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Senior Class President Janea Butler opened up the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Destiny D. Douglas sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." To the delight of his classmates and the crowd, Victor Ramirez then performed a jazz piece on his guitar — the first student performer ever at a Bassick graduation.
Kathleen Morris gave the salutatory address, while Prathna Pel gave the valedictory address.
Assistant Principal Shaun Smith presented the Class of 2016 to Superintendent Frances M. Rabinowitz. Rabinowitz then asked the graduates to answer a few questions, “that wouldn’t require a Chromebook, or a computer, or a phone. Just answer these questions,” she said.
“Tell me which teachers have inspired you the most, which friends have helped you the most and also six heroes who have inspired you. These are all answers that you already know,” said Rabinowitz.
Members of the Bassick High staff passed out the diplomas one-by-one to each of the students. When that was complete and all the students had taken their seats, Butler instructed his classmates to turn their tassels. This officially made them all graduates of Bassick High School's Class of 2016, the 81st class to graduate from the Bridgeport school.
Bassick was one of four high schools in Bridgeport to hold commencement exercises on Tuesday. Check back with the Daily Voice for stories on the graduations at Central, Harding and Fairfield Wheeler.
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