North Hills 2012 Commencement

awarded 370 diplomas to members of the Class of 2012 on Friday, June 8, 2012, at . 

“The Class of 2012 have dedicated numerous hours focusing on improving their academic capacity while preparing themselves for the next phase of their life. They have embraced North Hills’ pursuit of excellence and willingness to achieve in academics, extra-curriculars and philanthropy,” John Kreider, North Hills Senior High School principal, said.   

“Throughout their high school years these students have been challenged with rigorous and relevant coursework and have acquired an array of skills to prepare themselves for an ever-changing world. That preparation was always done with pride, dignity and perseverance.”

In his remarks, Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, superintendent, quoted Herb Brooks’ statement to his 1980 gold medal winning Olympic hockey team, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” Dr. Mannarino stated, “Opportunities are not luck.  Luck is simply the moment that opportunity meets preparation. My hope for you is that you see it is opportunity that helps us grow, opens our minds, and expands our perspectives.”

School Board President Tim Burnett used the analogy of 19^th century lamplighters who started their journey every night lighting the lamps with a flame by torch.  British writer John Ruston stated that “the lamplighter is a good example of how young men and women should live.  You may never have seen them but you know they passed through the world by the trail of lights they left behind.”   

“In a special way you have been preparing to be the light of the world and so as you go from North Hills with diploma in hand, be a gift to those who love you, and a gift to all those who you meet by letting that light continue to shine in your heart through good deeds by continuing the North Hills tradition of success in all you do,” Mr. Burnett said.

The graduating class includes three National Merit Scholarship commended students, a National Achievement Scholarship Program finalist,, AP Scholars, PMEA honors music students and WPIAL champions in and .

90-percent of this year’s graduates are pursuing a two or four-year degree at a college or university.  In total, the Class of 2012 earned $3,396,022 in scholarship awards.  

“As I reflect on their collective accomplishments and individual achievements, I see a group of students with the potential to have a significant impact on our society,” Mr. Kreider said. “I am confident they will represent North Hills Senior High School in an exemplary manner.” 

- Submitted by Tina Vojtko on behalf of the North Hills School District. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to Richard Cook at richinpgh@gmail.com. 

Share your graduation photos and memories with Patch.

Simply upload a photo of your graduating senior to this article by clicking the “Upload Photos and Video” button. Don’t forget to add a caption that tells your student how proud you are of him or her—or maybe a goofy story from their youth.

That way, your kind words will live on in cyberspace forever! 

Keeping up with news in the North Hills is easy—simply sign up for our daily email newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.