On the evening of June 2, the seniors gathered together for the last time, bid their goodbyes to Bel Air High School, and enjoyed their final moments as Bobcats before graduating at their commencement ceremony as the class of 2014.

The night began when the blue and white clad seniors made their way under the beautiful rose arches and into their seats where they sat and waited for their turn to walk the stage. The Bel Air Alma Mater was sung by the BAHS Counterpoints and words of remembrance were said for Mr. Scoop Kelly, the social studies teacher and varsity lacrosse coach that passed away this year.  Mr. Komondor then introduced the board of platform guests. Congratulation speeches were given by five of the guests including school board member Alysson Krchnavy, State Senator J.B. Jennings, State Delegate Wayne Norman, County Attorney Robert McCord, and County Councilman Jim McMahan. The speeches included a beautiful graduation rendition of “Let it Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen”, as well as a dramatic throwing of a “box full of the future” into the crowd.

Next to stand at the podium were Taylor Shrewbridge and Ben Barsam, the winners of the graduation speech contest. Ms. Shrewbridge described her difficult struggles throughout middle school and the bullying she had faced throughout the years. She worried the harassment would continue into high school. However, her time at Bel Air could be described with one sentence:

“For the first time in a while, I would come home with a smile on my face…I think that says a lot about Bel Air High School,” said Shrewbridge, thanking her classmates for the wonderful memories.

Ben Barsam then gave his speech and told stories of his time at Bel Air. He described his “strange feelings towards a social studies teacher who looks strangely like an important biblical figure”, as well as his investment in extracurricular activities such as the drama company and the student government. After a few laughs and tears, Mr. Barsam only had one request for his fellow graduates:

“Whenever this awesome moment fades into memory…my friends, that is the time we go out and do all of the wonderful things for the world.”

The valedictorian, Jason Dinh, gave a speech that began with the words “say cheese” as he turned around on stage and took a final selfie with his classmates. Jason spoke of the unity and sense of community that the Bel Air students possess, and shared his fondest memories of his time as a Bobcat.

“We are all going to miss something about coming here every single day. There is something about this school that makes Bel Air…Bel Air, and it’s the magical and this intangible thing we call Bobcat Pride,” said Dinh at the conclusion of his speech.

The final speech of the evening was made by senior class president, Tori Gryglewski, who described how the class of 2014 was truly one of a kind. Tori then announced that the class of 2014’s parting gift was money deposited into the existing fund for a new marquee in front of the school. The marquee is planned to be completed shortly before the new school year begins.

The time had finally arrived and Mrs. Harris began announcing the names. One by one, Bobcats were handed their diplomas and they walked across the stage, accompanied by the loud applause given by their family, teachers, and friends. Bel Air High School said goodbye to 372 seniors and watched as they flipped their tassels and tossed their caps into the air.

When the graduation was all said and done, graduates walked out through the rose arches and into the future, leaving behind their legacy and taking with them their everlasting memories of Bel Air High School.