Submitted Photo Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson and School Board President Cindy Sutherland presented Jasmine Sue Waterman with her high school diploma at the recent board of education meeting.

GOWANDA — It was a full house at a recent meeting of the Gowanda Central School Board, as one of the first items on the agenda was a celebration. The district recognized seven students who met the graduation requirements over the course of the summer and have now joined the graduating class of 2018. “This is a very special night for so many of you,” said Cindy Sutherland, board president, to the many families who attended the meeting to watch students receive their diplomas.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Anderson recognized the new graduates and pointed out his unique connection to the group. “Tonight’s a really great celebration for families and students here. Usually, we only have a couple of August graduates, but this year, we have seven. Some of those graduates are here tonight to be recognized. I’m very proud of these kids. It took them a little extra time to get through high school, but they did it, and we’re really proud of them.”

Anderson continued, “They demonstrated a lot of perseverance and wherewithal to meet the challenges. We’re proud to call them Gowanda graduates tonight. Up until recently, I was principal of these students, so it’s nice and fitting that I can celebrate my last class with these kids.”

Anderson then presented the group of graduates to Sutherland. “It is my privilege to present to you additional members of the Gowanda Central School Class of 2018. Let’s give them all a round of applause!” Anderson announced, and the room erupted with cheers and applause. Together, Anderson and Sutherland handed out diplomas and posed for photos with graduates Darrin M. Hall, Isaac E. Hill, Emily Ann Jemiolo, Nicholas Pilski, Jasmine Sue Waterman and Dakota D. White.

Ryan Isaiah John was also recognized as a graduate.

Following the distribution of diplomas, Anderson invited graduates and their families to enjoy cookies and lemonade and meet the other members of the board as they celebrated their achievement. “It’s a really special group of kids,” he said later in the meeting to the board. “It took them a little bit longer to get through, but I give them a lot of credit for their ability to persevere. We have successful people and successful families. I want to reach out and thank them.”