Air horns and applause trumpeted Huskie pride as 158 Highland seniors became graduates on Friday, June 25. Highland High School’s 101st Commencement ceremony was held at 6:30 p.m. under the big white graduation tent adjacent to the school’s football field at 320 Pancake Hollow Road.

The graduates entered to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the Highland High School Concert Band, and were welcomed by newly appointed principal and Class of 2010 advisor Peter Harris.

Valedictorian Leah Foscaldi gave a poetic address in rhyming verse.

“We’ve had 13 years together and made memories to last forever... We’ve changed so much in these four short years, but it’s time to rejoice -- so hold back the tears,” Foscaldi said.

After Salutatorian Ryan Birchall’s opening speech, he returned to the podium for the Class President’s Address. Birchall expressed warm feelings for his fellow 158 graduates -- now and forever part of his “Huskie Pack.” “All of us big dogs, running around the world together,” he said.

Commencement speaker James Ventriglia, a 2000 Highland graduate, a social studies teacher and soccer coach at Marlboro High School, offered students a glimpse into the future of a Highland High School graduate and offered this advice: “You need to earn the right to be good.” Ventriglia offered a personal inspirational story of reviving a low freshman year GPA at Colgate University through hard work and perseverance.

“The sacrifice was worth it in the end,” he said.

Superintendent Deborah Haab encouraged the students to take their responsibility for the future seriously.

“You are becoming the leaders and the decision-makers that will shape the future of this nation... Class of 2010, we are counting on you to do it right,” she said.

Musical interludes between speakers were provided by the band and Highland High School Concert Choir.