The graduating seniors brought the party atmosphere to the Bensalem High School football field Wednesday night as they cheered, did "the Wave" and bounced multiple beach balls into the sky.
The commencement began with each of 482 students parading down the stadium track and marching to their seats at the middle of the field. Parents, siblings and friends cheered them on as the graduates walked the path. There was a humorous moment when the seniors counted off as each of the 40 students with the last name of "Patel" was called up.
After opening remarks from Bensalem High School's interim Principal George Carlino, the student council officers took the microphone to give their own remarks to their fellow graduates.
"Before you set the standard, be the standard," said student council President James Lamb. "Fight for what you want."
Bensalem School District Superintendent Dr. David Baugh offered a speech inspired by the famous "Sunscreen" column penned in 1997 by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, later set to music by film director Baz Luhrmann. Baugh reminded the students to thank their parents, take care of their hearts and not to forget to dance.
Baugh's remarks were followed by speeches by the school's valedictorian Bhavin Patel, who took a selfie from the stage with the class of 2013 in the background, and salutatorian Eva Chau, who began her remarks with the story of how she entered the Bensalem school district at 8-years-old and unable to speak English. She worked hard with her English as a Second Language courses and now stood a top the stage addressing her fellow students.
With the speeches out of the way, the stadium began to erupt with thrown caps and unfettered joy as Dr. Baugh made his proclamation that the Class of 2013 had officially ended its high school career.
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