Glen Rock High School’s Sixty-Sixth Annual Commencement was held on Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. on the GRMS/HS Football Field.
The Glen Rock High School Band and Orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance” as graduates processed onto the field. Senior Class Vice President, Benjamin Lappan, welcomed attendees and led the flag salute, followed by The National Anthem.
Graduates were then welcomed by Senior Class President and Salutatorian, Virginia Liang, and addressed by Mrs. Michele Giurlando, GRMS/HS Principal. Mrs. Giurlando offered many pieces of advice to the graduating Class of 2024, one of which was to “remember that sometimes the days can be long, but the years are always short.”
“No matter how busy you are, no matter how hectic life becomes, take the time to find joy in each day,” she encouraged. “Listen to your favorite song, laugh with a friend, watch the sunrise or the sunset with someone you love. Soak in those individual moments that are so simple but that are infused with pure happiness. That way, when a momentous occasion comes along and you blink, you will have a treasure trove of joyful memories and will find yourself looking back at a life well lived.”
Liang and Daniel Erani, Class of 2024 Valedictorian, both proceeded to address their classmates with inspirational speeches. Liang urged her fellow graduates to step out of their comfort zones. “Moving forward, my advice to you is to take positive risks, and be unafraid of rejection,” she said. “Ask and be told no, rather than not try at all. Don’t be afraid of how other people perceive you and surround yourself with people who make you feel confident. Finally, seize every opportunity; if one door doesn’t open, another one will.” To practice what she was preaching, Liang rapped the remainder of her graduation speech to a captivated and supportive crowd!
In Erani’s Valedictorian speech, he emphasized the importance of being present. “Look around you and see all of your friends and peers wearing caps and gowns,” he said. “Look out into the stands and find your family. Plant your feet on the ground and feel where you are. Enjoy the feeling of being here, at your graduation, honoring your accomplishments. As we make this transition from teenagers to adults and embark on our new life journey, let’s all stop running from our lives because all we have is the present moment.”
Ms. Susan Wechtler, English teacher and Faculty Graduation Speaker, was introduced by Luke Prebola, Senior Class Corresponding Secretary. She touched on how life might be long, but to not spend too much time looking for “the next, and the next, and the next big moment.”
“Let yourself be open to awe right now–the bolt of lightning, the rainbow, the double rainbow, the perfect melody,” she continued. “Let yourself gasp, smile, cry. Life is long, but it’s so much sweeter if you sip it in instead of gulp it down.” She implored graduates not to rush away even the most uncomfortable moments. “Wear your sunscreen. Stay hydrated. Keep your mind pliable. And take care of your feet because you have so far to go. You are enough right now, as you are. Everyone out here right now–but especially the Class of 2024! Congratulations, my beautiful people. Keep reading all the books.”
Jacob Cece, Senior Class Treasurer, and Richard Pucci, Senior Class Recording Secretary, presented the 2024 Class Gift, a memorial plaque for beloved Art teacher, Mrs. Wendy Roche. The Chamber Choir and senior members of the Glen Rock Choir, under the direction of Mr. Carl Helder and Ms. Anna Lilikas, then performed a beautiful rendition of “Unwritten.”
Dr. Damali Robinson, Glen Rock Board of Education President, presented the Citizenship Awards to two outstanding seniors, Virginia Liang and Peter Renga. Afterward, Dr. Brett Charleston, Superintendent of Schools, addressed the graduates and their families and friends, recognizing numerous accomplishments of members of the senior class.
“Seated before you are just over 170 students that have earned their high school diplomas,” he stated. “It goes without saying that the Class of 2024 certainly excelled in academics, athletics, arts, and service. Consider that members of the Class of 2024 were offered nearly $17 million in scholarships.” Dr. Charleston continued by saying that having been part of the Glen Rock Public School system and greater community for the past several years, he has “witnessed a remarkable sense of community and school pride.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be the superintendent and I wish you the best going forward,” he said. “We are all very proud of all of you. Congratulations and go Panthers!”
Dr. Charleston then led the Certification of the Class of 2024, presenting the graduating seniors to Dr. Robinson and the members of the Glen Rock Board of Education. “I attest and certify with full confidence that members of the Class of 2024 seated before us have met or exceeded graduation requirements as outlined by the Glen Rock Board of Education and the Department of Education for the great State of New Jersey. They are approved to graduate and receive their diplomas with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. Congratulations, graduates.”
English teacher, Mr. John Milsovic, led the roll call of graduates while diplomas were distributed by Dr. Robinson and Dr. Charleston. Student Council President, Nicolas Tufano, concluded the ceremony by leading the Class of 2024 Tassel Ceremony.
The faculty recessed out to “Rondeau,” played by the Glen Rock Middle School/High School Band while audience members were invited to greet graduates on the field. Huge congratulations, GRHS Class of 2024!
Click here to view more photos, courtesy of Kacper Majewski '27.