Parsippany Hills High School Graduates Class of 2013

Proud parents, friends, relatives and supporters began filling up the bleachers at Parsippany Hills High School, trying to get the closest glimpse of the graduating class of 2013 for Thursday's commencement.

The crowd, armed with cameras, flowers, and the occasional air horn, welcomed the 281 graduates as they marched onto the field in the setting evening sun.

Graduate Kristina Lynch was the first speaker, telling students to set their own goals, be their own individuals and not be afraid to show who they are.

“This is the first of many steps in the direction to where we want to be,” she said. “The path we have followed for the last 13 years leads to the threshold of yet another. Follow that path for there is so much more to learn so much more to see and so much farther to go.”

Valedictorian Suraj Shukla then took the podium with an inspiring speech, even throwing in some lyrics from Kanye West.

“The bottom line is that all our hard work changed us as individuals,” he said. “Life is a long while and we have time to make sense of it all.”

“The tassel is worth the hassle,” he concluded.

Interim Principal Lewis Ludwig told the audience he was thankful for all the faculty's hard work from kindergarten through grade 12, “because although this is a high school graduation on a high school field, it's a district-wide celebration,” he said.

When the speeches concluded, the tassels were moved and the hats were thrown, family and friends gathered together to congratulate the new graduates.

“This is the first graduation for our family,” said Peter and Lucille Mainetti, who came up from Florida to see their grandson Anthony Walsh graduate. “We are very excited to be here and very proud of him.”