More than 550 students received their diplomas during Cherokee High School’s June 16 graduation at William H. Foltz Stadium.
Salutatorian Anton Smolyanyy read his speech to the Lenape Regional High District (LRHSD) staff, the graduates and their loved ones.
“It is my honor, as the class of 2023 salutatorian, to welcome all parents, family, Cherokee staff members, Lenape Regional High School representatives, Evesham Township dignitaries, and of course, my fellow graduates, to the 2023 graduation ceremony,” he said.
Smolyanyy compared his love of rock climbing to the obstacles the class faced over their four years to reach graduation.
“I feel that, in many ways, our high-school experience as a class can be related to the process of scaling a tiring mountain,” he remarked. “Four years ago, we all arrived at the base of the formidable mountain of high school. The dangerous and rocky slope ascended high into the air towards graduation: Its daunting peak covered with snow and ice.
“Looking up at this mountain, at what seems like an eternity ago, this peak seemed unattainable,” Smolyanyy noted. “It seemed distant, and no obvious path presented itself amidst the unknown terrain. Yet, before we knew it, months and years flew by. Day by day, week by week, we conquered this mountain.
“As you walk across the stage tonight to accept your diploma, look upwards toward your next mountain and be inspired by the climb that awaits you,” he added.
“Class of 2023 – the mountains are waiting.”
“I’ve had the honor and privilege watching many of you conduct yourselves admirably during your time at Cherokee,” Lenape Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm told the students as she certified their graduation. “Continue to care and connect with the people you encounter, and continue to accept guidance and love from those who have supported you wherever you venture.”
Valedictorian Daniel Hassall closed out the graduation ceremony with a speech focused on reflection and becoming adults.
“Do you remember when we were very young?” he asked. “When our hair was still short and the world was ours for the taking? I remember all of you. You, with that crazy laugh, or you and that steel look on your face at every at bat. The way you covered every notebook with little flowers. And I’ll never forget you and how your rich, brown eyes shine like stars in the sunlight.
“I remember climbing on those storage crates, and football in the park, when we all realized but never acknowledged how we were leaving boyhood behind— together” Hassall added. “I’m not sure if we’re ready to go, but seeing as we’re here now, I don’t think we have much of a choice.Climbing the high-school ‘mountain’
“What I will choose is how we’ll go,” he concluded. “I’ll go with you. We’ll take that first step hand in hand. We’ll walk to the corners of this world, never looking back at the footprints we leave and that sweet summer smell.”
