Congratulations to the Class of 2010 (More than 200 Photos)

The threat of a severe thunderstorm couldn't dampen the sunny mood of Livingston High School's graduation on Thursday afternoon.

Scores of proud parents, teachers and friends came together to celebrate the  Class of 2010.  The event was nearly thirteen years in the making, as much of the 404 members of the graduating class has been a part of the Livingston Public School system since 1997.

High temperatures and a severe storm watch forced school administrators to make the call to hold the festivities indoors in the Fitness Center instead of on the turf field behind the high school.

For many of the students, the day was a mix of emotions.

Senior Matt Fanning still cannot believe that he will not be returning to the high school in the fall. "It's a surreal feeling knowing that the one thing that is consistent in your life, seeing your friends every day, is coming to an end," he said.

Similarly, fellow classmates Mariah Emering and Amy Vaughn shared their disbelief that their time in the Livingston Public School system went by so quickly. Emering described the day as being "unreal" while Vaughn felt it was "liberating, yet bittersweet at the same time."

The tradional Pomp and Circumstance, which was recorded by the High School's various musical ensembles, signaled the start of the ceremony, as the students entered in pairs. Then senior members of the chorus took to the risers, along with a select group of teachers, and together lead the entire crowd in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

Principal Pamela McGroarty took the stage shortly thereafter and thanked the parents of the graduates. She then introduced the first student speaker, Jacob Poznak.

Poznak, whose impressive list of credentials include serving as a class officer to the student body as well as acting as president to the Peanut Butter and Jelly Club, addressed his peers. He acknowledged that by leaving high school the graduates were "stepping out of their comfort zone." He reminded everyone that "it may not feel all that natural at first, but know you are prepared and know you have received your training to be successful."

In addition, Poznak expressed gratitude on behalf of the senior class to teachers Mr. James Memory and Mr. Jeffrey Weibolt, both of whom helped with various school functions while they served as Class of '10 advisors.

Salutatorian Matthew Tse took the stage next. During his time at Livingston High School, Tse served as a cellist in the school orchestra and volunteered in various community organizations.

He described the ceremony as an "end of a journey."  He urged the audience to "touch and hold each memory, but do not toss them back just yet." Rather he asked his fellow classmates to "take their memories and start building with them."

Valedictorian Marissa Denker, who was influential in helping raise awareness about the dangers of smoking by launching the Livingston chapter of REBEL, took the stage soon after and she, too, offered some words of wisdom to her fellow classmates.

She reminded her classmates to simply "go out and do something" and "live up to their potential."  Denker stressed the need for her peers to become more independent and start the next chapter of their lives, which was a message that the two previous speakers seemed to convey.

"Up until this point in our lives, we've all just been passengers, our teachers have led us through our classes and the school bell has told us when to stop and go," she continued.

"It's time for us to take the driver's seat in our own lives," she continued. In one of Denker's final remarks, she encouraged her peers to "don't wait for opportunities, go out and grab them."

Principal McGroarty returned to the podium and reminded the graduates that "despite best efforts, there are life circumstances that cannot be overcome."  She continued to remind the students that "sadly [they] have learned the fragility of life through the personal loss of three classmates."  She then paid tribute to Andrew Becker, Thomas Alelov and Jennifer Kunkis, all of whom passed away during their time at LHS.

After a moment of silence and reflection, the ceremony proceeded and 61 Livingston graduates were awarded academic medallions for maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least a 4.0 for all four scholastic years.

Members from the Livingston Board of Education, including Superintendent Dr. Brad Draeger, took to the podium and verified that all members of the graduating class had successfully completed the necessary academic requirements to graduate.

After all the students had received their diplomas, the Class of 2010 gathered together for one last time and threw their caps in the air. Congratulations, Class of 2010!