June 20, 2012:  Under a blue sky tinged with the golden hue of a perfect sunset, the one 123 members of Bronxville High School's Class of 2012 received their diplomas on June 16.

High School Principal Terence Barton led the procession of graduates, men in white dinner jackets with red boutonnières and women in long white dresses and carrying red flowers, up the school's front walk to the stage set up on the school's front steps.

"This evening we celebrate the culmination of the high school experience for a wonderful group of young men and young women," Barton said to open the ceremony, the 90th Bronxville School commencement.

A highlight of the evening came when Barton presented graduation awards, which honor members of the class who achieved excellence and distinction in academics and fine arts.  Receiving academic awards were William Dougherty for overall academic excellence in multiple areas; Thomas Marrinan for English; Grace Connors for mathematics; Hannah Goldberg for social studies; Ian Palfrey for science as well as overall academic excellence in multiple areas; Alexandra Malamut for Latin; Luke von Maur for French; and Christopher Romano for Spanish.  Fine arts awards went to Sarah Huncke for vocal music; Joseph Colvin for instrumental music; Nikola Balac for drama; and Julian Bardin for visual arts.

In her remarks to fellow classmates, Class of 2012 president Melissa Imperiale emphasized the shared experiences throughout the school years that helped form a strong sense of unity within the class.  She cited class trips to Williamsburg, Virginia, and Washington, DC, and school experiences such as class picnics and field days, as well as the historic events of 9/11 and the election of the first African-American president as events that will leave a lasting imprint.

"We have, in particular, truly developed as individuals," Imperiale said.  "Our teachers, advisors, parents, and friends have encouraged us to develop the skills that give us the capability to work together and the courage for us to grow apart as independent and strong young adults.  We have learned the value of friendship, loyalty, and respect."

Speaker Patrick Tine, president of the Student Faculty Legislature, described his arrival at The Bronxville School as an eighth grader as a "revelation."

"The grace and graceful hospitality I received from my classmates is something I will treasure for the rest of my life and seek to pay forward wherever I go," Tine told his classmates and the audience.

Chosen by the Class of 2012 to be its parent speaker, Bob Flannery, father of graduate Dayton Flannery, asked why a group of such bright young people wanted to hear from him.  "But then, I thought, wait a minute.  This is every parent's dream.  There you sit with undivided attention and here I am with a microphone, ready to tell you what I think, and there is literally no chance you can run out of the room."

Flannery noted that, despite all of the graduates' personal achievements and triumphs, "for the Bronxville Class of 2012 it has also been about each other."  He praised the sense of empathy, "that wonderful ability to place yourselves in the shoes of another and take on his or her dreams as your own," as a hallmark of the graduating class.  "Quite beautifully," Flannery said, "you became a wonderful ensemble of support and achievement, and you pursued your goals as if you were one."

Flannery characterized the college years on the horizon for the graduates as "the beginning of the best years of your life" and advised the class to take advantage of all the things that might awaken an interest and offer a new direction.  "Be lifetime learners," he advised.  "Stay forever young, and utterly mad about life."

Mrs. Anne Abbatecola, director of counseling, read the roster of graduates, and Dr. James Hudson, president of the Bronxville Board of Education, presented the diplomas.

Barton noted that, for him, the Class of 2012 made coming to school every day a pleasure.  "They are fun-loving students who love to learn and love to compete.  This class truly became leaders in the high school.  I know they will all be successful at the next level."

Congratulations to Bronxville High School's Class of 2012!

To see photos of the graduation, click on the link below:

Bronxville High School Class of 2012 Graduation
Photos by A. Warner and Jim Hudson

Pictured here:  Bronxville High School Class of 2012 graduating seniors at their graduation ceremony on June 16.

Photo by A. Warner