Union City High School may have had two separate graduation ceremonies for seniors at the north and south campuses, but speakers at each event reminded the audience that there was indeed one unified class.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only the students before you… but also those graduating tomorrow night, giving us the first official graduating class of Union City High School,” said Kamaris Loor, the north campus valedictorian. She and her classmates received their diplomas on Monday, June 22; the south campus held their graduation ceremony the following evening.
Both campuses will combine next year into one new building on Kennedy Blvd.
At both events, student speakers offered their peers a reflection on the past and hope for the future.
Peter Michael, the north campus salutatorian, said: “Do we gather here tonight to celebrate an end, or a beginning? Is this the time we disembark from our high school journey or take the first steps to a brighter future? The answer: both.”
The future may be bright, but right now, it may also appear uncertain, said Mariel Moquete, salutatorian at the south campus.
“This class has worked hard to achieve academically and have given many hours of community service.” – David Wilcomes
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South campus valedictorian, Sherill Marie Henriquez, said though she had been thinking of her graduation speech since the summer after eighth grade, she suddenly became speechless when it came time to actually write it.
“I know you are expecting me to give you some sort of moral to the story of the last four years or some kind of advice to take with you for rest of your life, but the truth is there’s really nothing I can say that you haven’t already been told or lectured about,” said Henriquez. “In fact, among all the clichés and the adages, the only piece of advice that stands out in my mind is this: think of every decision you make as a puzzle piece, and when you look back, the image you see will be the person you made yourself.”
While preparing for the two graduations, several school officials said that though it wasn’t easy for the seniors to come together in one class, they put forth a great effort and did it well.
“The class of 2009 has faced many challenges during their four years in high school, and especially this year as we transition to the new Union City High School,” said David Wilcomes, who will be principal at the new high school when the two campuses combine in September. “This class has worked hard to achieve academically and have given many hours of community service. I hope they take with them the values and traditions associated with Union City students.”
Amanda Staab can be reached at astaab@hudsonreporter.com.