Hats Off to the Scarsdale Class of 2011

Though everyone hoped for better weather for the 94th commencement at Scarsdale High School, the mood was bright and cheerful inside Scarsdale’s spacious gymnasium on Friday morning June 24th.

Heavy rains on Thursday night and a persistent mist on Friday caused the move inside, with the ceremony in the gym and the overflow crowd in the auditorium, watching on a large screen. Administrators were told that the wet weather could cause the failure of the electrical system and microphones, and therefore decided it was safer to set up inside. The last time the ceremonies were held indoors was 17 years ago in 1994, and at that time the school did not have the new, large gym.

Each student was given three tickets, leaving siblings, grandparents and well wishers to watch from the auditorium, but there were

few complaints. A proud, happy Class of 2011 enjoyed the day and the gym was surprisingly spacious and comfortable for everyone involved.

The event proceeded without a hitch, as 376 seniors in caps and gowns gathered in the bleachers of the old gym, together for the last time for a class photo. Promptly at 10 a.m. they lined up in alphabetical order and marched into the gym to the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance played by the High School band. The High School choir sang the national anthem, and the brief, but moving ceremony began.

Board of Education President Jill Spieler greeted everyone and introduced Board Vice President Elizabeth Guggenheimer, whose son was among the graduates of the Class of 2011. She estimated that each student in the Class of 2011 “entered and exited this building on average 2011 times during their high school careers, including trip to

Lange’s, Nonnis and Buon Amici.” She said the class had “breadth and strength” and congratulated them on energizing the school, doing research, participating in clubs and sports, and volunteering to help the disadvantaged. She encouraged them to continue to make a difference, to make the earth sustainable for future generations and to use their imaginations.

Wearing sunglasses, John Failla and Alexander Wess gave a comic introduction to their class advisors, teachers Jennifer Wagner and Jose Lamela, claiming the two could do almost anything. Speaking together the faculty advisors called the class of 2011 the greatest class ever and complimented them on their intensity, thoughtfulness and sense of fun. Quoting J.K. Rowling they told the students, “It’s our choices that show who we truly are” and urged them to choose to believes in themselves.

Next up, Class Secretary Naomi Weinstein had the pleasure of giving the Kenneth Rosenberg Award to classmate Emily Knapp. The

recipient is chosen by the class government and rewards a well-liked, helpful, friendly classmate.

Talia Plummer, the Class V.P. spoke warmly about the SHS staff and the impact they have had on the students. On behalf of the class, she thanked them for their support.

Taking the podium with poise and confidence, Class President Andrew Arbeeny remembered those who could not be at the ceremony, including parents and grandparents who passed away during the last four years at SHS. He spoke of Akshay Menon, a classmate who died tragically during freshman year and said, “he should be with us today.” He complimented the class on their high level of enthusiasm, remembering the gridlock that caused the cancellation of Junior Olympics, but also the successful prom party and senior play. Saying, “we all do something that matters,” he urged his classmates to remember to” stay involved.”

Principal John Klemme, who will retire this year, said it was a bittersweet occasion and a time for taking leave of friends, teachers and the SHS campus. But, he said, it is also an occasion laden with opportunities. Referring to his own departure and the students’ graduation, he said, “Like a diver on a cliff, we are caught between the present and the future … and since the world only spins forward, let the great work begin.” Quoting Toni Kushner he said, “Nothing’s lost forever. In this world, there is a kind of painful progress. Longing for what we’ve left behind, and dreaming ahead.”

Superintendent Michael McGill said his goodbyes to Klemme by granting him a Scarsdale diploma. He told Klemme, “you have served decently and faithfully, and you now have the best of all possible worlds; not only a Scarsdale education but a Scarsdale diploma as well.”

With that, Klemme waved goodbye to his last graduating class, and proceeded to grant the 376 students their high school degrees.

The weather could not dampen the spirits of the ebullient students and their proud parents who cheered as their children’s names echoed in the gym.

Pictured at top: Jack Eisenberg and Karan Aditya