Campus & Community

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Celebrating Recent High School Grads

Monday, July 21, 2025, By News Staff

We asked faculty and staff to share photos of their favorite recent high school graduates. Congratulations to all, and good luck as you continue your journeys!

Payton Abbott in red graduation gown standing in front of a house holding a bouquet of flowers

Payton Abbott, daughter of Carrie Abbott, director of student involvement and leadership development in Student Engagement, graduated from the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ City School District’s Corcoran High School. Payton will attend SUNY Geneseo and is currently exploring options for majors.

Cameron Besaw in graduation cap and gown with a sash that says U.S. Navy

Cameron Besaw, son of Toni Besaw, director of the Office of Sponsored Accounting, graduated from John C. Birdlebough High School in Phoenix. Cameron will be entering the U.S. Navy.

Emilia Cappers in graduating cap and gown and holding bouquets of flowers

Emilia Cappers, daughter of Dafni Kiritsis, director of externships and career services in the College of Law, graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Emilia will attend ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, majoring in illustration.

Two young women, one in red graduation attire holding a yellow rose and one in white graduation attire holding red flowers.

Gretchen and Olena Conrad, daughters of Rob Conrad, director of communications and media relations in the College of Law, graduated from Canastota High School. Gretchen will major in fine arts at Alfred University and Olena will be undecided in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Young woman in a green graduation gown holding a diploma

Nevaeh Hall, daughter of Kaleya Scott, engagement coordinator at Hendricks Chapel, graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Nevaeh will major in neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Young woman in a white dress with a scenic background

Mary McCay, daughter of Deanna McCay, associate director of research development for STEM in the Office of Research, graduated from Cazenovia High School. Mary will major in communication and film studies at LeMoyne College.

Young woman in a graduation cap and gown and orange sash standing in front of a scenic background

Riley McFall, daughter of Andrew McFall, an electrician in Facilities Services, graduated from John C. Birdlebough High School in Phoenix. Riley will major in biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Young man in red graduation gown and cap with Native American sash, standing by a bouquet of balloons in a gymnasium

Jerry Mosqueda III, son of Angela Mosqueda, medical assistant at the Barnes Center at The Arch, graduated from Red Creek High School. He will be a student in the College of Arts and Sciences with plans to pursue a business/finance degree in the Whitman School of Management.

Young woman in a blue and yellow graduation cap and gown holding a blue diploma

Olivia Ruddy, daughter of Sara Ruddy, administrative assistant at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Center of Excellence, graduated from Cazenovia High School. Olivia will major in elementary education at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Young man in a black graduation gown with a U.S. Army sash and people on a field in the background

Colin Smyth, family of Timothy Stewart, facilities and security manager for the Libraries, graduated from Chittenango High School. He has joined the U.S. Army and is a prime power production specialist.

Young woman in black graduation gown with U.S. Army sash standing on a field

Mariah Stewart, daughter of Timothy Stewart, facilities and security manager for the Libraries, graduated from Chittenango High School. She has joined the U.S. Army and is a warrant officer in flight training.

Otto the Orange flanked by two young men in t-shirts and shorts. One is wearing a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ cap

Nolan Wall, left, son of Kevin Wall, assistant registrar for transfer articulation, and Collin Powers, son of Jim Powers, assistant director of information technology at the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, graduated from East ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Minoa High School. Nolan will major in television, radio and film in the Newhouse School. Collin will major in esports communication and management in the Falk College of Sport and Newhouse School.