While Montclair High School’s Class of 2020 commencement ceremony did not
take place in person on June 24, there was plenty of tradition, pomp and
circumstance in the reimagined
virtual edition.
Families gathered around screens, graduates donned their caps and gowns and celebrated their achievements.
Photos courtesy of Baristanet.
Graduating senior Katherine Platte led off with a beautiful version of the
Star
Spangled Banner.
Estée Goel, MHS Student Coalition President, was the first to address her fellow students. She spoke of how the
unexpected consequences of COVID-19 affected senior year. “Change is constant and
we never know when there will be another one. Our task is to overcome them, not
always with grace, and be ready to tackle the next one,” she said.
“Montclair is
not perfect, but it is a place that encourages us to express ourselves and be
who we are. Though our high school career is marked and scathed with the millions
of crazy things we endured, we can’t let those overshadow our accomplishments
and though they are not being celebrated the way we imagined them, it does not
discount the fact that we really did it all. If there’s one main takeaway from
our high school lives, when we work together, we achieve the impossible. I can
confidently say the Class of 2020 are the most adaptable people I know.”
Principal Anthony
Grosso, his last ceremony at Montclair High School, reflected on the resilience
of his students. “Your time at MHS has been a time filled with joy and
jubilation but also unexpected change and tribulations. Within these times has been
a presence of loss. A loss of what could have been and a loss of what was
expected to be. Through the loss, emerged a sense of strength and togetherness
that allowed you to bind together to understand the true meaning of what it is
to be a Mountie,” he said.
“Being a
Mountie gives each of you the ability to recognize compassion and the need for
service to others. Being a Mountie allows each of you to recognize the need for
diversity and the call to fight for what may not be popular, but what is needed.
Being a Mountie has taught you how to be a human being and you have taught our community
what the next class of Mounties must accomplish to walk in the footsteps of
giants,” he continued. “Find your voice. A voice that calls to all people to do
what is needed and what is right. A voice of equality that recognizes the need
for diversity. A voice that bleeds blue but also offers all the colors of the
rainbow to those who need to be heard, recognized
and understood. Finding your voice may not be easy. It may take years to discover.
Let your voice echo the essence of Mountie pride.”
Grosso’s
speech was followed by
Song of Farewell, sung by the Madrigal Choir.
MHS Senior
Class President Mia Rodriguez-Vars then offered remarks. Her speech too, was tinged
with reflections on the unexpected turmoil of what she referred to seemed like something
out of a dystopian novel. “While it may feel like there is a 2020 curse, I have
a different interpretation. I think that we are chosen. I am convinced that our
class is going to change the world. We have been raised in these tumultuous times,
not just to climb mountains but move them. I know it sounds cheesy but I know
our class is truly exceptional, ” she said.
“When looking
at the news, I often feel defeated by the challenges that lie ahead and the
world that we are inheriting. But when I look around to the classmates I am
graduating with today, the world doesn’t seem so daunting. I am surrounded by creative
thinkers who will innovate new solutions, intelligent scholars who will educate
the coming generations, by powerful artists who will design the future, inspiring
leaders who will continue to lead and doers who don’t just demand action but
take it. Together we will take the world by storm and I cannot wait to do it beside
you.”
She was
followed by special guest speaker and MHS alumni, Jason Geter ’95, CEO of Heavy
Sounds Lab. He offered encouragement and advice. “You guys are tough and built
to change the world. Despite all these challenges, 2020 hasn’t been canceled.
It’s the commencement of your new life in a renewed world,” he said.
“The decisions
you make today are crucial because they affect
your tomorrows. Those decisions will either create or destroy your future
because these next few years will set the foundation for your life.”
He outlined
four takeaways: “Nothing is guaranteed, so take risks. Success doesn’t come
looking for you. You’ve got to go after it. This is what distinguishes the dreamers
from the doers. You won’t get far by playing it safe.
“Develop a
strong moral compass which is really about having integrity. Be fair, treat all
people with respect and be an honest and open communicator.
“You will always
need the help of other people, professionally and personally. Your community
provides support, guidance and allows you to foster valuable relationships.
Where one of you is weak, the other is strong.
“Network
to make your dream work. The more connected you are the better your chances of
success. It’s a marathon mentality, not a sprint,” he concluded.
And for
his final thoughts, he relayed words of wisdom his father imparted on him. “You’ve
been given a toolbox and some tools: the tools of creativity, vision and passion.
Start building with what you have and as you get better, so will your tools. You
may have graduated, but the school of life is now in session. Change the world!”
Interim
Superintendent Nathan Parker shared his thoughts. “It’s hard to imagine how
challenging and disappointing the last several months have been for you. Just
as you were looking forward to hanging out with friends, partying and reminiscing,
things were locked down.
In spite
of the many challenges, I was particularly struck by how you supported one another.
We are
proud of your academic achievements, your work in theater, music and visual arts,
victories and challenges in athletics and community service,” he said.
Parker
left students with the words of Mohammed Ali: “Impossible is just a big word
thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been
given than to explore the power to change it,” and Steve Jobs: “Have the courage
to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
Board of Education President Latifah Jannah addressed students before accepting
the Class of 2020 for conferral of degrees. “You have come of age during a global
pandemic and an outcry for justice. You have been gifted by the love of family,
the relationship of friends, teachers, counselors, coaches, administrators
and others who have helped to shape and prepare you for this moment,” she said.
I celebrate your strength, fearlessness and the opportunity to go forth and be
agents for change. Continue to speak truth to power and walk strong as you set
off on your journey.”
A slide of
each graduating student appeared on the video with their names being announced.
The
Alma Mater
concluded the ceremony.
As part of a town wide celebration, the community came
together following the virtual ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2020. Residents stood
on their lawns, shared music and applause to send graduates off.