138 Graduates Earn Diplomas At CHS

CAMDEN, NY - On Thursday, June 18th, 138 graduates turned their tassels to the left to mark the end of one chapter as students, and the start of another among 13,739 proud alumni as Camden High School celebrated its 138th Commencement Ceremony at the Camden High School Stadium.

It was not a day without challenge, as early forecasts lent some uncertainty to the moment. By the early afternoon, a heavy rain faded away, and in true Blue Devil spirit, the show would indeed go on as planned. At promptly 6 PM, a wave of blue and white descended onto the stadium turf with musical accompaniment by the Camden High School Concert Band. They were preceded by District Administration, Board of Education members, and this year’s honored 50th anniversary graduates representing the Class of 1976.

Among the 2026 graduates, a wide range of paths lay ahead: 

• 49% will continue their education through college and higher learning.

• 48% will enter the workforce and begin building careers and strengthening their communities.

• 3% will answer the call to serve our nation in the United States military.

In his second commencement as principal, Aaron Fiorini reminded graduates that their efforts will have them prepared for any of the paths listed above. He challenged them to meet the moment. 

“As you leave this field and begin the next phase of your lives, remember this: You are ready,” he said.  “You are capable. You are stronger than you realize. And no matter where life takes you, you will always have a home here at Camden High School. Go forward with confidence. Lead with courage. Serve with purpose. And never stop believing in what is possible. The future is waiting—and it has never looked brighter.”

In the graduate addresses, a theme of initiative and opportunism was a common thread. Early in high school, salutatorian Lawrence Fiume Jr. saw a need to record concerts. He jumped at an opportunity to strengthen both the music department and the growing WCHS broadcasting and journalism program by doing so. He encouraged his peers to apply that same opportunism to their own pursuits. 

“Back in ninth grade, when I was disappointed that the concerts weren't being recorded, I could've just sat there and done nothing about it, Fiume said. “Instead, I decided to do what I could with what I had. Then, eventually, the change I wanted became a reality. So, there's the lesson I learned: When you have a goal…when you want something, don't just sit there and leave it for someone else to do. DO something about it. Make it happen.”

Valedictorian Ella Winters stressed a similar theme, and emphasized that being present along the way is key to making the most out of life. 

“As we leave tonight, don't just build a life that looks impressive,” she said. “Build a life that you actually experience. Say yes to things that might scare you. Tell people what they mean to you. Show up when it's easier not to. Take pictures, but live in the moment too. Be fully here. 

Because one day we’ll look back on the lives we’ve built, and the moments we’ll treasure won't be the ones where we were perfect, but the moment we were present. Wherever life takes us next, choose participation over observation, courage over comfort and presence over perfection. So that years from now, when we remember the chapters of our lives, we can say that we didn't just watch it happen.”

Before the tassels were turned, the final order of business was to present the coveted Ideal Senior Award. The Ideal Senior Award is put to a vote by the senior class. Characteristics for the recipient include outstanding personality, honesty, school spirit, citizenship, and kindness. This year’s recipient was Adam Gonzalez.

Congratulations to the following students! More images are on our Facebook Page.