The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Stifling temperatures that reached 93 degrees did not deter the 53rd annual commencement ceremony at New Providence High School from taking place outdoors on Wednesday night. The proud family and friends of the Class of 2012 gathered outside on Edward H. Lieder Field despite the heat to congratulate their graduates.

Bleachers on the home side of the field were packed with attendees both saddened and excited to see their graduates embark upon the next chapter of their lives. Dr. David Miceli, Superintendent of Schools, urged the Class of 2012 to “take a moment now to reflect on your school experiences,” reminding them of their four years at New Providence High School.

Hannah Lavine, a graduate, expanded upon Miceli’s words in her Senior Reflection Speech. Lavine relived her high school memories to the crowd based on the songs she associated with them, comparing New Providence High School to a green and gold iPod. On graduating high school, Lavine said “but even with these changes, keep that green and gold iPod with you.”

Principal Paul Casarico also used technology in his inspiring speech to the Class of 2012. Casarico detailed many technological changes that occurred during the graduates’ lifetime, explaining that “the point of these reflections is to remind you of where you’ve come from, to reflect upon what you’ve accomplished, and to find motivation for the future.”

“I believe that the best is still yet to come,” Casarico added, encouraging his former students to “be the pioneers of [their] futures.”

Just like their mascot, the New Providence High School graduates will be the pioneers of tomorrow. Zachary Klapwald, Salutatorian of the Class of 2012, alluded to this when he said “I know that my classmates are not the type to shy away from a challenge, we are a class that seeks out new challenges.”

Klapwald also felt that his classmates did not need to be defined by the image associated with Ivy League schools. “I know that my class is full of intelligent, hard workers,” Klapwald said.

Valedictorian Courtney Connolly provided encouragement for the obstacles her classmates might face in years to come. “Never stop doing things just because they are difficult,”

Connolly urged the Class of 2012 to “venture courageously for the things you love.”

After many beautiful words were spoken about the important milestone at hand, graduates were called up to the stage to receive their diplomas. In white (females) and green (males) gowns, members of the New Providence High School Class of 2012 accepted their diplomas and proceeded towards the audience.

The relief of that moment was made apparent by the smiling faces of the high school graduates. One student did a backflip in front of the crowd while others performed handshakes or high-fived one another.

Some students even decorated the top of their caps with the college that they will be attending in the fall.

The New Providence High School Band eloquently played the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” and “Recessional” in addition to the National Anthem. “Omnia Sol” and the school’s Alma Matter were sung by the New Providence High School Choir. Both musical groups were situated on either side of the stage, beside the graduates.

Nancy Opperthauser, Vice President of the Board of Education, reported that 87.6 percent of the New Providence Class of 2012 is attending four-year colleges, 10.3 percent is enrolled in two-year colleges, and 2.1 percent is entering directly into employment. Together, 97.1 percent of the class has plans for higher education.

The accomplishments of the class were also detailed in the commencement ceremony’s program. An entire page was devoted to the recipients of Senior Scholarship Awards while another illustrated the students who received Medals of Excellence in various school subjects. In addition, graduates were personally recognized for achieving High Academic Honor or for being admitted into the National Honor Society.

The graduation ceremony also recognized members of the New Providence High School faculty who are retiring this year. These included Judy Gallagher, teacher of Information Literacy, and Eileen Gorman, Department Head and teacher of Language Arts.

If the New Providence High School graduation ceremony provided the Class of 2012 with one thing it was hope for the future. Dr. Miceli expressed these sentiments when he advised graduates to “embrace these precious moments and make a meaningful difference. . . you’ll be happy that you did.”

But above all, the most important message conveyed to the Class of 2012 was to remember where they came from.

“Just don’t forget that your past is a part of your future,” Nancy Opperthauser, a member of the New Providence High School Class of 1969 explained, telling graduates that “with the passage of time, I have realized just how important these experiences were.”