Poughkeepsie High School Valedictorian Joash Ward and Saluatorian Kayla Miller stand for the National Anthem at the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Joash Ward gives the Valedictory Address during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Kayla Miller gives the Salutatory Address during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School Principal Edgar Glascott offers the Welcome for the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Ricky Pardy present the Honor Graduates of Poughkeepsie High School during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie Board of Education member Randall Johnson observes Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Superintendent Dr Laval Wilson addresses the students of Poughkeepsie High School during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Dr. Christopher Roelke of Vassar College gives the Keynote Address during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Joash Ward gives the Valedictory Address during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Roelke of Vassar College applaudes during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Joash Ward gives the Valedictory Address during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Members of Valedictorian Joash Ward's family were recognized during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Members of Valedictorian Joash Ward's family were recognized during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Members of Valedictorian Joash Ward's family were recognized during Poughkeepsie High School's 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School Valedictorian Joash Ward is all smiles during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School Valedictorian Joash Ward is embraced by Board of Education member Randall Johnson during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School graduates listen to speeches during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School graduates listen to speeches during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School graduates listen to speeches during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Members of the Board of Education applaude students during the Poughkeepsie High School 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Members of the Board of Education applaude students during the Poughkeepsie High School 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School graduates listen to speeches during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School graduates listen to speeches during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Poughkeepsie High School graduates listen to speeches during the 140th Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2012 in Poughkeepsie, NY on Friday, June 22, 2012. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.