Grads Depart Ridgewood 'Arm-in-Arm'

Ridgewood High School's 115th graduation yesterday afternoon was equal parts funny, touching, poignant and—oh, yeah—hot.

With the sun beating down and temperatures nearing the 90s, more than 400 students received their high school diplomas before family, friends and teachers at the RHS Stadium.

As per tradition, the soon-to-be graduates processed in boy-girl pairs in matching white formal wear—women in dresses, men in dinner jackets.

"I'm know you're ready to face the challenges asked of you as you leave Ridgewood High School," Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein said to the eclectic group of seniors.

Representatives from the high school, Board of Education and village were on hand, but the ceremony was largely about the grads. 

In his address, Student Congress President Jacob Levitsky hailed the merits of failure. Early in life the, the senior—who will attend the University of North Carolina in the fall—fell short athletically, academically and romantically.

However, he learned his misguided exploits were much more interesting and funny that his peers' successes.

As a young, would-be heartthrob, Levitsky mustered up the gumption to profess his love to a middle school girl. However the object of his affection was tipped off and before he could pour his heart out, she turned down the hallway and ran. In addition to the initial embarrassment, Levitsky had to painfully endure sitting next to her in the following period.

"I think you'll all agree that story wouldn't have been better, if I had been successful," he said.

From his constant shortcomings, Levitsky learned to tolerate, and even embrace, failure.

"That led me to learn to not be afraid to fail... I've meet new people and found new experiences because I wasn't afraid to fail," he said.

Senior class president Danielle Porfido expressed gratitude toward her community, school and family for providing her with a safe and pleasant childhood.

"This year, I've come to appreciate so many things I took for granted... I'm thankful not only to live in Ridgewood, but in the United States of America," she said.

As a child, Porfido longed to experience what her camp councilors at Graydon or older girls soccer players were living. With her own high school career culminating, she realized she doesn't want to leave. But she said it's time.

"As much as I'd like to turn back the clock and be a kid again, I'm happy where I am now," she said. "Let the experiences of the past be a springboard to the future."

Later, Porfido and her fellow graduate twin sister, Kimberly, were honored in one of the evening's more touching moments.

Principal Jack Lorenz announced both Porfidos as the female recipients of the Irwin B. Somerville Award. Danielle waited for her sister, and the two approached the stage walking arm-in-arm. Both will attend Loyola University in Baltimore next fall.

The male Somerville winner, Nicholas Aynilian, Jr., restored the levity. After receiving his award, and with a Porfido sister on both arms, Aynilian confidently returned to his seat.

Fishbein's remarks touch on the "shared journey" that parents and teachers alike experience with the students. 

"We've been there for the good times and the bad times. The victories and the defeats... We've been there for the daunting process of choosing the right college, and tonight we will honor that milestone," Fishbein said.

Board President Michele Lenhard equated the seemingly minuscule accomplishments the graduates have achieved with their larger counterparts.

"It is each and every small gesture—each pat on each other's back—that goes a long way," she said.

The ceremony possessed several musical moments, including graduate Elaine Thoman's solo rendition of "No One is Alone" from the musical Into the Woods. The soprano will be attending Ramapo College.

Along with the graduates, Lorenz sent off six retiring staff members, including: Garland Allen, Jane Blakley, Joan Lipkowitz, Edward Nartowitz, Edward Schmiedecke, and Margo Smith. He estimated that they possessed 190 years of public school experience among them.

Following remarks, each student made his or her way to the front—hearing his or her name and receiving a handshake from the superintendent and board president.

A senior ensemble closed the ceremony with a rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Click here for are graduation gallery or here for our complete graduation coverage.