Although nearly every one of the 460 students that made their way from the main high school building to the graduating festivities inside the ice rink had made that walk more than once in their four years at Bayonne High, many looked dazed as they stepped out into the scorching sun, their maroon gowns glowing in the bright light.
Although many laughed and jostled each other in the line as they waited for the high school band inside to start up with Pomp and Circumstance, most also looked nervous, smiling off at family members waving from the side. Finally, the music started and they moved ahead, passing into a large rink through an arch of silver balloons, cheers from the packed house greeting them as if each student had just scored a victory at a championship hockey game – the thunderous applause echoing through the chamber before finally settling down so that Principal Richard Baccarella could welcome them and their parents to what would be the last assembly for these graduates in their high school careers.
Parents, other family members and friends filled the gallery, even pressing against the protected clear glass on the second floor, their exuberance adding to the excited air, fans blowing from every direction in a desperate attempt to lower the heat long enough for the ceremonies to conclude.
They cheered when the graduates sat. They cheered when Jared Visco sang The Star Spangled Banner. They cheered at the moving coral presentation of “Just One More Dream.” They cheered when the graduating chorus members sang the school’s Alma Mater. They cheered Baccarella when he returned to the microphone to congratulate the graduates and to introduce the events guest speakers.
Baccarella said this year’s graduating class has distinguished itself in many ways, working tirelessly with energy and focus.
This was Bayonne High School’s 108th commencement ceremony, and the mood of those attended seemed dedicated to continue the tradition despite the heat and sometimes overly-loud latecomers seeking to find seats.
Dr. Patricia McGeehan, schools superintendent, said she was honored and proud to salute this graduating class, saying that they had a sense of pride and loyalty, and outstanding achievement. They had success on the sports field and success in the classroom, and achieved an all-time record for scholarships offered at more than $11 million.
“They strive for excellence and take joy in knowledge,” she said. “The world will be ripe with opportunities if you work hard, get an education and play by the rules.”
She also said graduates should seek jobs they love.
“If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” she said.
In her Valedictorian address, Jimelle Aquino, took the graduating class back through the past to when they first entered college.
“Our first day of this journey began on Sept. 5, 2001,” she said, making note of new friendships made, some of which could last a life time.
Although she did not mention the attack on the World Trade Center that occurred six days after most of these students started in their freshman year, the aftermath of the attacks remained part of this class’ tenure.
“After four years, we emerge well-rounded and faced many challenges,” she said. “We have obtained our goal.”
But this, she noted, came with the help of many people, family and friends, teachers and administrators.
“As members of society, we can change the rules,” she said, quoting Ghandi’s well-known tome that “responsible citizens make a difference.”
As is tradition, Salutatorian Sujit Patel, asked fellow graduates to give the Athenian Pledge, in which they promised to commit themselves to their community and leave it in better shape than when they received it.
Also a tradition, Mayor Joseph Doria addressed the graduating class. Baccarella called Doria “a true friend to education.”
As with Aquino, Doria likened the last four years to a journey that began in 2001.
“But it is a journey that doesn’t end here,” he said. “This is just another beginning to a bright future.”
He said the graduates needed to make a commitment to be responsible to themselves and to others, and that the world needed to work together.
“This is something you have learned here in Bayonne high School,” he said. “This is a caring, diverse environment with one goal and that is to prepare you for life.”
He asked the crowd to applaud the teachers and administrators, which they did, and then he asked them to applaud themselves for the role they played in helping their children to graduate.
“Without family commitment many of you would not be here,” Doria told the graduates. And in reminding them that they remain part of a community, he urged them to remember the City of Bayonne, a place where they live, where they grew up, and hopefully to which they would return.
“Bayonne has always been and still is a great place to grow up,” Doria said.
Contact Al Sullivan at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com