DV Class of 2009 is now alumni

WESTFALL — After four years filled with many triumphs and failures, laughter and tears, classes and after school activities, hard work and laziness as well as good times and bad, Delaware Valley High School unleashed another class of seniors to the world on Saturday. The graduating class of 2009, some 458 seniors, was welcomed to an over-stuffed Warrior Stadium on June 13. The day began at 10 a.m. with clouds overhead, yet as each student received his or her diploma, the sun shone in accordance with the joy students felt. “I overbooked,” said 11/12 Principal Joseph Casmus, “I always have to. Students only get five tickets.” The ceremony began on the tick of the hour with the singing of “The National Anthem” by All State Jazz singer Natasha Green. Dr. Thomas J. Finan greeted graduates as well as their friends and family with a speech recalling spectacular events seniors had participated in. This year has had many highlights,” he said. By far, Finan enjoyed DV Drama’s performance of “Cats” the most, and he asked senior cast members to stand and take a bow. After speeches from Senior Class President Matthew Neumann, Salutatorian Derek Houseknecht, Student Council President Kathryn Braisted and Valedictorian Rachel Knuth, Dr. Candis Finan wished the students well and made brief remarks before the members of the class of 2009 were introduced . Finally, as each name was called, students shook hands with school board directors and claimed their diplomas amid cheers from their fellow classmates. “(Graduating is) bittersweet. I have waited for this moment for the past 13 years and now that it has come, it’s not what I expected. These past 13 years of schooling came and went and now I am ready to experience new, better things,” said Jillian Racioppi. While students celebrated on the field, parents and other family members sitting in the stadium went wild as well; the hectic scene left room for heart- warming moments between students and their families. “It’s all just part of the process,” said Casmus, who has not missed a single prom or graduation since 1978. “Although that sounds cold, it’s the truth. But you know what’s neat about my job? After graduation, it starts all over again. Unlike a mechanic or a factory worker, who sees the same parts every day for years, I get to see a new class of students walking down the hallways. I get a new variety.”