'Great things' await Glen Ridge High grads

Once in a while, Glen Ridge High School Principal Louis Melchor would go on the school intercom and tell his students to "Make it a great day — the choice is yours."

On Friday night, he told his same students to "Make it a great future."

Melchor was among the faculty, family members and friends to see off the 142 members of the Class of 2017 on Friday night, June 23. The commencement, normally held outdoors at the high school, took place in the Ridgewood Avenue School auditorium as light rain fell outside.

More:Glen Ridge senior athletes ready to take next step

Glen Ridge:BOE recognizes retiring teachers

Melchor, who was only principal for about five months of the school year when last year's class graduated, told the 2017 scholars that they will have choices to make as they continue in life. 

"Choices define you as a person and choices shape your lives," he said. 

He advised the graduates that the gifts they are given, such as wealth and self-confidence, will only serve them well if they make the right choices.

Melchor called the class an "amazing group of young men and women who have accomplished wonderful things in the classroom, on the athletic field, on this very stage and within the community."

Melchor also honored Salutatorian Sajan Ramanathan, who graduates with a 4.49 GPA and plans to attend Yale University. 

Valedictorian Emily Duffus, who graduates with a 4.61 GPA and is headed to Rice University in the autumn, said the class of 2017 was one filled with talent and drive. She said one doesn't have to know what they want to do at this point in life; all that's needed is the drive.

"We are in the position to accomplish great things, whether tomorrow takes us to college, or a new job or like Liam McCann, to the service of our country," Duffus said, pausing as the audience clapped and cheered. 

Senior Class President Richard Chase Moriarty, who said he's gotten to know all his classmates in some way, spoke about the many things that make each student unique but also similar. 

"We've all taken the classes with the same teachers, we've all made countless lifelong friends, and even though it's hard to admit to others and ourselves sometimes, we've all loved Glen Ridge High School and the times we've spent here," Moriarty said.

Class speaker Sonia Kinkhabwala noted the achievements of her fellow classmates over the last four years — whether it be in sports or on stage, or behind a camera. 

She spoke of the dedication and support her peers had shown one another and how they've celebrated each others' successes. She attributed much of that to social media, and how quickly it could rally attendance at a game or another event.

"As we look towards to the future, I know everyone on this stage will do great things. We will carry the support, strength and confidence that we've given to each other in our years together to create rich, fulfilling lives one day, whatever that may entail," she said.

"Maybe I'll even get to 5 feet one day. Who knows, anything is possible," she added, having some fun with her own height.

Assistant Principal Keisha Harris presented the Citizenship Cup to senior Lev Kolinski, in recognition of his contributions to the school and community. 

Nineteen students were also listed as having achieved the High Honor Roll for every marking period throughout their high school term.

Before presenting diplomas with Board of Education President Betsy Ginsburg, Superintendent Dirk Phillips imparted what he called "one last piece of wisdom" on the graduates. Recalling a family trip to the Bronx Zoo, he said he watched his young son attempt to climb a rope attraction, as other parents jumped in to assist their children. Eventually his son made it to the top, but he admitted he questioned is own parenting while allowing his child to struggle. 

But he said struggling can have positive effects, such as building perseverance and a feeling of earning something, as well as growth.

"There should not be any struggles tonight...but there will be struggles down the road," he said, telling the students to "embrace them."

The Class of 2017, in keeping with tradition, did not wear mortarboards on their heads. After diplomas were all received, the grads reached under their chairs and pulled out Western-style straw hats, tossing them toward the ceiling. The hats corresponded with the "Toy Story" themed Project Graduation party to be held later that night.

Email: gray@northjersey.com