VOORHEESVILLE – Richard Curreri says he is "silly a lot."
Curreri, Clayton A. Bouton High School’s class of 2007 salutatorian, quoted "the great Eric Cartman of South Park fame" at the opening of his speech at the school’s graduation ceremony. "I do what I want," said Curreri in a squeaky voice similar to the voice of the well-known Comedy Central character.
"We have to do what we want in life," Curreri said. "We all have the ability to choose our own paths" We need to keep an open mind" Our goals are susceptible to change."

To stress his point, Curreri spoke of former President Bill Clinton, who, at one time, wanted to be a goat farmer.
He later found a passion for politics, Curreri said. "And for women with large thighs," he joked, a comment that was met with much laughter from the audience.

Curreri is passionate about many things. Among them are music – he plays guitar and saxophone – and baseball – he is a lifelong Yankees fan, he said.
In his speech, Curreri spoke of legendary former Yankee, Yogi Bera, and included several yogiisms. "When you come to a fork in the road, take it," said Curreri, quoting Bera.

If we aren’t passionate about what we do in life, aren’t we taking life for granted, Curreri asked.
He will attend Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations in the fall, he said. "I’d like to maybe be in pep band, so I can get to games for free," he added with a smile.
Curreri said it is important to "never be afraid to ask for help." His advice to younger students, he said, is: " Find your passion, and stick with it."
Curreri has lived in Voorheesville his entire life, he said. "It’s going to be a weird transition going to a school that’s six times the size of the town," he said. "I haven’t had to make new friends since kindergarten."