Princeton High School virtual graduation set for June 16

On June 16, Princeton High School will celebrate its 92nd graduating class with a virtual ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 353 students will be graduating. The ceremony will include videos and photographs of students in their caps and gowns, as well musical presentations and speeches.

The ceremony will feature two cameo appearances of celebrities who graduated from Princeton High School. Officials have not released their names.

After a welcome address by a Princeton High School student, there will be several speakers, including Principal Jessica Baxter. Superintendent of Schools Steve Cochrane, who will retire from the district on June 30, will speak as well. At the end of the ceremony, there will be a “turning of the tassels” video montage. The program is expected to last about an hour.

Graduates, their family members, school district staff, and others who want to view the ceremony will be provided with a link to the event via email. The virtual ceremony will be accessible on June 16 starting at 5:30 p.m. People will be able to view the ceremony recording online after the event as well.

“There has been a lot of hardship and uncertainty this year but there have also been many moments when our students, our principals, and our teachers have done things that have truly inspired me as an educational leader. I hope the seniors and their families can come together on Tuesday night and celebrate. This is a milestone in their lives they will never forget,” Superitendent of Schools Steve Cochrane said.

“As I am retiring at the end of the month, I have the extraordinary privilege of essentially graduating’ with this class.I am proud of all they have accomplished as individuals, but I am prouder still of what they have accomplished together. They have shown remarkable resiliency, joy, and purpose in the face of a global pandemic, and they have united in support of one another and our community,” Cochrane said. “I look forward to watching them come together in the years ahead to continue to positively impact our world.”.

The virtual graduation ceremony schedule:

Star Spangled Banner performed by Molly Frain, Aya Mahana and Gillian Scott

Welcome address by Spencer Katz’20senior class president

The Night We Met by Lord Huron, performed by Around 8, arranged by Emma Dubin ‘19 and Julia Thomson ‘19

Senior speeches

Community –  Eva Petrone ‘20

Achievement – Benjamin Quainton ’20

Future – Gillian Scott ‘20 

Spirit – Gwendolyn Matsukawa ‘20

And So It Goes by Billy Joel, performed by Cat’s Meow arranged by Kirby Shaw

Presentation of the class

Jessica Baxter, principal

Steve Cochrane, superintendent

Princeton High School alma mater performed by Cat’s Meow

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.