279 Degrees Awarded at Chatham High Graduation

In one of the larger graduating classes in recent years, and one of the smallest Chatham High School will see for years to come, 279 people made the transition from students to alumni.

Valedictorian Jonathan Busam used his speech to remind his fellow classmates of how they have grown together as friends and as classmates. He cited their fundraising efforts for members of the community in need, of their varied but excellent accomplishments in sports, academics, music and acting.

Superintendent Michael LaSusa used his speech to remind the class of 2013 of where they have come from: Not just from the borough and township of Chatham, but from families who love them. No matter how much they will miss their friends, siblings or pets, LaSusa said, "it is microscopic compared to how much your parents love you."

He encouraged the graduates to rely on their parents and families when they felt overwhelmed or pressured in their future years, whether the stress come from academic strain, peer pressure or job hunting.

Board of Education President Thomas K. Belding spoke of goals and dreams, and pushed the students—now graduates—to pursue a purposeful live. He closed his speech with "Dreams" by Langston Hughes.

To accommodate the graduates and their families and to protect against the risk of inclement weather, graduation ceremonies were moved to the Mennen Arena in Morris Township this year, where they will likely stay for the foreseeable future.

Check back with Chatham Patch Monday when we will have an interactive map of where the class of 2013 will attend college.

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