Pomp and Circumstance as Students Look to Their Futures

By Nelly Bly, Dispatch staff writer

"We'll remember always--graduation day!" So go the lyrics of a pop song that the Hillside High School 80th graduating class has never even heard of. Songs may change (except for "Pomp and Circumstance") and styles may change but some things never do. There are still the speeches from local dignitaries that you can only hope the students will listen to. Usually, but not always, these contain upbeat messages about believing in yourself and making dreams come true. This year, seniors heard Dr. Raymond Bandlow, superintendent of schools; their principal, Dr. Milton James; Karen McCoy Oliver, mayor and Sip Whitaker, board president.

But, other than getting their diplomas and celebrating with their friends, what they really want to hear are their own colleagues. Franklin Frierson and Kianna Hooper, co-presidents of the senior class provided a welcome and a farewell, Serapis Williams led the Pledge of Alleigiance, Rachel Foster sang a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the Senior Elite Choir comprised of Robert Allen, Tessa Gittens, Joy LeBlanc, Ebony Risher and Omar Winston sang two gorgeous songs in dazzling four-part harmony.

Salutatorian, Sergio Guzman and Valedictorian, Vivian Castano spoke on "Building a Bridge Between Our Past and Our Future to Achieve Happiness." Ms. Castano, whose parents are deaf, made quite an impression by having an interpreter for the deaf simultaneously signing her speech.

The bleachers were packed with family and friends and the field was filled with teachers in caps and gowns. From the Woodfield Stadium stands we saw Hillside Board of Education members Sergio Bichao, Tasha Saffold, Nagy Sileem, Elbert Smith and Nathalie Yafet were also there to honor the graduates and to hand out some diplomas in addition to those presented by Board President, Sip Whitaker.

So, getting back to our song, just what will these students remember about their commencement? Will they remember any of the speeches, or how they marched onto the field, or how hot it was or even what outfits they were wearing under their gowns? Who knows! Dispatch Reporter, Nelly Bly, and the entire Dispatch staff joins in giving these young men and women a big high five and hopes that they'll come back and visit us next year.