“You already have everything you need inside of you right now, today.”
–Alicia Keys After what may have seemed to students like a long 13 years, the 250-plus members of the Springfield High School Class of 2023 have graduated, receiving their diplomas at the Stranahan Theater on a pictureperfect Saturday morning.
For students, it was the anticipation of an exciting time with endless prospects, while for many parents, blinking back tears, it was a time to reflect on how quickly those 18 years passed.
The May 20 commencement exercises began with the traditional processional and playing of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
It was followed by the National Anthem and the school alma mater, performed by the symphonic band varsity chorale.
Board of education President Ken Musch welcomed the families of graduates.
He recalled the events of 13 years ago when the students first entered the doors at Springfield as kindergarteners.
In 2010, he said, Apple unveiled its iPad tablet computer; the term snowmageddon was used to describe an east coast storm that dumped 40 inches of snow on the region; Lady Gaga, Usher and Katy Perry topped the billboard charts, and gasoline was $2.60 per gallon.
Mr. Musch noted that, as time passes, the graduates are likely to forget small details about their years at Springfield. “But I’m here to tell you that you won’t forget your teachers, expecially those who taught you both academic and life lessons.”
He concluded, “I do hope that you will remember what it means to be a Springfield High School graduate. That means something.” Following his presentation, Superintendent Matt Geha and SHSPrincipal Robb Brown gave brief comments before Mr. Brown, with assistance from the school board, invited each student to take center stage for the presentation of their diploma.
The 126th commencement concluded with a recessional.
