Schools
“We’re Finally Here’ - William Tennent Class of 2011 Graduates
More than 400 students graduated from William Tennent High School Friday afternoon.
More than 1,000 people packed William Tennent High School’s sports stadium to watch the 437 seniors graduate.
The Class of 2011 is the last class to graduate from the current school. Starting in September, students will begin class in a new building located just feet away from the old one.
This year marks the first time in years that graduation has been held outside.
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A delay in renovations stopped the event from being held in the school’s auditorium, school officials said. The auditorium and gym are the old portions of the old building that will be renovated and joined with the new building.
Coping with change was a major theme in the speeches given at the school's 56th commencement ceremony.
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“Change became even more apparent during our senior year as a new building, a different parking lot, and particularly the absence of our auditorium affected our daily environment,” Senior Class President Dara Pluchino told her peers.
“If I had to identify a phrase that best captures the spirit of the Class of 2011, I would borrow from Ernest Hemingway and describe this spirit as ‘grace under pressure,’” said Principal Eileen Poroszok.
Poroszok and Pluchino also talked about how the class dealt with the loss of three classmates.
“Looking towards the empty chairs here among the graduates, we are reminded of their lives and of the happiness they brought to so many people,” Pluchino said with tears in her eyes.
Poroszok talked of the students' achievements and how the class had racked up more than 15,000 community service hours and received nearly $4 million in awards and scholarships.
“I am hopeful that you all will follow the Eileen Poroszok ‘Three B Rule,’” Poroszok told the seniors. “Be Happy, Be Health, and Behave,” and with that the seniors became alumni.
Tennent Class of 2011 Higher Education Stats:
35% - Two year college/trade school
49% - Four year college/university
12% - Entering the work force
4% - Entering a branch of the armed forces
