If you attended the 2013 Morristown High School commencement, you probably were too excited to listen closely to what was said. It’s worth another look when you have some quiet time; lots of talent and thoughtful reflections were on display.
You can toggle through the video playlist above to see all of Wednesday’s speeches, and music, too.
Even if you have no personal connection to any of the players, you still may find these clips worthwhile. They are like mini time-tunnels, transporting you back to a moment of pure emotions and youthful possibilities.
The video lineup looks like this:
Valedictorian Cathy Wong and Salutatorian Brett Harvey give the perfect graduation speech for our less-is-more era. Consolidating their addresses, they describe a light-hearted search for perfect words that becomes a metaphor for their high school quest for meaning. Their team effort also symbolizes a theme of the evening: Community.
Student Government President Megan Angulo keeps it short and unsentimental, refusing to buy the line that high school is the pinnacle of life. She hopes the best is yet to come.
Class President Charles Sanderson, a scholar-athlete (track, wrestling, chariot racing), acknowledges the community that contributed to his success.
In a classic primer on how to deliver a short, powerful speech, Interim Principal Ethel Minchello shares personal lessons from the Holocaust and urges graduates to embrace the power of community.
Graduation is a time for Chances, which is what the MHS Senior Choir sings, directed by Michael Nuzzo.
Yes, they still sing Alma Maters in 2013. And this is why.
Morris Schools Superintendent Thomas Ficarra has a sly way of finding clever angles every year. This time, he connects two Infernal authors, Dan Brown and Dante, to tease out the danger of neutrality, a form of cowardice that hamstrings the spirit and smothers potential. “Don’t be neutral. Don’t be afraid to fail,” the super counsels. “Respond to challenges with energy, courage and commitment, and you will have no regrets. And I am confident you will reach your goals.”
Kamau Dumas played hard on both sides of the football, helping the Colonials win a state title in 2010. On graduation night, he reflects on Morristown High School, his future, and his mom.
Last but not least…22 seconds of senior bliss, captured by MG Correspondent (and recent MHS grad) Ben Burgess.
FULL COVERAGE OF THE 2013 GRADUATION
Speaking of community…if this coverage has value for you… if you are grateful that these memories have been preserved for your future enjoyment… if you want this coverage to continue… PLEASE MAKE A DONATION to MorristownGreen.com.