USC Seniors Say Goodbye to High School and Hello to the Future

Gun-metal gray skies swirled ominously over and confusion about the location of the commencement exercise swirled about as well. Ultimately, Principal Michael Ghilani and Superintendent Patrick O’Toole decided to hold the 2011 commencement ceremony outdoors in the football field, instead of the gymnasium inside.

A sea of brightly colored umbrellas unfurled as the crowd gathered amidst some sprinkling rain drops. As the orchestra gathered, the rain  began to fall harder, but it cleared as the band played “Pomp and Circumstance” and the processional began.

Student council president Anas Hoque delivered a brief inspirational message. He was followed by senior class president Harris Beck who delivered welcoming remarks, honoring the fathers, mothers, grandparents and friends of family present to support their loved ones graduating. He cited an anonymous poem about the event, “We are here together one last time.” The poem sweetly wished for those gathered to cherish their time together.

In a student body of 354—twenty of which were valedictorians—three additional senior speakers were chosen to deliver an address to the crowd.

Student Evan Pye said, “After eighteen years of answering questions, we move forward asking questions.”

In his closing, he said, “Congratulations Seniors, and to the rest of the world, get ready for us!”

It had a swell of cheering from the seniors and the audience.

Jeff Barkas spoke about the school’s athletic and educational merits. He said, “Academically the school is first in the state for the sixth year in a row.”

Another swell of pride erupted from the seniors, friends and family.

He plied platitudes of pride and gratitude mentioning two powerful aphorisms, “Who you are is how you lead,” and “Dream big, work hard.”

Avisha Shah, the last of the senior speakers, evoked beloved 80s icon Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

She continued with, “You have to enjoy life. If you don’t chill out, you will burn out,” and closed with, “We are the 2011 Class of Upper St. Clair High School, the bold, the brave, and the beautiful.”

At the end of her speech, she introduced Dr. Ghilani, the high school principal. Ghilani spoke about the 354 students in the graduating class and their numerous awards, honors and recognitions.

Dr. O’Toole, the school superintendent, had a few remarks for the commencement. He joked, “All my education and learning, really, the only thing people care about is my judgment on snow days and delays. Today is a perfect example.”

The crowd laughed as it continued to rain. He recited an abrievated speech due to the inclement weather.

The school board President, Harry Kunselman, also spoke briefly about looking toward the future. Then, the diplomas were awarded.

As the final few names were called, the rain began to come down even harder, but it did not deter the spirits of the graduating class.

After the ceremony, the class, in an expected moment of exaltation, threw their caps high into the air signifying the end of the ceremony.

As the seniors exited the football field, Matt Mendelson and his friends, Eric Krolczwk, John Rutkowski, Joel Klein and Kyle Newlands collected caps and gowns for their . The group is gathering up the graduation attire for less fortunate high schools, particularly for Sto-Rox High School, a school between Stowe Township and McKees Rocks, and for McKeesport Area High School.