ONEIDA — 129 Oneida seniors said goodbye to their grade school days, graduating as the Class of 2022 on Saturday, June 25, in front of the high school.

The ceremony included seniors marching across the front lawn, performances by senior members of the concert choir, and remarks from High School Principal Brian Gallagher, Superintendent Matthew Carpenter, and faculty speaker chosen by the class, Matthew Shene.

Both Valedictorian Madeline Harris and Salutatorian Rose Barris drew some inspiration from female pop-stars to include in their speeches: Taylor Swift for Barris, Lady Gaga for Harris.

The 138th commencement included the graduation of five foreign-exchange students from the countries of Japan, Chile, Turkey, Germany, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Many speakers referenced the impact COVID had on graduates’ high school experience and the strength it took to keep moving forward. Their ability to stay connected, participate in the school musical and sporting events, and so much more was taken from them, speakers said. “Some things that we lost weren’t missed much, like regents exams,” Barris joked.

Graduates finally turned their tassels and threw their caps in the air to conclude their time as students at Oneida High School. “It’s time to go,” Shene said.