Commencement Honors Irvington Graduates

IRVINGTON, N.Y. -- In the words of Irvington High School valedictorian Sweta Narayan, students of the Irvington High School's Class of 2016 are about to embark on an "exciting journey." Her twin sister class salutatorian urged fellow graduates to "break down barriers."

Students toss mortarboards concluding the Irvington High School’s Class of 2016 June 18 commencement ceremony at Matthiessen Park.
Photo Credit: *Donna Christopher*

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristopher Harrison addressed the graduates during the commencement ceremony on June 18 and said they have left a special mark on the spirit and substance of their school community.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Irvington High School valedictorian Sweta Narayan reflected on the last four years of high school and looked forward to the exciting journey on which she and her classmates were about to embark.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Irvington High School salutatorian Swati Narayan celebrated her peers’ accomplishments and acknowledged that the diversity of the Class of 2016 has helped her learn about the world in unprecedented ways.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Donna Christopher

07/03/2016 9:00 p.m.

The remarks rounded out the the June 18 commencement ceremony where Principal David Cohen praised students for their various achievements over the past four years.

“With their remarkable talents, leadership, wisdom and empathy, collectively, this impressive group of students includes National Merit Scholars, All- State scientists, All-State musicians, All-State athletes, brilliant artists, dancers and filmmakers,” he said.

He spoke about the importance of building a strong community, which the students have been a part of in Irvington, and expressed confidence that the graduates have already demonstrated the strength to stand up for individuals in need, seek solutions to make their community stronger and serve as the leaders of tomorrow.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristopher Harrison said the graduates have left a special mark on the "spirit and substance of their school community."

He encouraged students to dare to try something new and think differently in a rapidly changing world.

“Brave the unknown, explore new lands and find the opportunity that all citizens are looking for; find a solution to the woes that face our society, discover the unknown and make our lives better,” he said.

Speakers included Board of Education President Phil Whitney, a 1981 Irvington graduate, and the peer leaders.

Sweta Narayan reflected on the last four years of high school and looked forward to the exciting journey on which she and her classmates are about to embark.

She acknowledged the accomplishments of classmates, urging them to "take pride in how far they've come, to have faith in how far they can go."

Swati Narayan, remarked on her classmates' many accomplishments, including, music, dance, singing, art, history, writing, science and sports.

"My ultimate message to the Class of 2016 is that we are the generation that will break down the barriers, the one that will ignore the blockades that society places in our way as we pursue our own versions of success,” she said.

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