06/12/2023
Commencement 2023 Photo Gallery
On a breezy, cool and overcast Thursday evening, Highlands High School celebrated the Senior Class of 2023 at the 55th Annual Commencement with a traditional outdoor ceremony at Golden Rams Stadium on June 8, 2023.
The HHS Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Matthew Beresik, started the ceremony with the familiar “Pomp and Circumstance” as the members of the Highlands High School Class of 2023 marched into the stadium. The Pledge of Allegiance was delivered by Senior Class Secretary Mr. Zachary Noah Dunlap, followed by a welcome and introduction of the guests on the stage by Highlands High School Principal Mr. Michael Toole.
Superintendent Dr. Monique Mawhinney delivered a meaningful message to the seniors and introduced the very first Highlands Distinguished Alumni Commencement Speaker, Mrs. Michelle Thompson Peters, Class of 1990 graduate and the Vice President of Operations at Blackburn's Physician's Pharmacy in Tarentum. Following her speech, Mrs. Peters was presented with a commemorative plaque and gifts from Senior Class President Mr. Nicholas O. McQuade. Mrs. Peters' introduction and speech can be found at the 55 minute mark in the Commencement video below.
Senior Class Treasurer Miss Kassidy Cambal presented the Class Gift, which will be a plaque in remembrance of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire to be displayed at the Highlands Community Center.
Following the presentation, Miss Kassidy Cambal was officially recognized as the Class of 2023 Salutatorian (at left in first photo). She plans to attend St. Vincent College to pursue a degree in Data Science as well as play softball. Miss Rachael Anne Babinsack was announced as the Class of 2023 Valedictorian (at right in first photo). She will also attend St. Vincent College. Rachael plans to major in Finance/Law and play on the bowling team. School Board Director Mr. Gene Witt accepted the books chosen by Miss Cambal and Miss Babinsack that will be placed in the High School library in their honor.
Miss Helayna Cirino was selected to deliver the traditional Commencement Address entitled, Perfectly Imperfect. After the Address, the HHS Choir senior members sang “A Million Dreams” under the direction of Mr. Michael Zeiler, HHS Choir Director.
Mr. Toole certified that the members of the Class of 2023 met all requirements for graduation, Superintendent Dr. Mawhinney accepted the class for graduation, and School Board President Mrs. Bobbie Neese confirmed the granting of diplomas. Senior Class President Mr. Nicholas O. McQuade and Vice President Mr. Luke Andrew Vunora announced the members of the senior class as Superintendent Dr. Mawhinney granted the diplomas to the graduates.
The ceremony concluded with the Alma Mater by the HHS Honors Choir and the validation of graduates by Dr. Mawhinney. The graduates moved their tassels on their caps to the left, over their hearts, followed by the traditional cap-throwing into the air!
The Highlands High School Graduating Class of 2023 comprised 150 seniors. In a self-reported student survey of 124 seniors, 75% are pursuing post-secondary education (college, nursing/medical, trade school); 7% have an apprenticeship or employment; 3% are going into the military; and 15% are undecided.
Commencement Program: List of 2023 Graduates, Future Plans, Scholarships, Honors & Awards
Full Ceremony:
Highlights:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HHS CLASS OF 2023!
To view/order pictures from Kathy's Kreative Portraits, click on the link below:
Kathy's Kreative Portraits Ceremony Photos & Individual Graduates
