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.
Kwa Giacovelli, kuvuka hatua ya kuanza shule kulimaanisha zaidi ya kupata diploma tu.
"Ilimaanisha mengi," Giacovelli alisema. "Familia yangu ilijivunia mimi, lakini nilijivunia zaidi kujua kile kilichokuwa kinawakilisha uzoefu huo. Syracuse ilinisaidia kupata hisia ya kuwa wa mahali na kujiamini katika mimi ni nani."
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.
Leo, Giacovelli ameanza sura inayofuata ya safari hiyo katika Jiji la New York, ambapo hivi karibuni alikubali mafunzo ya uuzaji. Ingawa kasi ya jiji ni tofauti sana na Utica , anaona sifa zinazojulikana katika sehemu zote mbili.
"Jambo moja ninalolithamini ni utofauti," alisema. "Watu wanauona Jiji la New York kama mojawapo ya maeneo yenye utofauti zaidi duniani, na ndivyo ilivyo, lakini Utica pia ni tofauti. Kukulia karibu na watu kutoka malezi mengi tofauti kulinifundisha jinsi ya kuungana na wengine, na hilo limenisaidia sana.
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.
"Msaada kutoka kwa walimu uliniandaa kweli kwa mahali nilipo leo," alisema. "Kuwa huru kuzungumza na watu wazima na kujifunza jinsi ya kuwasiliana na watu tofauti kumekuwa jambo kubwa."
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.
"Siku zote nataka wanafunzi wajue kwamba inawezekana," alisema. "Mimi ni mtoto tu kutoka Cornhill ambaye nilifanya kazi kwa bidii, nilipata usaidizi mwingi na niliendelea kuzingatia malengo yangu."
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.
Sasa, akiwa mhitimu wa chuo kikuu hivi karibuni anayeanza kazi yake, Giacovelli anafurahia kushiriki ushauri na wanafunzi wa sasa, hasa wale ambao wanaweza kuwa wa kwanza katika familia zao kufuata elimu ya juu.
"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."
Akikumbuka nyuma, Giacovelli anatamani angetumia muda mfupi zaidi kuhangaika kuhusu kile ambacho wengine walifikiria na muda mwingi zaidi akithamini njia yake mwenyewe.
"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."
Iwe ni kuwa mfano wa kuigwa kwa wanafunzi wa sasa wa Proctor au kujenga taaluma yake jijini New York, Giacovelli anajivunia kila hatua.