Groves Class of 2011 Celebrates Graduation

When the seniors from the class of 2011 came out to celebrate commencement Sunday, they did so in song.

Three hundred and forty seniors crossed the stage at the 2011 Commencement Ceremony at Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac. The ceremony was marked by both the strong sense of community that defines Groves High School and the creativity and passion that fuels its graduating class.

"The world is waiting for that one unique thing that you will contribute," said Groves principal Fred Proctor. "Take Groves High School with you. Take the lessons and respect with you. We are exceptionally secure that you are well prepared for your future."

Birmingham Superintendent David Larson echoed those statements, noting that graduates today have a new set of skills for dealing with the challenges of 21st century America.

"You have skills, you have confidence, you will make it work," Larson said. "We are confident that you are well prepared."

During the ceremony, seniors Alena Gijsbers and Patrick Moran were awarded the Tom Carson Memorial Award by Groves PTSA President Jill Robnett. The award is named after Groves' first basketball coach who passed away suddenly after a game in 1968. His main message to his students, Robnett said, was to do something with your life.

"These students don't need to be outstanding academically or athletic superstars," she said. "They are just good, all-around people."

Moran was also one of two student speakers, alongside senior Lauren Hafen. But instead of relying on speeches, Groves highlighted its commencement with performances from various seniors and student performers. Seniors Alana Walker, Diarra Robinson and Katie Nicholls performed Sweeter, a song written by Walker. Groves' Evergreen Singers performed, as well as senior Amos Warren III and acclaimed graduating Groves violinist Margaret Starr.

In the end, Hafen instructed her classmates to reconize how far they've comes while also drawing attention to the cusp on which they all stood.

"This (moment) is the culmination of how many years, how much planning, how many tears, smiles, laughs, late nights, dragging mornings, frustrations and exhultations. How many memories and how many moments," she said. "One moment can mean so much. The implications of a single action are endless but it is that small window of time that comes that comes just before the action where the possibilities abound."

Class of 2011 in profile

• Number of students: 340
• Groves Student Congress (GSC) Co-Presidents: Lisa Surnow, Robert McGowan
• Senior Activities Committee (SAC) Co-Presidents: Brady Dwyer, Jacob Timmis
• SAC Vice President: Jake Prosyniuk
• GSC Representative: Shon Johnson
• GSC Representative: Zachary Migdal
• GSC Representative: Sarra Serhane
• GSC Representative: Ava Stachelski

Accomplishments and accolades