New Rochelle HS Honors Class of 2022 Grads With Pomp and Circumstance

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Despite overcast skies, the city's future looked bright on Thursday as 668 graduating New Rochelle High School seniors were celebrated for persevering during challenging academic circumstances to forever become known as the Class of 2022.

The ceremony that took place on the high school's McKenna Field was a return to normal after pandemic protocols required last year's graduation to have two separate celebrations.

The festivities kicked off with faculty members donned in black gowns, leading the procession of graduates onto the field. Speakers addressed the large crowd gathered, with timely messages about the journey to the point and the strange days that might be on the path ahead.

City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Jonathan Raymond focused on the importance and future of freedom in his prepared remarks to graduates, families, faculty and staff.

“Class of 2022, your graduation today is an opportunity for you to take the skills you have learned here, along with your unique voices, to help build and preserve a more vibrant future for freedom, a better world where human dignity can flourish," Raymond said.

Raymond also praised graduates for resiliently coping with the pandemic as well as two months of remote learning to start the school year. The high school building opened to students on Nov. 1, 2021 due to flooding damage caused by Hurricane Ida.

“You persevered through a global pandemic and a natural disaster,” the superintendent told those gathered. “You represent the very best of New Rochelle, and you are already showing that you are leaders and have what it takes to help shape a better tomorrow. We are proud of you.”

New Rochelle High School Principal Dagoberto Artiles also recounted how the school year started with remote learning, but said there was an unexpected silver lining hidden in that experience.

“We finish this school year with a better appreciation for the need for connection,” Artiles said. “Help make a better environment for your community and your country.”

Class of 2022 President Jeba Karim echoed Artiles’ comments about the importance of community, recounting the extraordinary school year, from remote learning to graduation.

“I hope we carry the importance of connections no matter where life may lead us… Congratulations Class of 2022," Karim said. "We did it!"

Valedictorian Celine Glennon told her classmates that the unique challenges the Class of 2022 faced have prepared them to face future challenges with aplomb.

"I urge you to live happily and authentically," Glennon said. "You’ve all worked so hard for the past four years. Today we are here to celebrate that. You will be great and I wish you all the best.”

After the speeches, tradition took center stage, anticipation and excitement filled the air, graduates’ names were called, degrees were conferred and graduation caps were tossed toward the sky.

The Leonard Talner Memorial Award was presented to Maribela Dias. The award honors a member of the class judged by the Class of 2022 to have done the most for and brought the most honor to New Rochelle High School. Last week, the high school held award ceremonies honoring academic, extracurricular, and athletic achievement.