As part of Williston Northampton’s Commencement week exercises, the Athletic Department held its third and final college commitment ceremony of the academic year. These ceremonies give students the chance to be recognized and celebrated for making the decision to play sports at the collegiate level.
For the spring ceremony this year, six student-athletes were honored:
- Ashton Reynolds ’25, Central Connecticut State University basketball
- Ore Odutayo ’25, Iona University basketball
- Thomas Gingras ’25, McGill University football
- Anthony Oppedisano ’25, Queen’s University football
- Viktoria Valdimarsdottir ’25, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs soccer
- Gab Qureshi ’25, Merrimack College track and field
“Each student-athlete we honor represents the same qualities we’ve celebrated all year: passion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth both on and off the field,” said Director of Athletics Jade Morris during the ceremony. “The decision to compete in college is never made lightly—it reflects not just talent, but years of grit, resilience, and a deep love for the game.”
Below are the rest of Morris’s remarks. See a photo gallery of our honorees on our Flickr page.
Good afternoon, and welcome to our Spring College Commitment Ceremony. For those I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Jade Morris, and I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Athletics here at Williston.
This afternoon, we celebrate the final chapter of a special tradition—a moment to recognize the remarkable achievements of six seniors who have committed to continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate level.
While today’s group may be smaller, each student-athlete we honor represents the same qualities we’ve celebrated all year: passion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth both on and off the field. The decision to compete in college is never made lightly—it reflects not just talent, but years of grit, resilience, and a deep love for the game.
To our seniors: this moment belongs to you—but it is also a celebration of everyone who’s walked alongside you. Your teammates, coaches, teachers, advisors, and especially your families—each has played a role in shaping your path. Take a moment now to find them in the crowd and give them a nod of thanks. You didn’t do this alone.
This afternoon, we will recognize each of you individually. When your name is called, please come forward to sign. We’ll take a photo with your family, teammates, and coaches to mark this milestone.
Lets begin.
Ashton Reynolds is a one-year student from Brooklyn, New York. Next year, Ashton will be playing basketball at Central Connecticut State University. Congratulations, Ashton.
Ore Odutayo is a two-year student from Guilderland, New York. Next year, Ore will be playing basketball at Iona University. Congratulations, Ore.
Thomas Gingras is a two year student from Quebec, Quebec City, Canada. Next year, Thomas will be playing football at McGill University. Congratulations, Thomas.
Anthony Oppedisano is a one year student from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Next year, Anthony will be playing football at Queens University. Congratulations, Anthony.
Viktoria Valdimarsdottir is a two year student from Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. Next year, Viktoria will be playing soccer at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Congratulations, Viktoria.
Gab Qureshi is a two year student from Quebec, Quebec City, Canada. Next year, Gab will be running track at Merrimack College. Congratulations, Gab.
Congratulations—we are incredibly proud of you and excited to see all that lies ahead.
