t h e s c a r s da l e i n qu i r e r
g r a d u at i o n
J u n e 2 9 , 2 0 1 2 — Pag e 7 a
Edgemont High School
class oF 2012
ScarSdale InquIrer/JIM Maclean
Jacqueline Ehrenreich
Pomp and Circumstance meets the zombie apocalypse By Debbie Anders
u
s is the tradition of any graduation, speakers at edgemont’s senior commencement dispensed valuable advice to the class of 2012. Much of it was tried and true; and some of it was just a little quirky. Students and faculty gave instructions to work hard, take risks, be creative and —according to Jonathan Hansonbrook, be prepared for a zombie apocalypse. Hansonbrook, a popular foreign language teacher, said the way to survive in a world of rigid, inflexible nonthinking automatons — zombies who want to “eat you up”— is to combat them with creative thinking. “So surround yourself with good people,” he said. “You need a community, so seek out interesting and smart people.” Hansonbrook urged seniors to work hard, and push themselves and assured them that if they used the tools they were given at edgemont, “we would thrive in the event of a zombie apocalypse. So go rebuild,” he exclaimed. “Go do it, and get it done!” The sweltering heat on June 21 did not suppress the soaring school spirit that filled the 141 seniors, their friends, family, teachers, and administrators. Barry Friedman pointed out the cooling areas and comfort stations, restrooms and fire department assistance that were provided for the audience. Music director John catoliato conducted the edgemont Band’s rendition of “Pomp and circumstance” and music director Kelley Morse directed the edgemont chamber choir singing the national anthem. Senior Isaac Marshall welcomed everyone to the
ScarSdale InquIrer/JIM Maclean
Speaker Isaac Marshall graduation ceremony and praised his classmates for being like a family, noting their “shared memories. The class of one-two really pulled through,” Marshall said. In his last commencement speech at edgemont High School, outgoing principal dr. Barry Friedman reminded students they had not arrived alone, and that along with their hard work, they benefited from the efforts and love of others, “those who nurtured you, shaped you, mentored, consoled, and believed in you.” He asked the students to take the time to thank those “who gave of themselves for you.” Friedman thanked outgoing edgemont Board
of education trustees Gerald Stoughton, and lisa Wexler, senior class advisor darren Hawks for leading the class of 2012 through “a year of fabulous experiences,” art nelson “for helping craft this meaningful ceremony,” and graduation facilitator and science teacher Steve rubenstein, whose electric orange converse high tops peered out from under a black graduation gown. Friedman quoted albert einstein, who said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Friedman told the graduates to “seek joy in what you do, be open to things, to uncertainty, to wonder. Be open to opinions.” and perhaps the most empowering words of all, “Success is defined by you, not by others.” In his first commencement address, principal devan Ganeshananthan spoke about the misconception of what it is to be an “american” student. Ganeshananthan was born in the united States to Sri lankan parents and said many assumed he was not american because of his complexion. an acquaintance born outside of the u.S. asked Ganeshananthan if there were many americans in edgemont, “‘you know, white people,’ my friend said.” Ganeshananthan pointed out that “the question is very, very loaded in this day and age.” despite concern that the u.S. is lagging academically among other industrialized nations, he believes americans are “best in creative thinking.” Therefore, he said, “be and remain creative.” Senior class speaker a.J. Stoughton said that unlike so many of the heroes and heroines in literature, young people today are indeed equipped for what lies ahead. “How can we say we are powerless?” He urged his classmates not to be scared to
take risks or fail. “all that is certain is you and the people around you. I hope we try, even if we don’t succeed,” Stoughton said, adding, “The ‘how’ in the act is as important as the deed itself.” Stoughton’s father, Gerald, president of the edgemont Board of eduction, talked about academic paths that intersect and overlap among students and special relationships that allow students “to grow together as a class while pursuing individuality.” He congratulated the class on pursuing higher education in 60 colleges in 20 states in five countries on four continents. Stoughton harkened back to the 1967 film “The Graduate,” with the one word of advice a businessman utters to a naïve college graduate played by dustin Hoffman: “Plastics.” Stoughton said the one word he’d use to sum up advice for the future would be “balance.” Balancing academics with sports, balance in life, and yes, he said, balancing the school budget. “Find your proper balance and you will be ready for what lies ahead.” Finally, speaker ameya acharya remarked how quickly time had passed and which memories become the most meaningful. “When did I get so old?” as a child, she anticipated eating the cafeteria’s “coveted wraps” and “popcorn chicken,” and wondered when play dates would become real dates. achary pointed out that graduation is called commencement for a reason. “It’s not goodbye,” she said, “it’s ‘til we meet again.” Other senior class officers were Katie Goldman, avery Klemmer, Greg loftus and Jack Young. Superintendent nancy Taddiken, presented diplomas to the graduates. commencement exercises concluded with a reception for the senior class sponsored by parents of the junior class and the PTSa.