Jun. 25, 2014: One hundred thirty-five members of the Bronxville High School Class of 2014 marked a pivotal achievement and transition in their lives when they received their diplomas at the school's 92nd commencement on June 21.

High school principal Ann Meyer led faculty members, wearing black academic robes, in procession to the school's front steps to open the ceremony. Members of the senior class followed, girls in long white dresses and carrying red roses, boys wearing white dinner jackets with red rose boutonnieres.

Class of 2014 members who earned distinction in academic areas were recognized with Departmental Achievement Awards for Excellence, presented with the support of local businesses and individuals:

•  English: Julia Goldman
•  Latin: Kyle Swanson
•  Mathematics: Kyle Swanson
•  Social Studies: Maria Kapsis
•  French: Gina Elbert
•  Science: Fiona Roediger
•  Spanish: Elizabeth Cory

The Gwinn Arts Awards, presented in memory of Bronxville School trustee Ralph Gwinn, were presented to Elizabeth McGough for orchestra; Kyle Swanson for band; Grace Naef for fine arts; and Spencer Borwick for vocal music.

Naef also received the Bronxville Teachers' Association Scholarship, awarded to a student who has demonstrated an enthusiasm for lifelong learning, a willingness to help others, a positive attitude, and an interest in entering the educational profession.

On the evening that sun reaches its highest point of the year, commencement speakers reflected on time, past, present, and future.

Class of 2014 president Ana Timoney-Gomez spoke of the students' days at The Bronxville School illuminated by vibrant teachers dedicated to class members' intellectual progress coupled with the students who were always eager to learn.

"Classes may have gotten progressively harder as expectations grew," Timoney-Gomez said, "but our daily experiences at The Bronxville School were pretty consistent. That is, consistently great."

She acknowledged that graduation, although a great personal achievement, also stands as a testament to the love and support from families and community. "Thank you for empowering us, inspiring us, and loving us," Timoney-Gomez said. "Thank you for the gift of a school day."

Jacqueline Saralegui, president of the Student Faculty Legislature, focused on the past as foundation of the future. "We will rely on what we have learned here at Bronxville," she noted, "critical thinking, resilience, and self-reliance," as class members uncover who they are in the coming years.

She noted that members of the class have such achievements as training for the Olympics, competing in national poetry contests, dancing in The Nutcracker, performing cancer research at Columbia University, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to carry into the future. But beyond these individual accomplishments, Saralegui said, class members also have a legacy of service to the school, community, and wider world to stand upon as they make their transitions into a new life.

Parent speaker Gia Walsh, chosen by the Class of 2014 to deliver the keynote address, advised the graduates to be fully present, emotionally and mentally. "If you want to give someone a fantastic gift, then give them your full attention," she said.

After years of focusing on tasks and checking items off their to-do lists, Walsh said, "I have a suggestion of a different nature--have quiet time." She encouraged the graduates to set aside time simply to think and reflect, to use their imaginations to dream the lives they want to live.

"Quieting your mind has another advantage," Walsh pointed out. "You have the possibility of listening to the tiny voice inside your head. Pay attention to your instincts. They are there for a reason. Respect your own intuition and let that be your guide."

Walsh told the Class of 2014 that time is the most valuable commodity they have, the only resource they cannot replenish. "Time is on your side now," she said. "You're young and you have years to work at whatever you deem important."

Congratulations and best wishes to the Bronxville High School Class of 2014.

To see photos of graduation, click here: Bronxville High School Class of 2014 Graduation.

Pictured here:  The Bronxville High School Class of 2014 gathered in front of the school.

Photo above and photos in link by A. Warner