Bronxville News

After years of hard work and dedication, Bronxville High School’s Class of 2018 completed its secondary school experience when the graduates took hold of their diplomas during the 96th commencement ceremony, held on the school’s front lawn on June 16.

Principal Ann Meyer welcomed guests and provided the opening remarks to the ceremony, which served as an opportunity to reflect on the students’ accomplishments and consider the great adventures that lie ahead. She recited the Bronxville Promise and encouraged the students to make that same promise to themselves as they embark on life outside of the school’s walls and the community. 

“The Class of 2018 has contributed so much to the school during your time here,” Meyer said. “You have been an extraordinary class. For all of your amazing accomplishments, academically and athletically, I think it is the caring and giving spirit of this class that has set it apart. I thank you for sharing that spirit with the school during your time at Bronxville.”

Caroline Kirby, a senior class co-president, encouraged her classmates to remember the challenges they’ve overcome to get to where they are, because setbacks help them learn from their mistakes and grow as individuals. 

“Bronxville has given us so much,” Kirby said. “Our small community is caring, encouraging, and supportive – and, as a bonus, it never forgets. In the future, this will not be the case. Embrace the fact that we’ll have the chance to move on, but remember the time we spent here, the good and the bad. Recall your lows but dwell on your highs.” 

She concluded her address by reciting a quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The world, and its problems, only exist in your eyes. You can make them as big or as small as you want.” 

Student Faculty Legislature President Griffin Garbarini began his address by thanking his parents for modeling how to be thoughtful and caring while also giving him courage and a sense of independence. He also thanked his teachers, principal, guidance counselor and fellow graduates for their support during his role as SFL president. He reflected on the close-knit community of Bronxville and encouraged his classmates to make a difference in the world.

“Being a part of the Bronxville School has been a great honor,” Garbarini said. “There is a huge, mysterious world out there waiting for all of us. But we have been built by the inspiring, generous, supportive community we have created, and we are ready to help build a new community.” 

Parent Larry Bettino, who was chosen by the class as this year’s guest speaker, offered his remarks to the Class of 2018 before the graduates were called one by one to receive their diplomas. Several students received awards for excellence in music, fine art, vocal music, drama, English, math, science, Latin, social studies, Spanish, French and overall academic excellence.