WTHS Class of 2021 Ends Challenging Year Under Sunny Skies
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In a year marked by challenges, obstacles and setbacks amidst a global pandemic, the Washington Township High School Class of 2021 crossed the finish line on a spectacular, sun- and joy-filled June evening, collecting diplomas and gathering up memories that will remain with the 544 graduates for a lifetime.
Members of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Joe Bollendorf and Principal Jonathan Strout presided over the school’s 56th Commencement ceremony on June 17th.
The theme of resilience and achievement echoed throughout the event.
Summa cum laude graduate and class salutatorian GuanYi Cao, the daughter of U.S. immigrants, recalled the hardships of the past year.
“We found ourselves in a global pandemic, distanced from our families and friends, with everything cast in uncertainty,” Cao said in addressing her classmates. “We felt disconnected and cut off. We have triumphed through the tears, the stress, the frustrations. In a year that truly tested our resilience, we were stronger and more determined. So let us stand here today and rejoice in the fact that we have overcome the many obstacles that have stood in our way. Today is a celebration of our strength and a gratitude to those who lent us their strength – our families, friends, teachers and administrators who worked tirelessly to return us to a semblance of normalcy. We can be the spark for change, kindling a flame against a prevalent darkness of immortality and injustice. Your voice and actions matter. Utilize them for good and always for what you believe in. Finesse life and seek your way around opportunities you are denied. There is no such thing as too much ambition. Stay hungry and stay curious. Let your aspirations water the seeds cultivated by your teachers, mentors and loved ones, sprouting the fruits of success. Let your dreams guild you as you pursue what you love and leave your mark on this world.”
“We are lucky tonight,” Superintendent Bollendorf said in addressing the audience of honorees and families who gathered in celebration. “What a beautiful night! I think we deserved a little luck after the year we have been through. Most of us are familiar with the anxiety of an uncertain future, as none of us really know what tomorrow may bring. This past year, if nothing else, has reminded us all of this truth. My advice to help you deal with uncertainty is to be true to yourself, to stay attuned to your values and to embrace the challenge of uncertainty. Recognize the difference between right and wrong, especially when confronted with the tough decisions, for often you will find that the right decision is usually the hardest one to make. I hope that the uncertainties of life will serve to motivate and propel you forward. Keep a piece of Township Pride in your heart, wherever your road leads.”
“You know what’s awesome?” Strout asked rhetorically in closing the ceremony. “You! Each and every one of you, individually and collectively as a class, are awesome. You are resilient, battle-tested and strong. Perhaps what is most impressive and commendable is the way you have carried yourselves through the chaos and the adversity that has been cast upon you as young adults in the middle of a global pandemic. When you began your journey four years ago, I am certain that none of you could have possibly thought that the road would have been as rocky as it was. The legacy left by the class of 2021 will be felt here at Washington Township High School forever.”
Washington Township High School principal Jonathan Strout takes in the celebration at the conclusion of the school's June 17th commencement ceremony.
Members of the Class of 2021, including summa cum laude graduate Trina Basu, proudly formed a long procession into the stadium.
Senior Mackenzy Sambor and her service dog “Waffles” enter the graduation ceremony, as her mother and Chestnut Ridge Middle School teacher Beverly Sambor, follows.
The summa cum laude graduates of the WTHS Class of 2021 included (left to right) – Anabel Guo (valedictorian), Francesca Dostillio, GuanYi Cao (salutatorian), Emma Cueva and Trina Basu.
WTHS Class of 2021 Valedictorian Annabel Guo shares the joy of the festivities with her classmates.
Salutatorian GuanYi Cao urged her classmates to “finesse life.”