Paramus High School Seniors Reach Milestone Graduation Despite Excessive Heat

Inside the Pitkin Educational Center at Bergen Community College (BCC), approximately 300 high school seniors, their families and friends, waited anxiously to receive their diplomas.

The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on the George W. Hodgins Stadium turf field, but a heat wave driving temperatures up to 100 degrees forced the district to relocate.  

Principal Kurt Karcich said the district was able to accommodate every students with four guests at the BCC, and was grateful to the BCC and the district's maintenance staff for setting up the graduation within 24 hours. 

"It was really a great combined effort between Bergen Community College and Paramus High School," said Karcich. "It was a packed house, but it was a wonderful ceremony." 

Karcich said the student speeches highlighted achievements, school pride, and how much they enjoyed their four years.

His speech pointed out how special and unique the class of 2012 presented themselves and the great diversity of the group within the categories of academics, music, arts, and athletics.

"Some schools are good in one area or another, but we have it all across," Karcich said. "That's because of the character, integrity, drive and determination. All these things are qualities the led to success in high school and will undoubtedly lead to success later in life."

According to Karcich, this was the first year a valedictorian was recognized during graduation. Karcich said in the past, the district chose to keep the focus on the entire student body.

But after several members of the student advisory committee requested valedictorian Marisa Andreazza be recognized for her achievements, Karcich presented the idea to the school board and it was passed.

Many of the graduates are moving on to some of the top colleges across the country including Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, The Polytechnic Institute of New York University, and Tufts University.        

According to Karcich, Paramus High School offers a wide variety of very challenging college level courses including 22 different advanced placement courses. A high percentage of students took AP level courses.     

"We also have relationships with Syracuse University through a course called which is SUPA, and Seton Hall University, which is SHUPA," Karcich said. "And affiliations with colleges and universities offer a sneak peak at what students can expect in college. That's what gets our students ready to take on the next level."