Upper St. Clair Bids Farewell To 380-Member Class Of 2021

UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA — A rain delay did not prevent Upper St. Clair High School's Class of 2021 from receiving their diplomas. Commencement ceremonies occurred Wednesday in the high school stadium.

Student Council President Constantine Tripodes began the ceremony with an inspirational message and Senior Class President Abelardo Sobarzo delivered the student welcome. Student speakers included Sophia Shi, Malorie Glancy and Antara Cleetus.

In his remarks, Upper St. Clair Superintendent John Rozzo encouraged graduates to remember the good and praised their resilience and creativity in re-imagining many events and experiences throughout their senior year.

“This was not a year lost – but a year of challenge and growth. You and your classmates re-imagined your senior year experience and found a way to thrive in spite of a global pandemic,” he said.

“I am more confident today – than ever before – that this class of seniors, the Class of 2021, is prepared for life beyond high school. Whether you are leaving Upper St. Clair for college, enlisting in the military or entering the workforce, you have the skills and determination needed to succeed.”

Valedictorians include Benjamin Paul Bacdayan, Gabriella Jinelle Brubach, Richard Alexander Carlson, Christian Grant Chiu, Harrison Chui, Taylor Andrew Finkelstein, Reshma Gudla, Patrick Liam Joyce, Bryce Andrew Keating, Andrew Scott Levy, Madison Lynne Milone, Claudia Ying-Qi Ng, Abigail Barbara Rutkowski, Ryan Matthew Sarkett, Sophia M. Schlichting, Sophia Shi, Emma Brooks Skeel, Constantine Stephen Tripodes and Veronica Zhang.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates include Antara Cleetus, James Fang, Madeleine Kent, Richa Mahajan, Lucia Niharra Escribano, Nick Pacella, Eric Wang, Kayleigh Weber and Elizabeth Young.