Mamaroneck High School Students Say Farewell to Hallowed Halls of Youth

For two years in a row, (MHS) graduates have battled the elements.  Last year, a rainstorm threatened to end the ceremonies prematurely, however, this year the moisture hung in the air instead of falling from the sky.

Last night, 348 graduating seniors plodded thorough a humid, soupy haze—for which a heat advisory had been issued for Westchester County—to stand on stage briefly and pick up their diplomas before they left MHS to start a new chapter in their lives.

"You're a group that is thirsty for knowledge," said Principal Elizabeth Clain, about the Class of 2012, continuing, "You will encounter people that don't know your backstory...you will enter the next stage of your life with a blank slate, a tabula rasa."

Salutatorian Daniel Cruikshank urged the graduating class to, "relish the small, silly moments in life."

Valedictorian Sarah Blunt described how she had changed over four years, most notably from a, "frizzy-haired girl with braces," to someone who excels at the cello, math and science.  

"Embrace your brilliance and your flaws," she told her fellow graduates, continuing, "Seek out your own adventure."

Senior Class President Jacob Seltzer presented the class gifts to MHS: bleachers for the visiting sports' team turf field and a plaque honoring MHS veterans of the Vietnam War.

As she has done in previous years, Ann Borsellino, president of the Mamaroneck Teachers Association, presented the only award given at MHS graduation: The Boothby Award, named in honor of Arthur Boothby, a Mamaroneck District superintendent from 1917-41.  The award is given to the senior who "best exemplifies the values of public education."  This year's winner was Dominique Jeanty, who came to Mamaroneck via Haiti and Brooklyn.

Before students tossed their hats sky high, Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps congratulated the class on their accomplishments.

"My pleasure and sense of pride has been in watching you excel," he said.

For a full list of all graduates, please click under the picture slideshow.