New Rochelle High School Celebrates the Class of 2021 In Person

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle High School concluded its 2020-21 school year with in-person graduation ceremonies for more than 675 graduating students in the 2021 Huguenot Class under sunny skies on Thursday.

The graduation was split into two ceremonies due to coronavirus protocols. The first graduation was held at 10 a.m., followed by an identical ceremony at 1:30 p.m. The event was held on the school’s athletic field, with the twin lakes offering the perfect picturesque backdrop.

New for this year, the festivities began with faculty members wearing black gowns, leading the procession of graduates onto the field.

Interim Superintendent Alex Marrero told those gathered he was thrilled to experience graduation in person with the students this year and challenged them to “transform our lives in the future.”

The students, closing a coronavirus high school experience like no other students in the history of the school, made note that the in-person ceremony was a bittersweet experience after a tumultuous senior year.

The graduation ceremonies were divided into two identical celebrations due to coronavirus protocols. (The City School District of New Rochelle)

Valedictorian Daniel Long spoke about the opportunity for continuous self-improvement, noting that graduation is “not an end point, but a step that enables the learning process to continue.”

Salutatorian Talia Hughes thanked all who helped and supported her throughout her schooling and wished her classmates “good luck out there in the whole wide world.”

“What experiences will you create for yourself?” Class of 2021 President Hafsah Zia urged her classmates to ponder. “Who will you turn to in times of need? Where will you find enlightenment?

Interim Principal Steven Goldberg concurred, calling living through the pandemic “a defining time in our lives” and he urged the graduates to make the world a better place.

“As you leave this beautiful school in this supportive and nurturing community, know that we have prepared you well to become informed global citizens who are ready for robust civic involvement to fight for a world free of racism and bigotry in all forms of hatred,” Goldberg told the graduates.

There were more than 675 graduating seniors in the class of 2021. (New Rochelle City School District)

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, delivered greetings to the graduates and families in attendance. Bramson congratulated the students on reaching an important milestone and urged the graduates to “Make New Rochelle proud.”

After the speeches, graduates’ names were read and degrees were conferred to the students. A sense of accomplishment and relief could be felt in the applause and displays of encouragement for this class of 2021.

The Leonard Talner Memorial Award was presented at the afternoon ceremony to Jared Barajas, who received $100 and a trophy.

Last week, the high school held award ceremonies honoring academic achievement, athletic achievement and extracurricular achievement.

All three ceremonies can be found on the district’s YouTube page. Video of the graduation ceremonies can be found on the District webpage. Photos of the graduation ceremonies can be found on the City School District of New Rochelle Facebook page.