Contributing writer

ONEONTA — In the 1980s, young adults were considered part of the "Me Generation." During the 1990s it was the "Generation Xers" or the lost souls. Now, Oneonta's Class of 2004 wants to be remembered for its kindness and compassion.

Oneonta High School's graduating Class of 2004 said goodbye to its school and received diplomas Saturday. About 200 families and friends attended the ceremony in the high school auditorium.

The atmosphere around the class was subdued and even a little reflective.

Jared Shue, class president, gently reminded everyone that their class suffered losses. Two students in their class had died. Ryan Rodrigues and Maren Haehnel both lost their lives in recent years.

As a result, Shue announced that class members were giving a gift of $4,000 and their own labor to enhance the memorial garden on the school grounds.

"Hopefully, they (the community) will remember our class as kind and compassionate," Shue said.

For many of the 135 graduates, their last day as highschoolers was bittersweet.

Carleigh Bettiol, 17, said she is looking forward to going to Hofstra University on Long Island. But no sooner said, something seemed to cloud her bright eyes.

"I am going to miss seeing my friends and being around everything I know," said Bettiol.

Things were not much different for class vice president Kevin LaBuz.

"I am going to miss these people and I am going to miss this town," said LaBuz.

LaBuz, however, said he was excited to be moving on to his next level — college.

"I am so pumped for it," he said.

The 40th commencement was a fruitful one for many of the students. About three-quarters of the class received awards and scholarships — many donated from local businesses.

James C. Piscitelli, superintendent of schools, and Scott Rabeler, OHS principal, awarded the prizes and scholarships.

There seemed to be little chance for most graduates to walk away empty-handed. Besides the traditional awards for highest-scoring chemistry student and best overall athlete, there were a few more unconventional awards. A few grinning students won awards for best defensive driving in driver's ed — an award that produced a round of giggles with the audience and administrators alike.

But before it was time for the diplomas, several graduates and the principal spoke to the Class of 2004 and their families.

Rebecca Toombs, the valedictorian, said everyone in the class has a purpose, whether it's to help out someone who's lonely or someone in despair.

"God has a plan and a purpose," said Toombs. "I urge you to live your lives and look for that purpose."

Rabeler also offered a last shot of inspiration before sending his students off into the world.

Rabeler looked at his departing class and smiled.

"I hope that the best of your years are yet to come," he said.

After the diplomas were dispersed, teary-eyed parents waited anxiously to congratulate their children.

For some, like Nadine and David Fineout, graduation was a major milestone. Their son, Dustin, is their oldest of three. Nadine clutched her bunched-up tissue and dabbed at her red eyes.

"I think it is hardest when it's the oldest," she said.

But graduate Joshua Wood, 17, was already near the door and ready to go.

"I am glad it's over with," Wood said.