Roy C. Ketcham High School
Senior Class Newsletter – Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Principal’s Message
G. Thomas Stella
Dear Parents, Guardians & Students of the Class of 2016,
It is with a sense of great pride and gratitude (and some sadness), that
I announce my retirement effective August 6, 2016. On that day I
will have completed my 20th year as an administrator in the service
of public education. Prior to August 5, 1996, I had the pleasure of
serving as a teacher, coordinator, department chair, dean of students
and high school principal in the Archdiocese of New York. In all, I
have been blessed with 42 excellent years in the service of education.
I cherish all those years!
I have particularly valued my time, in the service of my community,
Contents
Principal’s Message
1
here in the Wappingers Central School District, where I have served
5-1/2 years as Director of District Administration and the past
superlative seven years as Principal of Roy C. Ketcham High School.
Message from Class Advisors 1
Caps & Gowns
2
Senior Class Tee-Shirts
2
The Portico (Yearbook)
2
Diplomas
2
Graduation Tickets
2
Senior Class Breakfast
3
Senior Prom
3
Senior Awards Night
3
Graduation Rehearsal
3
Grad BBQ
3
GRADUATION
3
Important Info



Last Day of Classes –
June 10
Regents Exams –
June 1 & June 14-23
GRADUATION
June 25 at 11 a.m.
I extend my thanks to you for our time together. I retire with many
fond memories and great appreciation for so many wonderful
individuals with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing these
years. I will miss my colleagues, my families and, most of all, my
students.
The Class of 2016 will always be a special class for me. I consider
myself an unofficial member of the class of 2016 and, in a way, we
will be graduating together. We always have excellent graduations,
but I look forward to this one being the very best ever!
Congratulations RCK Class of 2016! My best regards to you all!
A Message from Your Class Advisors
Liz McMillan, Tim Rifenburg
As Senior Class Advisors, we are very proud of the Class of 2016 and
all that has already been achieved and we look forward to a memorable
and gratifying rest of the year.
Please read through this newsletter carefully. We have included very
important information on graduation rehearsal and commencement
exercises. We hope the information provided within this newsletter
will answer any questions you might have regarding various events
pertaining to your son/daughter’s senior year and to help you plan your
family’s calendar!
It is our hope that every senior will attend all of the events which have
been planned.
Page 2 of 3
Senior Class Newsletter
Class of 2016
Caps & Gowns
Students will be receiving information in the mail from Josten’s
regarding cap and gown orders, graduation announcements etc.
A representative from Josten’s will be here in April during
lunch periods in the cafeteria to measure and take orders for
caps and gowns. Make sure you take advantage of this and
order your cap and gown at a reduced price.
If you already have a cap & gown or don’t plan on participating
in graduation please let Mr. Rifenburg know.
Senior Class Tee-Shirts
Tee-Shirts are still available for $15.00. All sizes are available.
Please see Ms. McMillan or Mr. Rifenburg to purchase yours
today! Basic tee-shirts (white) and tie-dyed shirts are $5.00.
Lanyards are available as well, for $3.00.
The Portico (Yearbook)
We continually post
important information
on our website. Please
visit us at
Sales are now underway to reserve a copy of this year’s full
color Portico, while supplies last. The price is $95.00, which
will increase to $100.00 on April 1st. Yearbooks are available
for purchase online at RCKyearbook.com or make your check
payable to RCK Portico, write for whom the book is being
purchased in the memo area and the student ID #, and mail it to
RCK Portico, 99 Myers Corners Rd., Wappingers Falls NY
12590. Your cancelled check will be your receipt. No checks
will be accepted after April 1, 2016. You may purchase a
yearbook at graduation – cash only – if they are available.
wappingersschools.org
for updates.
Diplomas
Students are responsible to check the candidates list in the
Guidance office for correct spelling of their name for diplomas.
Graduation Tickets
Students will receive four (4) graduation tickets at graduation
rehearsal. Student’s should stop in and see Ms. Seckler in the
principal’s office if they would like to request additional tickets.
There is no guarantee there will be extras, however should extra
tickets become available they will be distributed in a fair and
equitable manner. Tickets cannot be mailed to family members.
Graduates ONLY receive tickets.
Special seating arrangements can be made for guests with
wheelchairs and seating for two (2) persons will be reserved.
Please call Ms. Darlene Seckler prior to graduation for
accommodations at 298-5100 x31004. It is very important we
have this information in advance.
Page 3 of 3
Senior Class Newsletter
Class of 2016
Fourth Annual Senior Class Breakfast – Thursday, May 26th
Seniors ONLY are invited to a breakfast in the RCK cafeteria during periods 1 and 2 on Thursday, May
26th. Seniors who ordered a yearbook will receive theirs on this date. If yearbooks are still available, they
may be purchased that morning for $100.00. Only seniors will receive yearbooks this day.
Senior Prom – Friday, June 10th
The Class of 2015 Senior Prom will be held on Friday, June 12, 2016 at Eisenhower Hall at West Point,
from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The Prom Co-Chairs and Committee are working to make this the best
Senior Prom in memory, while the Senior Class Officers are making plans for various fund-raising activities
to help defray the prom expenses. Photo ID is required for admittance – no exceptions!
Senior Awards Night – Tuesday, June 21st
The 17th Annual Senior Awards night is an invitation only event scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
This evening is especially memorable for both seniors and their parents. Scholarships and other awards are
presented that evening. More information will follow as the event draws near.
Graduation Rehearsal – Thursday, June 23rd
Graduation rehearsal will take place in the RCK auditorium on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Rehearsal is mandatory and seniors should plan their work/personal schedule accordingly. Students go
through an outline of the entire graduation program and receive their caps and gowns and tickets for
graduation. Rehearsal takes about one hour.
Grad BBQ – Thursday, June 23rd
Faculty and administration will cook hamburgers, hot dogs and various other catered foods for the seniors
in an informal outing in front of RCK, immediately after rehearsal, (beginning at approximately 12:00
p.m.). There is no cost to any senior attending and the event lasts until 2:30 p.m.
GRADUATION – SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2016
Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie
starting at 11:00 a.m. All students must earn the 22 credits required by New York State and pass all
of the required exams to participate in graduation. The doors of the Civic Center will open at 9:30
a.m. and admission is by ticket only! Seating is first-come, first-served. It is advisable that those
attending be there by 10:30 a.m. in order to get a parking space that is close to the Civic Center.
Important Note: Civic Center front doors will be shut at 10:50 a.m. for procession and
will re-open at 11:10 a.m.
Seniors must be at the Civic Center by 9:30 a.m. so that attendance can be taken. This allows the
diplomas of graduates not attending to be pulled from the alphabetical order so that each student
receives the proper diploma.