Starting out with “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar as arranged by Clare Grundman and proceeding apace, the 108th Annual commencement exercises for Park High will take place on Sunday June 9, beginning at 10 a.m. at Aldrich Arena in Maplewood.
Featuring an initial welcome by Principal Todd Herber and the national anthem sung by the concert choir under the direction of choir director Benjamin O’ Connor, the exercises will move to an introduction of guests as well as honor staff by Principal Herber and the musical selection “Crowded Table” by musical selection, the commencement then proceeding to an address by seven Park High students named summa cum laude with distinction, followed with the musical selection “Fracas” by Randall Standridge before two more student speakers will address the commencement attendees. Summa Cum Laude with distinction is given to students who demonstrate a GPA of 4.3 or higher, and is signaled by a blue ribbon medallion and gold stole. Several other cords and stoles indicating academic distinction and/or with reference to cultural recognition will be worn by the Park High graduates.
Following the student addresses, social studies teacher Yonnie Eiden-Giel will give the staff address after which Principal Herber will present the class. District Superintendent Julie Nielsen will then pronounce acceptance of the Park High graduates before the presentation of diplomas by school board members, as well as student council and NHS leaders.
The recessional will play “Hail to the Wolfpack” by Louis Elbel as arranged by Paul Yoder, along with “Selections from Pirates of the Caribbean” as arranged by Ted Ricketts, with combined bands under the direction of Director Thomas Storm.
The Class quote for the Class of 2023 is “You are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” by A. A. Milne, with the class song being “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.