Parsippany High School Graduates Class of 2013

Seniors took to the field at Parsippany High School, Thursday, with family and friends cheering them on as they reflected on their high school experiences during the school's Class of 2013 Commencement.

Proud parents blew air horns and shouted names with balloons and flowers in hand as the graduates paraded to the iconic graduation theme Pomp and Circumstance.

“I'm in all tears, this is the proudest moment in our lives since she was born,” said mother Soteria Trikkas of her daughter Alexia.

The Parsippany High School Choir started off with the National Anthem before Senior Class President Nicholas Jannarone took to the podium for the welcoming address.

“We made some really ridiculously awesome memories,” he said. “Now that it's over, it's time to challenge ourselves.”

There are three things the graduates now must do he said. They are to “pause and reflect, accept that the times we fail are opportunities to grow stronger and to cherish family and friends.”

Interim Superintendent John Fitzsimons spoke about the importance of continuing education and a technologically driven society.

“You must be committed to being a lifelong learner,” said Fitzsimons. “My understanding is that 90 percent of you plan to continue your education and that is most promising. Congratulations on completing the first of many educational experiences and I wish you much success and happiness in the years ahead.”

Speeches followed by Valedictorian Michael McVea, Salutatorian Elora Basu, Principal Dr. Natalie Betz, Board of Education member Fran Orthwein and Student Council President Frank Pogoda

“There will come a time to drive slowly in the right lane coming home from work, but now it is our time to drive our Ferraris out on the Autobahn where there are no speed limits,” said Pogoda. “We may one day find ourselves swimming and sun bathing at the town pool, but right now it is our time to explore the barrier reefs and swim with the sharks. There will be a day for a picnic on a quiet hillside but right now it is our time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.”

“It is by taking great risks that we are able to enjoy great rewards,” he concluded. “We must not be afraid to fail.”