June 10, 2021

Photo Gallery: Class of 2021 Graduation

Following an unexpected rain delay, the 380 members of the Upper St. Clair High School Class of 2021 received their diplomas during commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, in the high school’s stadium.

Student Council President Constantine Tripodes kicked-off the ceremony with an inspirational message and Senior Class President Abelardo Sobarzo delivered the student welcome. Student speakers included Sophia Shi, Malorie Glancy and Antara Cleetus.

Due to the threat of additional rain, Dr. Timothy Wagner, principal, abbreviated his remarks during the ceremony and will be sharing his prepared speech with the Class of 2021 via email. In his planned speech, he highlighted the role that creativity plays – and will continue to play – in their life experiences.

“From the macro, analyzing public health considerations and the outcomes of public policy, to the micro, determining how you would personally engage as a remote, hybrid, or fully in-person learner, creative problem solving has been required at a pace and at a scale that was unfamiliar, and in a way that affected all people,” Dr. Wagner said. “This year, you were no doubt called upon to be creative, flexible and fluent thinkers.  And, students, you have met the call to action in your own lives with just the resolve and creativity needed to bring us to this moment tonight.”

In his remarks, Dr. John Rozzo, superintendent of schools, encouraged graduates to remember the good and praised their resilience and creativity in re-imagining many events and experiences throughout their senior year.

“This was not a year lost – but a year of challenge and growth. You and your classmates reimagined your senior year experience and found a way to thrive in spite of a global pandemic,” he said. “I am more confident today – than ever before – that this class of seniors, the Class of 2021, is prepared for life beyond high school. Whether you are leaving Upper St. Clair for college, enlisting in the military or entering the workforce, you have the skills and determination needed to succeed.”

Valedictorians include Benjamin Paul Bacdayan, Gabriella Jinelle Brubach, Richard Alexander Carlson, Christian Grant Chiu, Harrison Chui, Taylor Andrew Finkelstein, Reshma Gudla, Patrick Liam Joyce, Bryce Andrew Keating, Andrew Scott Levy, Madison Lynne Milone, Claudia Ying-Qi Ng, Abigail Barbara Rutkowski, Ryan Matthew Sarkett, Sophia M. Schlichting, Sophia Shi, Emma Brooks Skeel, Constantine Stephen Tripodes and Veronica Zhang.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates include Antara Cleetus, James Fang, Madeleine Kent, Richa Mahajan, Lucia Niharra Escribano, Nick Pacella, Eric Wang, Kayleigh Weber and Elizabeth Young.