Cinnaminson High School’s graduation ceremony started off strong earlier this month, when Principal Ryan Gorman thanked the Class of 2023 for a day without disruptions.
“This is my fifth year as the principal and this is the very first time there has been no impact by weather, global pandemic, social distancing or really any other world events,” Gorman noted. His welcome remarks included a thank you to students and families.
“The success that we achieve as a district is inextricably tied to the support and dedication of the overall CHS (Cinnaminson High School) community, and you have proven time and again to be outstanding partners in the creation of incredible young people,” he added.
Gorman’s hope for alumni is that they recognize they can influence their own reality.
“The time, energy and effort that you have dedicated to developing your skills here at CHS are an investment in a prepaid plan for success,” he explained. “You have developed all of the tools necessary to build the future of your dreams.”
“ … Be the person that pushes on through adversity and fights to get back up when knocked down,” Gorman continued, “as those who do will be on the way to accomplish their dreams.”
Valedictorian Alexander Boyko noted how receiving a diploma compares to a door of opportunity to the first day of the rest of students’ lives.
“Athletics, the arts, service, academics and more have shaped your remarkably diverse characters in remarkably diverse ways,” he said, “leaving each of you with a deeper responsibility to make your own legitimate, positive change in the real world.”
Salutatorian Emma Schrier described how the next chapter in life is a fresh start for her and her peers, a journey that will involve self-discovery.
“As we venture into college, the military, the workforce and the rest of our lives, it’s time to uncover who we are and who we want to be,” she observed. “By doing so, we can strive to express our identity in a manner that aligns with our authentic selves.”
“While this journey may not be easy, authenticity is a quality that will propel us forward, helping us to make genuine connections with others and instilling a sense of confidence in ourselves.”
School Superintendent Stephen Cappello explained to students that although they’re entering a world of unknowns that includes harnessing the powers of emerging technology; rebuilding critical infrastructure; teaching children; and engaging in social justice reform, among others, – there isn’t anything they can’t overcome.
“There is no algorithm for ethical and character-based decision making,” he pointed out. “These are skills that you have been developing over the last four years, intelligently. There’s nothing artificial about that. Those of you who have endured the worst, instead of succumbing to the pressure, you’ve used adversity to overcome all, while building up those around you.”
“ … Emma (Schrier) challenged you earlier to uncover who you are and who you want to be, and I couldn’t agree more …” Cappello added, “but remember that you’re always a pirate.”
After the handing out of diplomas and the passing of the president’s gavel, the school concert and chamber choirs ended the evening with Song of Farewell, followed by the symbolic turning of the tassels.
“Congratulations again to the Class of 2023,” Cappello said. “I can’t wait to watch what happens next.”
