Hariharan Conji ’23 receives his high school diploma at the Columbia High School Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony.
The real world is about to become a better place now that the Columbia High School Class of 2023 is joining it. Over the past four years, this exceptional group of students has grown into bright, driven and engaged adults. They have shown tremendous academic achievements, artistic talents, athletic accomplishments and, most importantly, community engagement.
From the start as freshman, the Columbia Class of 2023 lost part of their school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But they persevered, dealing with the shutdown and virtual learning. As time went on, many of the important aspects of high school returned to them including dances, sports, concerts and simply sitting in class together.
“We learned how to overcome adversity, and dive into each challenge headfirst, fearless,” said Student Council President Emma Marchiony ’23. “We learned how to form strong and meaningful relationships during our time in quarantine. We learned to live in the moment, and to not take anything for granted.”
Throughout the graduation ceremony, the students showed off their talents, from the Chamber Singers performing the Star Spangled Banner, to Raziya Coleman ’23 reading a poem she wrote, to Madeline Gruber ’23 and Aidan Halsey ’23 singing a duet, accompanied by Shea Thorpe ’23, as well as the incredible poise showed by each of the student speakers.
The Columbia Class of 2023 is moving on – to colleges all around the country, to begin jobs in the workforce, and to serve in the military. Whatever path they choose, the world is out there waiting for them. No doubt, these graduates will face the inevitable challenges head on, work hard and make their dreams come true.
“I’m excited, honestly, to see what lies ahead,” said Valedictorian Teddy Howard ’23. “I’m excited to see how everyone here handles the freedom, and I’m excited to see where we all end up. Good luck, Class of 2023, I can’t wait to see what we all will do.”
Congratulations to the Columbia Class of 2023!