![Bronxville High School Celebrates Class of 2019]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1560804251/bronxvilleschoolorg/b4uftriatugayrppqlni/061719_class.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1560804251/bronxvilleschoolorg/b4uftriatugayrppqlni/061719_class.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1560804251/bronxvilleschoolorg/b4uftriatugayrppqlni/061719_class.jpg","width":521}])
Dressed in the traditional white dresses and tuxedos, members of the Bronxville High School’s Class of 2019 received their diplomas during the 97th commencement ceremony, held on the school’s front lawn on June 15.
After years of hard work and dedication, they celebrated the completion of their secondary school experience before an audience of faculty, family and friends. Principal Ann Meyer welcomed the guests and provided the opening remarks to the ceremony, reflecting on the students’ accomplishments.
“This is a special class and Bronxville is a special place,” said Meyer, who described the school community as supportive, caring, thoughtful and tightknit. “As each of you, the Class of 2019, embark on exciting adventures ahead of you, know that you have Bronxville to return to.”
In her address, senior class president Sophia Sulimirski encouraged her classmates to continue to work hard and embrace every new challenge and opportunity they encounter during the next chapter of their lives.
“There is a whole world out there, a whole life to live, and we will be thrown into experiences we can’t even dream of,” Sulimirski said “We are standing here because this town has made us who we are. Our past challenges have placed us where we are right now, but the rest truly is unwritten. There is so much to strive for.”
Student Faculty Legislature President Bridget Sands reflected on her experiences at the Bronxville School since kindergarten, the accomplishments of her fellow graduates and the bonds that they’ve built over the years.
“Right here, right now, will be the last time our cohort all stands together,” Sands said. “I’ve mentioned who we once were, who we are now, and now the open-ended question stands before us, who we will become. We’ve developed a great foundation of life lessons, academic growth, personal experiences and supportive relationships, not just among us students, but also with our parents and teachers.”
Parent Andrea Abbott, who was chosen by the class as this year’s guest speaker, offered her remarks to the Class of 2019 before several distinguished students received awards for excelling in music, fine art, vocal music, drama, English, math, science, Latin, social studies, Spanish and French, as well as overall academic excellence.
Receiving departmental achievement awards were Camila Blikstad for Spanish, Alisa Forminykh for science, Kirsten Ircha for social studies, Joseph Kochansky for French and overall academic excellence, Anna Normand for English, Sophia Sulimirski for Latin and Anton Tarazi for math. Lily Vorbach received the Bronxville Teachers’ Association award, given to a student who has expressed interest in the field of education. In the area of fine and performing arts, the Gwinn Awards were presented to Sophie Geer for instrumental music for orchestra; Lilly Martin for fine arts; Sophia Sulimirski for instrumental music for band; Lily Vorbach for vocal music; and Camila Blikstad and Madeline Hanley for drama. The David Quattrone Award for Engaged Citizenship was awarded to Anna Normand.
Bronxville School Superintendent Dr. Roy Montesano presented the graduates, who were called one by one to receive their diplomas by Board of Education President Jonathan Atkeson.