School's Out For Summer, School's Out For-Ever

The Class of 2012 said goodbye to their lives and cherished memories at Madison High School this past Friday, as each sauntered across the makeshift stage in the Farleigh Dickinson University gymnasium to accept their diplomas and embark on a new chapter of their academic careers. Every inch of space on the bleachers and every chair in the audience was occupied to its maximum capacity, filled with teary-eyed parents, relatives, teachers and friends, proud yet also nostalgic to see the seniors go.

Following a skilled rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by the Madison High School band, Senior Class President Peter Willis opened the ceremony with a personable and light-hearted speech in which he described his favorite high school experiences which he can now share as a memory with the rest of his class. His charming, exemplary personality and leadership qualities shone through during the culmination of his speech when he expressed his fondness for his fellow graduates with a heartfelt “I love you guys.”

Following the uproarious cheers and claps, which succeeded Peter Willis’ speech, Salutatorian Vijay Prabakaran took his place behind the microphone, instantly commanding the attention of the audience with his confident air. He began an eloquent and moving speech, which told the story of his journey to accomplish the success he has acquired today.  The story concerned Vijay as a young boy with a severe speech impairment, who was not expected to function in a standard classroom setting, but who worked hard and eventually became Salutatorian of his class and was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania. Vijay’s speech was short and sweet because, as he put it, “I have forced enough of you to listen to my class presentations over the years which have run for a full class period, you all deserved a short speech.” He descended from the podium, leaving the audience with a lasting feeling of respect for him and his achievements.

Finally, Valedictorian Jack Mahoney made his way to the microphone, and the crowd shifted in eager anticipation of what the student, well known for his clever remarks and humor, was going to say. Men and women throughout the gymnasium craned their necks in order to get a clearer view of Jack as he began to speak. Jack Mahoney delivered a sincere speech, inserting comedic interjections when necessary, but overall promoting a sense of closure and comfort with his words. Similar to the two prior speeches, Jack’s speech was reminiscent of his high school experiences. However, his words were uplifting and consoling all at once, as he made an effort to express that “Nobody has a definite plan.” He expanded upon this by saying, “I either want to run on the Olympic team, or become a monk and study under the Dali Llama.” It was comments such as these – witty, yet assuring – which elicited him an uproarious response from the audience.

Following a few touching speeches by adults and faculty members, the 205 students which comprised the senior class formed a line and methodically took the stage to accept their diplomas. The band was given assistance as the soundtrack to this process by the furious clapping and cheering emanating from the gymnasium. Finally, as 205 graduation caps soared through the air, the Madison High School class of 2012 had officially ended the period of their lives within the halls of MHS, and began new periods, each different from the shared experience they had during high school.