School's Out: Parsippany High School Class of 2011 Graduates

Because of dark skies overhead and the serious threat of serious rain, the Parsippany High School 2011 graduation, held in the school's track stadium, went in reverse.

After a processional including town officials, Board of Education members and PHS faculty members, Principal Natalie Betz certified the Class of 2011 as officially graduated, to wild cheers and squeals (and a really, really loud horn). Diplomas were distributed thereafter.

In a particularly moving moment, Mayor James Barberio was called out to present the diploma to his own graduating daughter, Angela. 

At the speeches that followed, a theme emerged.

School Superintendent LeRoy Seitz talked about the importance of dedication and character.

"Take core values and live a life of great character, of integrity, of honesty," he urged the graduates. "Treat everyone with respect."

Valedictorian Mandy Liu urged her classmates to take risks.

"[Venture] into the unknown to find new character," she said.

Student Council President Patrick Merrill followed a similar semantic path, sending the Class of 2011 a message to "create and embrace change" and to create a "new, more tolerant and collaborative world."

Board of Education member Deborah Orme encouraged graduates to thank those who helped them along the way. She thanked them for their compassionate service during charitable fund-raising efforts over the years.

Principal Betz summed up the messages graduates were to carry with them into their next chapters: "Four words—world, country, love and service."

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door," she advised just before the new graduates sent their red and gray caps skyward. "Never let ambition guide your moral compass. Be compass setters."