The sun was shining and so were the radiant smiles of members of the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2016 as they participated in the school’s 54th commencement ceremony on June 24, 2016. Members of the board of education, administrators, family, friends, faculty and invited guests greeted the soon-to-be graduates with an outpour of cheers as they made their way onto the football field to celebrate their milestone achievement.
Prior to the conferring of the diplomas, students listened to a variety of inspirational and encouraging messages imparted by High School Interim Principal Dr. James Ruck, Board of Education President Andrew L. Kaplan and select members of the Class of 2016. Musical highlights throughout the celebration included special performances by the high school band as well as members of the concert and mixed choruses, who sang “In My Life” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Valedictorian Amanda DiMartini reminisced on the transitions she endured during her educational journey and how she embraced new challenges. “In my experience, the best way to embrace change is to set new goals,” she said. “It is important to have big dreams and to allow ourselves to chase after them rather than limiting ourselves.”
Class of 2016 salutatorian Zachary Wollman advised his fellow classmates to make the most of the opportunities in college and what the world has to offer. “Enroll in courses that seem interesting, play sports you are not skilled at but still enjoy anyway, make friends with people who are completely unique from anyone you have ever met, try activities completely outlandish and unfamiliar to you, be out going and open minded and you will uncover who you are through the things you come to love,” he said. “It is of utmost importance that we discover our passions and never cease in our pursuit of them.”
In his final address as Superintendent of Schools, Peter Scordo afforded congratulatory remarks to the Class of 2016. “I want to congratulate you on all your accomplishments in the classroom, on the playing field, on the stage and throughout the community,” he said. “You are an exceptional class and we look forward to hearing great things about you in the future.” In lieu of his retirement from the district, Dr. Ruck presented the first diploma to Mr. Scordo on behalf of the entire district for his years of commitment to the community and children of Elwood.
Following the distribution of diplomas to the Class of 2016, the senior class officers led the group in turning their tassels and ceremonially tossed their caps into the air. Following the recessional march, they reunited with their loved ones as official alumni of the Elwood Union Free School District.
Photos:
HS 1: Members of the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2016.
HS 2: Members of the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2016 held their decorated graduation caps.
HS 3: Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2016 received their diplomas.
HS 4: Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2016 cap toss.
HS 5: Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Class of 2016 valedictorian Amanda DiMartini (right) and salutatorian Zachary Wollman (left).
Photo courtesy of the Elwood Union Free School District
