Cape High graduates celebrate commencement
Cape High Principal Brian Donahue was fine until he read the last sentence of his letter to the graduating 2017 senior class.
“The 2016-2017 school year has been amazing for all of us. We wish you the best as you continue on your journey to make all of your dreams come true,” he said.
Taking a brief pause, his voice cracked as he finished by saying, “Sincerely, Brian Donahue, the proud principal of Cape Henlopen High School. Thank you.”
Quickly regaining his composure, he moved on - the same way he will in retirement and the Class of 2017 will following graduation.
“I knew I would have trouble getting that out. I'll be all right now,” he said, as the graduates gave him a standing ovation.
The retiring Donahue finished on a light note, comparing his future to this year's graduating seniors; people keep asking him what he's going to do, he said.
On June 6, 300 Cape High graduates finished their high school years, moving on to their next phase in life. Donahue said graduates will attend 70 different institutions of higher learning across 23 states. More than 100 students received scholarships totaling $2.8 million.
At the top of this year's graduating class was Erik-Stephane Stancofski, who was valedictorian and class president.
Heading to Swarthmore College where he will study pre-med, Stancofski told his classmates to always be themselves.
“Don't let anyone tell you what you should be doing, because you should be doing what you enjoy,” he said.
Restauratuer Scott Kammerer, guest speaker for the graduating class, told the Class of 2017 that graduation day is a point of reference they will use for the rest of their lives. He encouraged students to work hard in all their endeavors, and he gave them some workplace advice.
“For the love of God, show up to work early,” he said.
He shared his life experience of taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and arriving to the area with $17 and a bike. Working in restaurants, he and his late business partner, Matt Haley, built up SoDel Concepts, where Kammerer is now president. Kammerer talked about the loss of Haley and how he persevered to continue their work. He told graduates to value life every day.
“Cherish and live it to the fullest today,” he said.
