This has been a busy year for Graham Reynolds, valedictorian of Tyburn Academy's class of 2004.

In November, he dealt with the death of Rev. Albert J. M. Shamon, who founded the Catholic high school.

"He knew the value of Catholic education," Reynolds said in his valedictory address.

In February, Reynolds was one of 10 Tyburn students who traveled to Rome, Italy, visiting both religious and historic landmarks.

In the spring, Reynolds was one of 20 students from the 24th Congressional District nominated by U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, for appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

At the end of June, Reynolds was featured on the "Today Show" with the new West Point cadets, getting off the bus at the academy to begin eight weeks of rigorous training.

"It's amazing to see that the size of a school like Tyburn can still have such marvelous results," Principal Jeanne Hogan said. "Graham's a very unusual man to have met the rigid academic, physical and moral requirements of the U.S. Military Academy."

Lt. Col. Richard Green gave Reynolds his appointment certificate at graduation.

"He's receiving a $300,000 education free," Green said.

Reynolds' activities included National Honor Society, student government, Chess Club and peer tutoring.

"At Tyburn, he was a gem of a student, and a true leader," Hogan said. "He leaves here well-prepared to be successful in his military career."

"We are called to higher education, we are called to serve," Reynolds said at commencement. "And no matter where we learn or serve in the future, Tyburn will always be a part of our lives, never further than a memory. We can bring Tyburn with us by living our deeper faith, our thirst for truth, and commitment to excellence wherever we go."

Staff writer Shelly Oddo can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shelly.oddo@lee.net