Life was anything but easy growing up on Cutler Street during the early 1940s. At the time, the bustling street in Schenectady’s Mont Pleasant neighborhood was crowded with low-income and immigrant families. Poverty was common, and there was seldom time to do anything but work.
Christina Audi, 18, of Niskayuna, gets help from all directions -- from her mother Linda Audi, behind her, and Rebecca Marra as she prepares for commencement ceremonies at Proctor's Theatre Thursday.
Big sister Kristin Levin, left, fixes Mandy Ferro's hair and mortar board before entering Shenendehowa High School's 56th commencement exercises held at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Thursday afternoon.
Shenendehowa graduate Shelby Gervasio tries to stay cool in the very hot conditions while waiting in the procession line, before entering the Shenedehowa High School 56th annual commencement exercises held at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Thursday afternoon.
Students proceed into the ampitheater for Shenedehowa High School's 56th annual commencement exercises at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Thursday afternoon.
Shenendehowa graduate Erica Frodey uses the program to keep her cousin, Kevin Frodey, cool before entering the Shenendehowa High School commencement exercises at SPAC on Thursday.
Shenendehowa graduate Krystal King uses her mortar board to keep cool before entering the Shenendehowa High School commencement exercises at SPAC on Thursday.
Shenendehowa graduate Ashley Panunzio reads the commencement program while walking in the processional during the Shenedehowa High School 56th annual commencement exercises held at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Thursday afternoon.
