The purple and gold mortar boards exploded into the air; flying like so many pieces of giant confetti. An ending, a beginning, a celebration, hats off to you! Watch out class of 2016, the big world is just waiting to see exactly what you can do.
June 3, 2016, in the opulence of the 3000 seat State Theater on Euclid Ave. the One Hundred Tenth Graduating Class of North Royalton High School began to gather back stage to prepare for the commencement march. This moment is twelve years in the making. They had practiced for this ceremony. Everyone knew exactly what row they would sit in, how to approach the stage, receive the diploma, exit right, stop for a photo in cap and gown with diploma, then return to the seats.
It’s six o’clock. Teachers and school support staff are relaxing on folding chairs. John Dietrich, Senior Activities Director and English teacher, watches, as knots of students gather in the cavernous back stage area of the State Theater. Supervising graduation is one of his last duties for the class. All these young adults will be on their own soon. School counselor Scott Spessard, and other counselors will be busy through the summer; answering questions and gathering last bits of information for graduates moving on to university or jobs. At this moment all is in waiting. The diplomas so carefully prepared by the office personnel, are stacked in the correct order for presentation.
More seniors gather; laughing, talking, texting friends, and checking on family getting to their seats. The NRHS concert band is playing in the orchestra pit as the families reach their seats. Almost fifty members of the orchestra are seniors. Already garbed in cap and gowns they finish the concert selections, say good-bye to high school orchestra and move to the stage door. All other seniors are entering now creating a colorful flow of purple and gold as each graduate moves into their proper position. Faculty and administration enter dressed in baccalaureate black with “hoods” showing the colors of their various masters’ degrees. There is a hush back stage.
The lights are dimmed in the theater. The faculty takes their places. At least one mom says, “You have to go potty, now?” and moves to the aisle. Everyone stands for the Presentation of the Colors. The commencement orchestra plays the National Anthem. The processional begins as the nearly 370 graduates move to their assigned seats to the familiar sounds of “Pomp and Circumstances.”
The guests are welcomed. Commencement speeches are made. The class is presented and accepted for having obtained the proper certification for graduation. This is it; just minutes away from ending this chapter in their young lives.
The Roll Call of the Class of 2016 begins.
Thoughts from family: “Where did this time go? She was just in first grade.” “He looked so handsome in his prom tux. I hope he stays that way.” “I hope s/he knows s/he gets to pay part of the car insurance now.” “Curfew is still midnight until s/he’s eighteen, in July.” “I’m crying like I did when I put them on the bus for kindergarten.” “Is this over yet? Can I have the bigger room?” “I’m so proud of you, honey.” “I never thought s/he’d make it.” “Where did the time go? I hope they’ll be OK.”
The final name of the graduating class is called. Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude honors are recognized. Nine students receive recognition for entering Military Service. Principal Sean Osborne addresses the class for the last time. Band director Joe Mikolajczyk taps the baton to begin the “North Royalton High School Alma Mater.” The hats are tossed in the air. The graduates process out to Euclid Avenue to meet family, friends, and to greet their new beginnings.
Overheard: “If you turn your tassel wrong you have to come back to school.” “I hate these shoes; my feet hurt so much.” “I want pizza.” “This stage is a lot bigger than high school.” “I hope I can have the car later.” “My brother is bugging me to get out of my room already.” “I just want to get my diploma and get out. I need sleep.”
Text from: Estvan Tamoga, “I am more happy than my parents that I am graduating.” Tim Jordan, “I’m moving to Michigan for school and a job.” Megan Gwiazdowski, “I feel so much joy. I’m so glad to be with my ‘Bear’ family one last time. I am sad to say goodbye to the best years of my life :(” Brandy Wine, “My mother is proud and a little sad because I am growing up… she wishes me happiness. I’m going to Cleveland State in the fall.” (Nelson) Alex Torres, “I’m going to miss the swim team and competing with the people I’ve been able to call family. I’m nervous and excited for what’s to come. I’m going to Ohio State for explorations in medicine.” Alex knows all the words to ‘Hang on Sloopy,’ O-H **. Alex’s mom said, “Finally!” Ashlee Sydlo, “Graduation was so AMAZING. I am so proud of everyone. We did it! I will be attending Baldwin Wallace, but I hope to stay in touch with my friends. Congratulations Class of 2016!”
Look for the signs in the front yards that say NR 2016 graduate and their names; Aaron and Adam, Justin, Brad, Nikola, and Mike were just in one block. Congratulations to the moms and dads, grandparents and family members that made this possible. Good Luck to the Graduates. Make the world proud of you.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer