It's that time of year again

Every June, I get to dig around into my closet and pull out my robe and hood and walk down the aisle of the Head-Royce School gym and participate in the graduation ceremonies. It's always such an emotional time and I fully admit that when the processional of students begins and Paul C. declares that the commencement ceremonies have begun, I get teary eyed. It's such a proud and happy day for everyone and it's like the parents, faculty and assorted members of the audience are looking at these 81 young men and women at such a seminal moment in their lives. They are about to commence on the journey of life.

This years ceremony was highlighted by the speech given by my colleague, Warren F. Every graduating class gets to pick a graduation speaker from amongst the faculty. The honor NEVER goes to a math teacher, I mean, come on, how can we as teachers of Math inspire greatness in comparison to say, a teacher of the humanities. But Warren is an amazing person and he rightly deserved to speak for the class of 2004. And what a speech it was. We laughed, cried and were uplifted all within a eight minute talk.

The ceremony ends with all of us singing the Head-Royce alma mater, which is set to the song Die Lorelai. The words are definately a holdover from the school's days as a girls only school. The recessional is always set to a song of the graduating classes choosing. The class of 2004 has an affinity towards Disney songs so we got to walk out to "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid. The day was glorious. Below are pictures of some of my beloved students. Some graduated, some are juniors but they all have a special place in my heart! Carry on class of 2004. Do great things with your lives.

Emma B. and the Sarah's (K. and H.)

Samantha W. (Cornell bound with leis) and members of the class of 2004

Penny H. of Penny's box fame

Tedd T., one of hardest working students I've ever taught and the nicest

Melissa B., it's all about the connections starting with Frank

The Kens (M. and A.), both in Honors Geometry four years ago

My class of 2005 advisee Max S., aka Mr 16 double zero

Class of 2005 Ari K., high quality basketball player and Precalculus student

Class of 2005 advisee Nick Dantzker (the middle Dantzker)

The Z's. of the class of 2005, Adam and Dane or is it Dane and Adam?

This one's for CP