The senior class of Briarcliff High School assembled one last time in order to partake in the school’s 2013 graduation ceremony on June 20. The sounds of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” filled the Pace University arena, signaling the start of the processional. After the students had ascended the stage, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the high school chorus led in the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
All guests were welcomed by Student Council Co-presidents Jessica Post and Meline Quigley, who aptly described their classmates as “brilliant scholars, gifted artists and musicians, accomplished athletes [and] community service superstars.”
Co-salutatorian Tamar Honig addressed her fellow graduates with an engaging speech in which she discussed her new favorite word, “sonder.” “Sonder is the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own — populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness,” she explained of her originally coined term. She built upon this idea with a discussion of her classmates’ “voyage of discovery,” encouraging them to accept the aspects of themselves that they didn’t understand and wishing them the opportunity to be “more than a random passerby.”
Find out what's happening in Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Co-salutatorian Jesse Goodman offered the next oration, in which he spoke of milestones and coming of age and offered sage advice. “See how the world has transformed you and think about how you can transform the world,” he encouraged his peers.
Valedictorian Elizabeth Kanovsky reminisced about her classmates’ transition from Todd Elementary School to the middle school and eventually the high school. “The good old days of Briarcliff High School were amazing,” the top-ranking senior affirmed as she congratulated the Class of 2013.
Find out what's happening in Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Next to speak was Principal James Kaishian, who offered his gratitude to the Pace staff, the Pocantico Hills District and everyone who helped to make the evening a success. He praised the class for having “open hearts and helping others” and stated that they had shown great character, overcome obstacles and brought forth “wonderful joy and memories.” He also noted how the class had entered one world and exited a different one: The students had been first-graders when the tragedy of Sept. 11 occurred, and they had witnessed more recent tragedies as well. However, he noted, the tragic incidences had brought forth unity, a renewal of sacrifice and camaraderie. He went on to praise teachers, whom he referred to as “heroes caring for our most cherished possessions.”
“‘A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing,’” he stated, quoting George Bernard Shaw. “Have the temerity to make mistakes,” he challenged the class. “Life will go on whether you’re a part of it or not. You have something to contribute, and you’ve made us all very proud. Dare to dream, and live that dream.”
The guest speaker, chosen by the graduating class, was faculty member Anthony Muranelli, who is retiring this year. Mr. Muranelli humorously recalled students’ practical advice. “Don’t say ‘groovy’ and never ever sing in class again!” he quipped. He acknowledged the happiness he found in teaching and that, despite bumps in the road, it’s possible to “make it happen.” “Pursue something that you are passionate about and will make you happy,” he told the graduates. “People will support you along the way, especially when you doubt your abilities. At the end of the day, I hope you are at peace with how your life is going. If not, I hope you have the strength and support to make it right.”
The chorus then entertained the audience with a beautiful rendition of the traditional hymn “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal.”
Class President Sean Glanvile and Vice President Joel Haeling then announced each graduate’s name, upon which every member of the Class of 2013 was presented with a diploma by Mr. Kaishian and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kusum Sinha.
The ceremony closed with the newest alumni of Briarcliff High School exiting the arena to the tune of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Procession of the Nobles,” a group equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the future.
