Forty-three seniors graduate during 115th commencement in Morrisville, school board president’s daughter among them
MORRISVILLE – A double rainbow provided the perfect backdrop for parents who were taking pictures of their young loved ones, who had just graduated from Morrisville High School on Friday, June 14.
Rainy weather caused the 115th Commencement to be held in the gym where 43 students graduated.
For the Miller family, the graduation of the Class of 2013 had unique meaning.
Lauren Miller, class secretary, is the daughter of Damon Miller, who just so happens to be the president of the Morrisville School Board. Her mother is Judie Miller.
“It’s a rare opportunity to be able to have that,” the board president said.
He expressed his gratitude. “I thank the school board for allowing me to be president and have this opportunity to be right there on the front lines and congratulate my daughter as she graduated,“ Miller said.
The circumstance was indeed special. Right after the diploma was presented to her, she received a great big and long-lasting hug for the world to see.
Lauren described the experience of graduating as “surreal. It’s just so weird to be graduating from a school where I have been since the fourth-grade.”
She said the bond that the Class of 2013 has is incredible.
“I’ve known everyone for most of my life,” Lauren said of her fellow classmates. “Like many people said tonight, we are family.”
Judie Miller expressed her feelings about her daughter’s graduation: “Unbelievable, bittersweet and absolutely amazing! I am so very, very proud of her.”
The graduate’s younger brother, Ethan, said he “felt pretty happy” for his big sister.
“It’s going to be pretty different at the house now,” said Ethan, who is graduating from sixth grade.
His sister will major in public relations and minor in psychology at York College of Pennsylvania.
For Dionna Berry, the fact that she was graduating did not sink in at first.
“It didn’t really hit me until everyone started giving their speech,” Berry said. “It was kind of like it wasn’t happening and at the same time, it was like, ‘Wow! It’s actually happening!’”
She said that everyone was thinking about how small the school was. “We’re more like a family with everybody being so close,” she said.
Berry wishes everyone luck. “I know we’ll keep in touch since the town is so small,” she said.
In September, Berry will attend Everest technical school in Bensalem where she will learn to be a dental assistant.
Kevin Munoz, salutatorian, told the audience that commencement celebrates “a very significant moment” for the Class of 2013.
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Munoz said the Class of 2013 is small, but does not “lack ambition.”
“Everyone here wants to succeed,” he said.
Munoz said that while everyone in the class comes from different backgrounds and cultures, the seniors are all family.
“I feel proud to call these people my fellow classmates,” he said. “Most of us have known each other since elementary school. This would not be the case at a bigger school. This is what makes Morrisville special.”
Munoz proceeded to thank his parents in Spanish.
Meanwhile, Matthew Rosenwasser, valedictorian, said four years had passed by in such a short time.
He said the Class of 2013 will not forget all of the people who helped and supported them.
“The teachers and faculty have provided us with the knowledge and skills we need to succeed,” Rosenwasser said.
He thanked parents, family and friends who were there to congratulate them when they succeeded and to console them when they failed.
Rosenwasser thanked the coaches and advisors who taught discipline, sportsmanship and to make the best effort.
He recognized the administration and staff, who “kept the school running smoothly and kept us on the right track for graduation.”
Rosenwasser said the Class of 2013 is thankful for everything and will show their gratitude by making the most of all the opportunities given to them.
“After today, we will move forward into the world to create a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Superintendent Bill Ferrara said the students’ parents and the faculty each made sacrifices to help them reach graduation day.
He encouraged the youths to share their time “to help someone become a better person…When you volunteer your time, you get the gift that will last a lifetime. Become involved in someone else’s life in a positive way and dare to make a difference in their lives.”
Ferrara said the students’ lives depend on the choices they make and what determination they have to make those choices become reality.
He told the Class of 2013 that there will be many obstacles ahead.
“Your decision is quite simple: Are these obstacles or are these permanent barriers? When you get to these forks in the road, the most important decision you can make is the one you believe in. Don’t ever let anyone tell you what path to take. It’s your call. It’s your success. Always believe you are in control of it.”
1 comment:
great article and story about our little school. Congrats Damon and Judie on raising a beautiful daughter.
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