Alumni Spotlight: Diamonte Giacovelli

As graduation season fills Proctor High School’s halls with anticipation and possibility, alumni Diamonte Giacovelli is proof that perseverance and pride in where you come from can take you anywhere.

After graduating from Proctor in 2022, 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.

As the first college graduate in his family, crossing the commencement stage meant more than just earning a diploma.

"It meant a lot," Giacovelli said. "My family was proud of me, but I was even prouder knowing what the experience represented. Syracuse helped me find a sense of belonging and confidence in who I am."

Giacovelli always knew he was interested in marketing while growing up in Utica. He credits former Proctor marketing teacher Michael Lance 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," he said.

Today, Giacovelli has started the next chapter of that journey in New York City, where he recently accepted a marketing internship. Although the pace of the city is dramatically different from Utica, he sees familiar qualities in both places.

"One thing I appreciate is the diversity," he said. "People think of New York City as one of the most diverse places in the world, and it is, but Utica is diverse too. Growing up around people from so many different backgrounds taught me how to connect with others, and that's helped me tremendously."

As he reflects on his time in the Utica City School District, Giacovelli points to the relationships he built with teachers as one of the most valuable parts of his experience.

"The support from teachers really prepared me for where I am today," he said. "Being comfortable talking to adults and learning how to communicate with different people has been huge."

Several educators left a lasting impression on him, including Michael Lance, Melissa Mullen, Ricky Han and Nicholas Han. 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.

"I always want students to know that it's possible," he said. "I'm just a kid from Cornhill who worked hard, had a lot of support and stayed focused on my goals."

Outside the classroom, Giacovelli immersed himself in student life. He served as treasurer for the Class of 2022, participated in the Drama Club, Mixed Choir and Show Choir and was heavily involved in Proctor's morning show. Starting behind the camera as a freshman, he eventually became the program's student anchor during his senior year.

Those experiences helped strengthen the communication skills that would later become central to his academic and professional success.

One opportunity that particularly shaped his future was participation 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,'" he recalled.

Now, as a recent college graduate beginning his career, Giacovelli enjoys sharing advice with current students, especially those who may be the first in their families to pursue higher education.

"Be grateful for every opportunity," he 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."

He 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," he said. "The experiences here make you stronger. Use that to your advantage."

Looking back, Giacovelli wishes he spent less time worrying about what others thought and more time appreciating his own path.

"Everybody has their own journey," he said. "Don't compare yourself to other people. Focus on where you're going and enjoy the ride."

Four years after graduating from Proctor, his connection to the district remains as strong as ever.

"I'm always going to be proud to be from Utica," he 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."

Whether being a role model to current Proctor students or building his career in New York City, Giacovelli carries that pride with him every step of the way.