![[PIC] Dutchess BOCES ALternative High School Graduate Celebrates with Diploma In Hand](https://www.dcboces.org/sites/default/files/dcboces/images/alternative/fist_pump.png "Dutchess BOCES ALternative High School Graduate Celebrates with Diploma In Hand")
Dutchess BOCES’ Alternative High School held its annual Commencement Ceremony on June 11, which boasted one of the largest graduating classes in BOCES history, more than 60 students.
Students, in full cap and gown, proudly walked to their seats to “Pomp & Circumstance” while relatives and BOCES staff cheered them on. A student band performed some inspirational tunes in between speeches.
BETA Principal Erin Piquet is proud of the students and credited the entire school community for supporting each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The students sitting here today have worked extremely hard to get to this point,” Piquet said. “They have been forced to respond to frequent changes, obstacles and uncertainties.”
Atiya Barnes, who will study nursing in college, was one of five students to give a heartwarming speech, which received a round of applause. She reflected on persevering through one of the toughest school years in history, while thanking her family, teachers and friends.
“I’ve learned a lot here during my time at Dutchess BOCES, we all had different journeys and experiences which shaped us to become the people we are today,” Barnes said. “To the class of 2021 – we made it.”
