By Carol P. Bartold     

Jun. 15, 2016: On Sunday, June 12, seniors from Bronxville High School's class of 2016 gathered at the Sommer Center for Worship and the Performing Arts on the campus of Concordia College at their baccalaureate.

In her welcome address, senior Beth Agarabi noted that students are encouraged to find their voices in different spaces and places. "The one common denominator you will most certainly witness here today," she said, "is the collective passion and appreciation for the ways the arts stir our souls and awaken our collective consciousness."

Senior Olivia Samios, in her opening remarks, stated that passion is something each person must find for him- or herself. "You have to take chances. The world would be a different place if no one ever took a chance."

Polished performances offered by nineteen seniors not only celebrated the end of their years at Bronxville High School, but also expressed appreciation for the artistic aspect of their education. An audience of parents, other family members, administrators, and teachers enjoyed the varied program

Vocal music offerings ranged from the Baroque period with a performance of the aria Laudamus te from Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria, sung by Kathleen Conaton and Alekzandra Thoms, to Noor Banihashem-Ahmad's performance of the popular Chandelier by Sia and Jesse Shatkin.

John George Brakatselos and Caroline Schetlick gave a nod to Broadway with their duet Dear Theodosia from the popular musical Hamilton, as did Alekzandra Thoms and Natalie Arenzon with their duet No One Is Alone from Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim.

Kathleen Conaton performed her original song Home. Rounding out the evening's vocal performances were Don't Wait by Mapei, sung by Noor Banihashem-Ahmad, Celia Haims, and Emma Lewis, and Zella Day's Jameson, sung by Meagan Scotti, who also played guitar accompaniment.

Adding variety to the musical program were two poetry readings. Michelle Paulson read her original poem Birdsong. Thomas Neville read The Rhythm of Time, verse written by Irish Republican Army member Bobby Sands during his imprisonment.

Instrumentalists presented pieces from several style periods. Dryden Quigley played Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D major on the harp. Cellist Henry Anderson offered Après un rêve, Opus 7, No. 1 by Gabriel Fauré and later joined violinist Hilary Rizzo and Caroline Schetlick on piano for Primavera Porteña by Ástor Piazzolla. Lauren Gray and Amy Kwok presented a more contemporary offering with their piano duet of Death by Glamour by Toby Fox.

Henry Anderson, Dryden Quigley, Fallon Raviol, Hilary Rizzo, William Tague, and Timothy Weir joined forces on violins, cello, and conga drum to perform Anderson's arrangement of Rather Be by Clean Bandit.

Carlie Hoffer suffered an unfortunately timed loss of her voice and was unable to sing Riptide by Vance Joy.

Art and art history teacher and lacrosse coach Courtney Alan was selected by the class to deliver the baccalaureate address. She framed her remarks with an examination of the Vatican fresco The School of Athens by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael, painted early in the sixteenth century, a piece she has taught in her art history classes.

"This painting summarizes everything I love about education," Alan said. "A community of minds, a passion for learning, and a relationship with someone or something higher." Raphael understood the significance of a well-rounded education, she added.

"The arts help us see and interpret the world," Alan said. "They teach confidence, perseverance, problem-solving, flexibility, and the importance of keen observation."

Alan encouraged members of the class of 2016 to "go crazy" and put down their phones every chance they get and take a break from social media. "Take a break and just listen," she suggested. Observe and have a conversation, she added, and seek a different perspective.

To see photos of the baccalaureate performances, click here:  Bronxville High School Baccalaureate 2016.

Pictured here:  Bronxville graduating senior Henry Anderson performing at the baccalaureate.

Photo above and photos in the link by Fran Pepe