Juliana Kemenosh, Valedictorian, had some praise for her fellow graduates at Ocean City High School.
“Each and every student has done something exceptional and unique in their own right,” said Kemenosh. “Our athletes, our arts and science students and our musicians are all at the very top. And though each person is different – they have a common thread: a fire in their stomach, a passion for what they love to do.
“Find your passion and you will find your happiness.”
Threatening skies held off last night and the Commencement Exercises of the OCHS Class of 2016 went off without a hitch.
“Kemenosh, who is headed for the University of Pennsylvania, also praised Salutatorian Nickolas Eisele: “You have pushed me academically more than anyone possibly could,” she said.
Eisele offered advice to his fellow graduates: “You must keep asking questions about the world. You must seek an answer for every question that you can think of.”
The event drew a packed crowd at Carey Stadium, with friends and relatives spilling into the visitors stands and ringing the running track.
A special moment took place when Dr. Matthew Jamison, Principal, welcomed members of the Ocean City High School Class of 1966, on had to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation.
Crystal Campo and Alonzo Legett were among a group of about a dozen cousins, aunts and uncles on had to support their graduating relatives Garrett Jaquan Jones and Grace-Ann Ja Nis Jones.
Garrett is headed to Delaware Valley College, where he will play football and basketball, and Grace-Ann will pursue a singing career, Alonzo said.
“I (told the graduates) it’s all over,” Alonzo said. “Fun and games are over, now it’s all about the real world.”
When the public address announcer called their names, the relatives erupted in cheers.
The event began with introductory remarks by faculty member Mrs. Rebecca Santoro and a processional of the graduating class to the traditional strains of Pomp and Circumstance. Male students wore red robes and caps, the females wore white.
Class officers included Vu, Vice President William Cundiff; Secretary Julie Kampf; Treasurer Shannon McLaughlin; Historian Molly Salmonsen.
Following the flag salute, the national anthem and their alma mater, the Senior Song “For Good” was sung and the addresses of Kemenosh and Eisele took place.
Jamison presided over the presentation of diplomas, as each member of the class walked to the podium to receive their certificate. Class President Minh Vu then presided over the “turning of the tassels” to signify the class members were now officially high school graduates.
