On June 17 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Kingsway had its 63rd Annual Commencement ceremony, celebrating the graduation of nearly 500 students.
The ceremony recognized the culmination of nearly 13 years of dedication to one’s schooling. As these students approached the field in their graduation gowns and caps, wearing cords and sashes, a chapter of their educational journey also approached its end.
The ceremony began after each of the seniors was at their seats. Senior Emma Mazzeo sang the national anthem at the start of the ceremony. After that, Student Council President Anya Patel took the stage to recount school memories through the song “I Lived” by OneRepublic and a metaphor involving the collection of pennies.
Following her speech, Mr. Zurzolo presented the Spirit of America Award recognizing students heading into the military. These students included Jolie Abreu, Jaston Brayfield, Aiden Davis, Luke Dodelin, Dan Fanderu, Jack Hickman, Jeremy Irizarry, Evan Neal, Connor Pedrazzani, Issac Pompa, Gavin Renner, Elyza Sentena, and Alexis Zagoroski.
Student commencement speaker Aidan McGarry took the stage after with a ‘rewind: a year worth replaying’. He spoke about the meaning behind music and how that is what captures every moment in the high school journey. He connected this to the song ‘Sadness as a Gift’ by Adrianne Lenker, encouraging the students to feel sadness but take it as a sign of impact.
Principal Mrs. Fox-Manno then spoke on the impact of rewinding before moving forward, while Dr. Lavender spoke on the incredible accomplishments of the class of 2026 and certified the students’ graduation, preparing to present the diplomas.
Senior Landon Pollard then sang, “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin, followed by the presentation of the diplomas.
The evening neared its end with the Class of 2026 President Phoebe O’Rourke presenting a speech emphasizing the memories of her class and the beginning of a new chapter. She utilizes the song “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus to encourage graduates to commemorate the journey of high school.
The other class officers Vice President Sophia Paoletti and Secretary Anna Jacobs joined Phoebe in leading the turning of the tassels along with the last class picture. The night ended with the singing of the alma mater by Kingsway’s choir seniors.
While this particular journey of these Kingsway dragons is ending, the next chapter holds so much more. But no matter what happens in the future, what changes these people undergo, one thing about them will always remain the same: that they were once a dragon… and they always will be.
By Nethiri Umashanger
