Holmdel High School Class of 2013 Celebrates Bittersweet Graduation

Written by Anastasia Millicker.

Graduation for seniors at Holmdel High School was bittersweet Wednesday as they remembered “Señor” Eric Hausser, who died last week.

Holmdel High School Class of 2013 dressed in white and blue graduation caps and gowns gathered at the Robert Collins Arena reflected with a moment of silence before the commencement ceremony began.

Students Ben Cruz and Tiffany Huang performed an instrumental music piece entitled “Tango-Fuga: A la Tristeza de Bueno Aires”. While Emilia Donovan read her poem entitled “Transitioning”(full text of the poem can be seen below).

Co-salutatorians Tiffany Huang and Amanda Lee and co-valedictorians Nancy Song and Juliana Wu each spoke about the future of their class; while Principal William Loughram pinpointed individuals in the class of the 2013 whom he recognized for their talents, including the class clowns while reflecting on he reflected on the past of Holmdel High School rattling off historical tidbits about the school. 

"I cannot describe the class of 2013 in just one word," Song said, sharing 20 thoughts, one quote and three thanks you in her speech.  "They are an incredible group of young men and women."

Transitioning

By Emilia Donovan

Pride
That is what I feel
When I see the work we’ve done,
How far we’ve come
From the playgrounds and straight lines,
Training wheels and yellow buses

Awe
That is what I feel
When I notice time that’s passed,
Away it flashed,
Still unaware of where the
Years, months, days,
Went.

Fear
That is what I feel
When I think of good-bye
To those so nearby,
Separated by roads and rivers,
Borders and oceans

But Courage
That is what we feel
When we look the future in the face ,
Knowing nothing can erase
The friendships, the lessons
The mistakes we made,
And the dreams we follow.