Photo Gallery: Sewickley Academy Graduates Earn Diplomas

Amidst cheers, laughter and tears, Senior School Class of 2012 became graduates.  

Lauren Tancer, class president, addressed her classmates at graduation, which took place on Wardrop Field. Tancer said she believes each member of the class helped shape her into the person she is today.  

"I ask that each and everyone of you go in your own direction and succeed in what you may do," she said, "and if you don't succeed on your first try, keep your head held high and continue with your pursuits."

Head of School Kolia O'Connor told the graduates to allow college to be a journey of discovery, no matter the school, goal or major. He said students should choose to take electives in the liberal arts or humanities that ignite their passions.  

"That would certainly be a risk worth taking," he said. 

Richard P. Simmons, trustee emeritus, addressed the graduates, pointing out the many changes that have occurred since he graduated, most in the last 20 years. 

"There were no computers when I graduated. There was no Internet, there were no social networks. The world was analog, and not digital," he said.

"Life is changed at an increasing velocity. Each of you will be challenged by change as you move through different milestones in your lives," Simmons said. 

Simmons' has two children who graduated from the academy and five grandchildren currently at the acadamy, one of whom graduated Sunday. 

Of the 75 graduates, 15 graduated as members of the Sewickley Academy Chapter of the . 

O'Connor also recognized students with the following honors: Ann Magovern, Utkarsh Rajawat and Sarah Weber were presented with the Global Studies certificate; Michael Sutton; Ann Magovern received the Headmaster's Award; Madeline Greathouse received the Academy Award; and Christine McGinn and Carrington Motley received the Cavalier Cup. 

Patch congratulates the Class of 2012! Share your photos and video in our gallery by clicking "Upload Photos and Video" button.