Farewells
The graduation program highlighted the exceptional talents of the class leaders. Melody Dombrowski delivered a moving Valedictorian Address, reflecting on the shared memories of the class, while Sean Dieter took the stage to deliver a thoughtful Salutatorian Address that looked forward to the future.
The commencement address was given by guest speaker Mr. James Greenaker, a beloved, long-time Friendship social studies teacher who was set to retire at the end of the school year. Mr. Greenaker shared heartfelt parting advice with the graduates, drawing from his decades of dedication to the students of Friendship.
Following the speeches, the presentation of diplomas began. The honors were proudly conferred upon the graduates by Superintendent Mrs. Judy May, Principal Mr. Martin Pizur, and President of the Board of Education Mr. W. Scott Ritchie.
Introducing the Friendship Central School Class of 2025
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the fifteen individuals who make up this year's graduating class:
Brooklyn Allard
Faith Allard
Sean Dieter
Melody Dombrowski
Matthew Donohue Jr.
Conner Eaton
Serenity Gadley
Jerome Harmon
Zacoby Holder
Blake Perry
Zailey Randall
Kiernan Romero
Nicole Veley
Kaley Violette
Tyler Wilkins
Honoring Excellence: Academic and Community Awards
A central part of the ceremony was the presentation of awards and scholarships, recognizing the graduates for their academic dedication, leadership, and athletic achievements.
Melody Dombrowski received highest honors as the class Valedictorian and was recognized with the NY State Academic Excellence award, the Belva Waite Scholarship, the Donahue Family Scholarship, the Friendship CSD Student Council Scholarship, the Friendship Teachers’ Association Scholarship, the Friendship Yearbook Award, the JCC USA Scholarship, and the Suzanne Lester Walker Memorial Scholarship. Sean Dieter was honored as the Salutatorian, receiving the Salutatorian Award, recognition as a National Honor Society (NHS) member, and the Friendship CSD Student Council Scholarship.
The generosity of local organizations and community families was evident in the many scholarships awarded to the class. Brooklyn Allard earned the ACMHA Darren Fleeger Scholarship, the Belva Waite Scholarship, the Friendship Homecomers Scholarship, the Friendship Legion Auxiliary Scholarship, the Friendship Rotary Scholarship, and the Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship. Faith Allard was awarded the ACMHA Reginald and Mildred Sootheran Scholarship, the Friendship Homecomers Scholarship, the Friendship Teachers’ Association Scholarship, and the JCC USA Scholarship. The Allegany County Pomona Grange Scholarship was presented to both Zacoby Holder and Tyler Wilkins.
Matthew Donohue Jr. was recognized with the Friendship Homecomers Scholarship, the Friendship Youth Baseball Memorial Scholarship, and the TJ Mott Student/Athlete Scholarship. Jerome Harmon received the Friendship CSD CSEA Unit #6052 Scholarship, the Friendship Designated Alfred State Scholarship, the Friendship Rotary Scholarship, and the TJ Mott Student/Athlete Scholarship. Nicole Veley earned the Friendship Designated Alfred State Scholarship and the Friendship-Cuba Masonic Lodge Scholarship, while the Friendship-Cuba Masonic Lodge Scholarship was also presented to Zacoby Holder and Zailey Randall.
Rounding out the ceremony's acknowledgments, the Off to College Awards were presented to Brooklyn Allard, Faith Allard, Melody Dombrowski, Matthew Donohue Jr., Jerome Harmon, Zailey Randall, and Nicole Veley. The World of Work Awards honored Sean Dieter, Conner Eaton, Serenity Gadley, Zacoby Holder, Blake Perry, Kiernan Romero, Kaley Violette, and Tyler Wilkins as they prepare to bring their talents directly into the workforce.
Congratulations to the entire Class of 2025! The entire Friendship community is incredibly proud of your hard work, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in the world.