Pascack Valley Class of '13 Graduates [PHOTOS]

Pascack Valley High School's class of 2013 graduated Thursday evening.

Class President Nicholas Choman praised his peers for their accomplishments. Ninety-eight percent of the class will attend college in the fall, aided by a total of $3.8 million in scholarships. The students filed a school record of more than 2,300 college applications, Choman said.

Principal Thomas DeMaio praised the students for setting a good example for the classes coming after them.

"You showed this school what it's like to treat each other with great respect," DeMaio said.

Shawn Buchanan, a teacher nicknamed "the cannon" by his students, was chosen as this year's faculty speaker. He spoke about some of his favorite memories with the students.

"So many stories bring a smile to my face," Buchanan said.

The students applauded their families for giving them support over the years. 

Class Valedictoria Molly Simio also thanked the school's teachers.

"There is no way for us to express our gratitude to you," she said.

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