Bronxville High School Sends Off Class of 2021

Bronxville High School celebrated its Class of 2021 graduates during its 99th commencement ceremony, held on the school’s front lawn on June 18. After years of hard work and dedication, the students marked the completion of their secondary school experience before an audience of family, friends, teachers and administrators. 

Principal Ann Meyer welcomed the graduates and praised them for their ability to face challenges with grace and resilience. 

“All of the faculty and I want to share how proud we are of how you have handled these difficult times,” Meyer said. “We want to congratulate you and wish you the best of luck as you embark on your next chapter outside of the walls of this building.”

During the ceremony, the students heard remarks from senior class president Tim Atkeson and Student Faculty Legislature President Liam Heraty. 

In his address, Atkeson expressed gratitude to the administrators, counselors, teachers, coaches and parents who have supported and nurtured him and his classmates throughout high school. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, he encouraged his fellow graduates to have confidence in their abilities, try new things, be kind and do what makes them happy. 

“Be confident, explore the world and have compassion for your peers,” Atkeson said. “Walk your own road and do a little bit of good along the way. There is a wonderful person within each of you, and for this I am lucky to have been your classmate. May each of you find happiness and success in the coming years.” 

In his remarks, Heraty expressed his mantra about living in the moment, quoting lyrics from Pitbull’s “Feel This Moment” and sharing an excerpt from Aesop’s “The Astrologer.”  

“No good speech is left without a moral to the story and a lesson to be learned,” Heraty said. “For me, at least, I learned that living in the moment, regardless of how cliche it sounds, is far better than living any time else. In the wise words of the turtle from ‘Kung Fu Panda,’ ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.’”

As part of a tradition at graduation, Meyer announced the names of several distinguished students, who stood up one by one to be recognized for excelling in various areas of academics and the fine and performing arts. At the conclusion, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roy Montesano presented the graduates, who were called one by one to receive their diplomas by Board of Education President Arleen Thomas.