June 22, 2011:  Bronxville High School's Class of 2011, the eighty-ninth class to graduate from the school, enjoyed perfect spring weather for its commencement ceremony Saturday evening, June 18.  Proud parents, other family members, friends, classmates, and alumni gathered on the front lawn of The Bronxville School to celebrate this milestone in the graduates' lives.

At 6:45 pm the bells at The Reformed Church across Pondfield Road from the school pealed a celebratory fanfare.  Dr. Denise Lutter gave a downbeat, and the Bronxville High School Orchestra began to play the processional.  The graduates, women in white gowns and men in tuxedos with white jackets, walked up the school's front walk and took their places on the stage.

Addressing his fellow graduating class members, Jack Begert, Student Faculty League president, said that, while he expected to impart some kind of advice to his peers, he found that task difficult since he has not had much experience in the adult world.  "But by exposing ourselves to new experiences and taking risks," he said, "each of us will go out to do incredible things."

Class President John Gray focused his remarks on the value of the friendships he built at Bronxville High School.  "I didn't know anybody during my first two years in high school."  He said that loneliness spurred him to reach out to his classmates.  "It shows how accepting the student body at Bronxville High School is," Gray continued.  "Look where I am today.  My friends were always there.  Chase your dreams, but keep your friends close."

John Q. Kelly, parent speaker and father of graduating senior Brooke Kelly, cited the remarkable quality of character and achievement the Class of 2011 had demonstrated within the mile-square community.  He praised school faculty and administration.  "All of it is part of your growth and development," he said, "and you had a spectacular support system at Bronxville High School.  They were your number-one mentors and constant cheerleaders. Remember to thank them."

Terence J. Barton, Bronxville High School principal, presented departmental achievement awards for excellence in English to Nina Goldman; in French (The Frank D. Littell Award) to Nicole Weiss; in mathematics to Kevin Easley; in Latin to Kirsten Noonan; in science to Jeanelle Weir; in social studies to Ryan Taras; and in Spanish to Charalambia Louka.

Barton awarded Gwinn awards for excellence in instrumental music to Kay Kulason; in fine arts to Alex Hartwell; in vocal music to Lydia Ciaputa and Hannah Geiling; and in drama to Sara Winant and Charles Diserens.

Charlotte White and Nicole Carpenter received the Academic Award for Overall Achievement in several subjects.

Barton lauded the intellectual curiosity, athletic prowess, and creative proclivity displayed by the Class of 2011.  "I'm very proud of you, and I'm confident that you're prepared to move on to the next step in your lives.  Congratulations to all of you."

Mrs. Anne Abbatecola, director of counseling, presented the roster of graduates, Dr. James Hudson, president of the Bronxville Board of Education, presented diplomas to each of the one hundred three graduates, and Principal Barton greeted and shook hands with each.

Diplomas in hand, the new graduates of Bronxville High School joined their families and friends for a reception on the school lawn after the ceremony.

To see photos of the graduation ceremony, hit the link below:

Graduation Photos

Pictured here:  Four photos:  Student Faculty League President Jack Begert, women graduates in white gowns, parent speaker John Q. Kelly, and High School Principal Terence Barton addressing the soon-to-be graduates.

Photos by Rick Rugani and Liza Near

Editor's Note:  We wish to extend a special thank you to Rick Rugani for taking the graduation photos and for delivering them with such a short turnaround.