“Before you know it, you will be graduating,” Dr. J said to this year’s Senior Class as they piled into the auditorium their freshman year.  Dr. J was right; in the blink of an eye, the Class of 2013 was graduating.

Saturday, June 15th was a special day in the lives of many seniors at Bethel Park High School.  440 proud seniors received their diplomas, as they prepare to see where life takes them after high school.  This milestone in their lives was held in unfamiliar place to many: Bethel Park’s gymnasium.

For years, Bethel Park’s graduation ceremony had been held outside at the stadium.  Relatives and friends were accustomed to the sun beating down on their necks, the turbulent wind and gusty skies, and the shaky sound system.

However, for the first time in Bethel Park’s history, the graduation ceremony was held in the new dome-shaped gymnasium; the glistening and freshly polished wood floors of the gym caught the eyes of many at first glance.  During the commencement, it was noisy at times due to the crowd’s murmuring, but there was no wind, and the sound system was topnotch.

At 9:00 AM friends and loved ones started to trickle in and take their seats.  By 9:30 the gym was spewing with people, some sitting down on the sectioned bleachers, others sprinkled throughout standing on the linoleum-topped track above.  As the track started to get crammed, additional seating was offered in the auditorium with a live feed of the ceremony broadcast by Black Hawk TV.

The atmosphere in the gymnasium was quite different than the outdoor’s environment; upon arrival, guests were entertained by a slideshow of the seniors projected onto four huge screen panels that hung from the scoreboard. The entire commencement ceremony, including the march, speeches, recognition of 2013 graduates entering the armed forces, and awarding of diplomas, was broadcast live on these screens and into people’s homes by Black Hawk TV.

The much anticipated ceremony kicked off with the processional directed by Mr. Chad Thompson.  The graduates funneled into the gym, as the live footage projected them walking down the cafeteria staircase.  Laughter echoed throughout as a result of goofy seniors peeking their faces into the camera.

“To all the families, administration, staff, school board members, alumni, and friends,” Dr. Jansante said in his opening remarks.  “It gives me great pleasure as the principal to welcome you to the 104th commencement of Bethel Park High School, the Class of 2013!”  His speech proceeded with the National Anthem and Alma Mater sung by Top 21 and directed by Mr. Todd Kuczawa.

This was just the tip of the iceberg.  The commencement rolled on with full force as Dr. J pieced together, “In the classroom this class was atilt the top SAT scores, distinguished advanced placement awards, and 94% proficient and advanced on the PSSAs.  Beyond the classroom, their accomplishments are way too many to acknowledge.”  Dr. J went on to talk about the many accomplishments in the areas of science, math, athletics, and music.

Superintendent Ms. Nancy Aloi Rose took the podium to congratulate the 440 seniors.  Her mellow speech resonated with all.

After, Dr. J welcomed the two valedictorians to take the stage.  Kyle Barron was first.  Needless to say, Kyle’s speech will definitely be memorable.  Catching everyone off guard, Kyle spoke a few sentences in fluent Spanish.

Kyle spent his junior year in Spain and adapted to the culture that was prevalent.  Kyle’s experiences there were shared and he learned a life-altering lesson: listen more.  In Spain, Kyle had to listen more to pick up the language and back in America he believes it will make you a stronger person.  Kyle will be attending the University of California in Los Angeles.

Next, Julianna Buchwald, the second valedictorian, was invited to the stage.  Her speech comprised of one concept: the impact and value of unwavering time.  Her creative style of diction, word placement, and sentence structure instantly tuned in the audience. “1, 2, 3.  That’s just three seconds of our lives together,” she said. “Just to imagine, just to imagine what 18 years have accumulated to and will accumulate to.”  She went on to question the seniors: “What gives meaning to your life?”  Juli will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.

After these prolific speeches, the acceptance of the class, by School Board President Mrs. Donna Cook, took place.  Likewise, Dr. J welcomed Commander Robert Wyda to the stand to congratulate the seniors that will be entering the armed forces.

It was a special day for one man that received a diploma along with these young gentleman and ladies.  Lawrence H. “Bud” Simon waited 69 years for this day.  Simon, 88, of Pleasant Hills was a member of the Class of 1944 at the former Library High School when he left school in September 1942 to enlist in the Navy and fight in World War II.  He was presented the diploma, and the brimming crowd stood for a rowdy applause.

The awarding of diplomas followed.  In addition, the senior farewell and presentation of class speeches by AJ Baroffio, Class & PACS President, Sarah Fullerton, Student Government President, and Kaitlyn Wagner, National Honor Society President, proceeded.  The commencement ended with the traditional recessional.

All in all, the Class of 2013 will close this chapter in their life and begin a new one.  They will be a part of history and their legacy will be imprinted in the BPHS Chapter, as they are the first to graduate in the freshly constructed gymnasium.