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.
Giacovelli, ka gudubka marxaladda qalin-jabinta waxay la macno ahayd wax ka badan helitaanka shahaadada.
"Wax badan ayay ii tartay," ayuu yiri Giacovelli. "Qoyskaygu way igu faani jireen, laakiin xitaa waan ku faani jiray inaan ogaado waxa waayo-aragnimadu ay ka dhigan tahay. Syracuse waxay iga caawisay inaan helo dareen ka mid ahaanshaha iyo kalsoonida qofka aan ahay."
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.
Maanta, Giacovelli wuxuu cutubka xiga ee safarkaas ka bilaabay Magaalada New York, halkaas oo uu dhawaan ka aqbalay tababar suuqgeyn. Inkasta oo xawaaraha magaaladu uu si weyn uga duwan yahay kan magaalada. Utica , wuxuu labada meeloodba ka arkaa sifooyin caan ah.
"Hal shay oo aan qaddariyo waa kala duwanaanshaha," ayuu yiri. "Dadku waxay u arkaan Magaalada New York inay tahay mid ka mid ah meelaha ugu kala duwan adduunka, waana, laakiin Utica sidoo kale waa kala duwan tahay. Ku soo koridda dadka ka soo jeeda asallo kala duwan ayaa i bartay sida loola xiriiro dadka kale, taasina si weyn ayay ii caawisay.
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.
"Taageerada macallimiinta runtii way ii diyaarisay meesha aan maanta joogo," ayuu yiri. "In aan ku raaxaysto la hadalka dadka waaweyn iyo barashada sida loola xiriiro dadka kala duwan aad bay u weynayd."
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.
"Waxaan had iyo jeer rabaa in ardaydu ogaadaan inay suurtagal tahay," ayuu yiri. "Waxaan ahay ilmo yar oo ka yimid Cornhill oo si adag u shaqeeyay, taageero badan haystay oo diiradda saarayay yoolalkayga."
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.
Hadda, isagoo dhawaan ka qalin jabiyay kulliyadda, Giacovelli wuxuu ku raaxaystaa la wadaagista talooyinka ardayda hadda dhigata, gaar ahaan kuwa laga yaabo inay yihiin kuwa ugu horreeya qoysaskooda ee waxbarashada sare raadsada.
"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."
Giacovelli wuxuu jeclaan lahaa inuu waqti yar ku qaato ka walwalka waxa dadka kale u maleynayaan iyo inuu waqti badan ku bixiyo qaddarinta waddadiisa.
"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."
Hadday tahay tusaale ku dayasho mudan ardayda hadda dhigata Proctor ama dhisidda xirfaddiisa magaalada New York, Giacovelli wuxuu leeyahay faankiisa oo dhan tallaabo kasta oo uu qaado.