449 Students Graduate From Westfield High, In Person (PHOTOS)

WESTFIELD, NJ — After an on-and-off remote year, 449 seniors at Westfield High School graduated under sunny skies at Gary Kehler Stadium on Wednesday.

“This summer, I hope you take some time to reflect and give yourself credit for what you have accomplished in the past 15 months,” said retiring Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan in a commencement address. “You attended your classes-in person and remotely. You created virtual concerts and plays. You followed the many rules for practices and competitions for your sport."

And let's not forget: "Some of you had to take on additional responsibilities as family members became ill or family circumstances changed.”

(See photos from last year's masked, thunderstorm-delayed WHS graduation here.)

She added, “Don’t listen to those who tell you that you can’t get something done. Work hard with those around you to prove them wrong. Continue to learn new things and join new groups.”

She encouraged the 12th graders to “understand that loss is part of life” and not to take “any day or anyone for granted.”

WHS principal Mary Asfendis listed student achievements and honors and congratulated the Class of 2021 on their hard work during a challenging year.

Senior Class President Lily Ceraso and Student Government President Jordan Horowitz reflected on the past four years and what the future may hold.

“As we look to the future, the only certainty is that it is unwritten,” said Horowitz. “Whether you intend to go to college next year or have other plans in mind, no matter where the world takes you, we will all share a common thread forever. This thread is bound by connections and friendships we have developed here in high school and during our time in middle and elementary school.”

Students from the Westfield High School Band and Orchestra performed the graduation processional and recessional and the National Anthem while the WHS Choir Class of 2021 sang “Unwritten.”

Above: Senior Class President Lily Ceraso and Student Government President Jordan Horowitz reflected on the past four years and what the future may hold during commencement exercises on June 23 for the Westfield High School Class of 2021.

Above: Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan reminds the Westfield High School Class of 2021 of lessons they have learned together, as she prepares to retire on July 1.

Above: Students from the Westfield High School Band and Orchestra performed the graduation processional and recessional and the National Anthem during commencement exercises Wednesday.

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