As she walks towards the mic there’s a humongous applause, everyone cheering just for her. Cluadine Ricana, student speaker representing class of 2025 for East Leyden high school graduation. She was nominated by teachers and classmates to give a speech. When reminiscing on graduation day, she says “I felt truly honored getting the opportunity to give a speech at graduation. In th moment, however, I was a little nervous with butterflies in my stomach.” Speaking to a big crowd isn’t as easy as it looks, yet Claudine did an amazing job and she said it was truly a gift that she got to represent her peers and tell their story and high school experience. Her biggest accomplishment during her time at Leyden was being a part of the district, Allstate, and regional levels for choir. “When I started to sing with chamber singers on stage for the last time, I started crying,” says Claudine, “I thought about how much I’ve grown and learned about myself with people that have become my home.”