VIDEO: THS Class of 2011 Leaves Behind Their 'Castle'

Mother Nature held onto her rain and left the thunderous clapping to the hundreds of family and friends who gathered Thursday evening for Class of 2011 graduation.

Though heavy drops fell a few times throughout the two-hour ceremony, the graduates, school administrative staff, township officials and spectators enjoyed a dry, breezy commencement filled with balloons, good-natured student antics and plenty of hoots, hollers and tears of joy.

THS’s 81^st Annual Commencement was held at the school’s football field and began with the 344 seniors receiving their diplomas – a last-minute changeup to stay one step ahead of the weather.

Once all the students received their diplomas, Superintendent of Schools Barbara Pinsak made it official, asking the graduates to move their tassels to signify their achievement.

Class president Brian Thorn congratulated his classmates in his welcoming remarks and also lavished praise on the town in which he grew up.

“From its culture, to its schools, to its people – it’s a near Herculean task to try and come up with something that I don’t love about my hometown,” he said. “As Teaneck students, we have joined in a spirit that is truly unique, and we are lucky to have grown up in such a diverse, close-knit and supportive community.”

Salutatorian Rivka Rappoport told a story in which characters who resided in a “castle on the hill” lived out experiences similar to that of THS students. She ended by thanking her peers for being “genuinely awesome.”

 “Wherever you go next year, build yourself a home, and maybe you’ll find a castle instead,” she said.

Valedictorian Kanlayanin Jung said she and her fellow graduates were one step closer to achieving their dreams. She applauded the Class of 2011 for their determination and solidarity amid last year’s budget cuts. And she ended her speech by thanking her student-family for four years of memories.

Amid all the group photos, hugs and laughs, THS grads said they were excited about their big night.

Taylir Sanchez said the excitement of the big day didn’t hit her until she walked into the high school to prepare for the graduation with her fellow classmates.

“I will miss everyone so much,” said Sanchez, who will attend Rutgers in the fall to study evolutionary anthropology. “I’m going to spend the summer looking for a job, but I’ll mostly be spending time with my friends.”

Taximira Loyola also said that it just struck her on Thursday that “this is it” in terms of her high school career.

“Seeing everyone in their robes made me realize that this is our last big thing,” said Loyola, who’ll attend Seton Hall University to study anthropology.

Even though graduate Benjamin Hutt doesn’t know yet what he’ll do in the fall, he said his summer is all planned out.

“I’m traveling overseas to Israel,” said Hutt. “And, I’ll be working at a camp in New York.”

Graduate Billie Kurek said she’ll spend her summer keeping in touch with friends before she begins her first semester at Rutgers studying anthropology. She said she started to get emotional about graduation as soon as she saw everyone dressed in their gowns.

“There’s no question about it – I will cry today,” said Kurek prior to the commencement.

Kurek wasn’t the only person who shed tears during the ceremony; many parents could be seen wiping away a tear or two as their child’s name was announced during the distribution of diplomas.

“I thought it was amazing, and all the speeches embraced the spirit of Teaneck High School,” said Heidi Stonier who attended the ceremony with Randolph Leer, whose son Nathaniel graduated Thursday night. “I was crying the whole time. I’m so proud of him, and I’m proud of all the graduates.”

Janice Preschel, who is director of Helping Hands Food Pantry, came to cheer for her nephew Zach, who upon receiving his diploma, did a cartwheel over a table next to the stage.

“This was one of the most student-oriented graduations I’ve ever seen,” said Preschel, who’s a 1977 THS graduate. “All of the students looked like they had a lot of fun, and that’s what tonight is supposed to be about.”

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