As graduation season fills Thomas R. Proctor High School’s halls with anticipation and possibility, Class of 2022 graduate Diamonte Giacovelli is proof that perseverance, and pride in where you come from, can take you anywhere.
After graduating from the Utica City School District, Giacovelli earned not one, but two bachelor’s degrees from Syracuse University: a Bachelor of Science in Creative Advertising from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.
За Джаковели преминаването през сцената на церемонията по дипломирането означаваше нещо повече от просто получаването на диплома.
„Това означаваше много за мен“, каза Джаковели. „Семейството ми се гордееше с мен, но аз се гордеех още повече, знаейки какво означаваше този опит. Сиракуза ми помогна да намеря чувство за принадлежност и увереност в това, кой съм.“
Giacovelli always knew he was interested in marketing while growing up in Utica. He credits former Proctor marketing teacher Mr. Brian Lanz with helping shape that passion and encouraging him to pursue opportunities beyond high school. When he arrived at Syracuse University on the 1870 Scholarship, what began as a plan to study marketing turned into a dual-degree path that combined business strategy with creative advertising.
"It was a long journey, but a good journey," Giacovelli said.
Днес Джаковели започна следващата глава от това пътуване в Ню Йорк, където наскоро започна стаж в областта на маркетинга. Въпреки че ритъмът на живота в града е коренно различен от този в „ Utica “, той вижда сходни черти и в двете места.
„Едно от нещата, които ценя, е разнообразието“, каза той. „Хората смятат Ню Йорк за едно от най-разнообразните места в света, и наистина е така, но и училището „ Utica “ е разнообразно. Фактът, че израснах сред хора с толкова различни произходи, ме научи как да общувам с другите, и това ми помогна изключително много.“
As he reflects on his time at the District, Giacovelli points to the relationships he built with teachers as one of the most valuable parts of his experience.
„Подкрепата от страна на учителите наистина ме подготви за това, където съм днес“, каза той. „Това, че се чувствам свободно, когато разговарям с възрастни, и че научих как да общувам с различни хора, беше от огромно значение.“
Several educators left a lasting impression on him, including Mr. Lanz, English teacher Mr. Dennis Hahn, Italian teacher Mr. Ricky Nicholas-Hahn and social studies teacher Mrs. Ledia Mullen. Even after graduating, Giacovelli has stayed in contact with many of his former teachers, often returning to Proctor to speak with students about his college experience and career journey.
„Винаги искам учениците да знаят, че това е възможно“, каза той. „Аз съм просто едно момче от Корнхил, което се труди усърдно, получи много подкрепа и остана фокусирано върху целите си.“
Outside the classroom, Giacovelli immersed himself in student life. He served as treasurer for the Class of 2022; participated in Proctor’s drama club, mixed choir and show choir and was heavily involved in the school's morning show. Starting behind the camera as a freshman, he eventually became the program's student anchor during his senior year. These experiences helped strengthen the communication skills that would later become central to Giacovelli’s academic and professional success.
One opportunity that shaped Giacovelli’s future in particular was participating in the “Today's Students, Tomorrow's Teachers” program. During a visit to Syracuse University as a freshman, Giacovelli got an early glimpse of college life and possibilities beyond high school.
"I remember seeing the business school and thinking, 'This is where I want to be,'" Giacovelli recalled.
Сега, като току-що дипломиран висшист, който започва кариерата си, Джаковели с удоволствие дава съвети на настоящите студенти, особено на онези, които може би са първите в семействата си, които следват висше образование.
"Be grateful for every opportunity," Giacovelli said. "Stay genuine, work hard and don't be afraid to ask for help. You don't have to be perfect. If you have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and you're willing to learn, the rest will come."
Giacovelli also encourages students not to let their hometown define their limitations.
"Sometimes people focus on the negatives, but being from Utica is something to be proud of," Giacovelli said. "The experiences here make you stronger, use that to your advantage."
Когато погледне назад, Джаковели би искал да беше прекарвал по-малко време в притеснения за това, какво мислят другите, и повече време в това да цени собствения си път.
"Everybody has their own journey," Giacovelli said. "Don't compare yourself to other people. Focus on where you're going and enjoy the ride."
Four years after graduating from Proctor, Giacovelli’s connection to the District remains as strong as ever.
"I'm always going to be proud to be from Utica," Giacovelli said. "I'm always going to represent the 315. Being a Proctor graduate is part of who I am, and I wouldn't want it any other way."
Независимо дали служи за пример на настоящите ученици от „Проктор“ или гради кариерата си в Ню Йорк, Джаковели носи тази гордост със себе си на всяка крачка по пътя си.