Hats Off to the Edgemont Class of 2012

Everyone was proud and cheerful on the afternoon of the 56th Edgemont High School Commencement, despite the blistering 99-degree heat and heavy humidity outside. The 143 seniors swiftly marched into the center of Edgemont’s California-style campus, to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance, played by the high school band.

Once the class was seated, Dr. Barry Friedman made brief opening remarks, followed by a witty welcome speech by senior Isaac Marshall. Marshall noted the abundance of inside jokes that the senior class shared, including their elaborate prank on the school just a few weeks ago, and congratulated his classmates on “making it rain” college acceptances.

Dr. Barry Friedman took the podium again, warmly giving the class sound advice for the future. Next was the principal, Devan Ganeshananthan, who praised the students for their creativity and for their sense of community and teamwork.

Gerald Stoughton, from the Board of Education, reminisced on when he first moved to Edgemont, explaining that the community truly revolves around the schools, and that it is education-centric.

The charismatic Jonathan Hansonbrook, a Latin teacher who the students had voted to speak, was next at the podium, humorously comparing life after college to a zombie apocalypse and reflecting upon the tools for success that Edgemont has given its students.

Next was student speaker A.J. Stoughton, who warmly congratulated his fellow classmates, urging them to never be afraid of the future and to always maintain lifelong friendships with good people.

Last was the poised Ameya Acharya, who reflected on her childhood memories in Edgemont, noting how she looked forward to all of the monumental events in high school. She wished her classmates good luck ins their future endeavors.

The clear theme of the ceremony was the friendships and team experiences that develop during high school. Each speaker noted that the people are what made their time at Edgemont memorable, and that the community would not be the same without the strong group relationships that radiate throughout it.

Graduating senior Daniela Melamed described the commencement as “a surreal moment. It was truly remarkable to see the culmination of all of the hard work and memories shared by the class of 2012.”

The afternoon ended with the student’s families cheering for them as they each walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. It was a ceremony filled with laughter and memories, which will be remembered for years to come.

Article by Tatiana Melamed and Photographys by Mariela Melamed ( see more photos here)