Chester Academy graduates 94 students at 141st commencement ceremony

Brooke Battiato, Chester Academy’s Class of 2026 president and valedictorian, is headed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study biochemistry and pursue medicine. She was one of 94 graduates honored as the Chester Union Free School District marked its 141st commencement ceremony on June 25 at Chester Academy Field in Chester, New York.

The ceremony began at 6 p.m. and was livestreamed for families and community members who could not attend in person. The district recognized students for more than 60 individual awards earned during the 2025-2026 school year. Chester’s 2025 graduating class included 74 students, and this year’s class had 94.

Principal John Flanagan said graduates’ seven-year journey had included ordinary days, exciting days and difficult days, and that those experiences prepared them for what comes next. He said the goal was not perfection but a full life built on taking chances, embracing challenges, learning from mistakes and making the most of opportunities. Superintendent Catherine O’Hara said firsts, from first steps to first setbacks, should lead students to choose courage over comfort, curiosity over fear and belief over doubt.

Salutatorian Ocean Chen mixed humor with reflection as he talked about the familiar rhythm of assignments, presentations and tests, while also stressing the importance of caring and growth. Battiato said classmates should savor opportunities and remember that friendships can matter as much as grades. The district announced Battiato and Chen as valedictorian and salutatorian on April 27.

Battiato was co-founder of the Medical Club and Youth in Government, the board of education student representative, Key Club vice president and National Honor Society secretary. Board of Education President Kim DiCurcio congratulated the class and praised its resilience and growth, while noting that 60 percent of board members are graduating senior parents.