A big day for SHS seniors: Graduation!
Published on June 11th, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - In the fast-paced time known as your senior year of high school, Graduation Day can speed into a giant blurry memory filled with diplomas, family, friends, and, of course, an all-night party. Here is Stoneham High School Class of 2003 Class President Josh Gondelman with a brief summary of his hectic, yet joyous last day as a high school student. Congratulation to Josh and each of the 197 other students who graduated this year from Stoneham's hallowed halls.
6:26
Wake up. Too early. Much too early.
7:21
Leave for school. Same as it ever was.
8:15
Graduation rehearsal. Rem-iniscing over the class history makes me a little nostalgic. Sitting out on the field feels really strange. Rehearse my speech. Listen to Emily's speech. It's very good. We kind of went in the same direction. Maybe we were on the right track.
11:00
Cori, Marlena , and I drive over to give Ms. Norelli, our 11th grade English teacher a present. She seems happy to see us. We're all very happy to see her.
12:00
Lunch time. Breaking out the tray of chicken, broccoli , and ziti that I got as a graduation present. Mmmmm graduation.
1:35
On the road with Jessica to Brandeis. Why, you ask? I forgot to mail in my housing application. Clearly, high school didn't teach me all there is to learn about organization.
5:33
The pizza arrives for dinner. This leaves me twelve minutes to eat and get back to school.
5:47
Arrive at the auditorium. Put on cap and gown. The gown is all wrinkly because I hadn't taken it out of the bag yet. Denial? Maybe. The gym is full of nervous energy. We vent it by fretting over which side the tassel goes on.
6:30
March out to the field. Mr. Schiazza is in front of me and he keeps stopping to talk to people. I realize that I'm a little nervous too because I want him to hurry up. I almost lead half of the graduating class down the wrong row. Oops. Everyone gives Mr. Romano a standing ovation because he's retiring. He deserves it. My opening address goes well. Jeff is nervous about speaking but he does a good job. I don't trip when I get my diploma. That's good. I'm surprised and thrilled to win the Wendell Horton award. Christine deserves her award. When we throw our hats, there's no major eye trauma.
8:42
Arrive home and have cake with family. My parents tell me they are proud of me. It's a good feeling.
10:39
Back at school for the all-night party. Signing yearbooks makes me remember things I'd forgotten I'd forgotten. The hypnotist is hilarious. Everyone gets along. It is a great party.
4:50
We go outside and can't find a good place to watch the sun rise. I say goodbye and head home.
5:01
I read what people have written in my yearbook and fall asleep within a minute of getting into bed. Congratulations seniors. We've done it. It was a good day.
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