The High School of American Studies at Lehman College’s Class of 2012 graduated on Tuesday, June 26, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg giving the keynote speech.

The students sat quietly and politely during the ceremony in Lovinger Theatre, periodically laughing at private jokes made by speakers and cheering for their friends.

Once the 87 graduates made their way onto the floor, and the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem were out of the way, the speeches began. Salutatorian Melissa Dhanraj, Valedictorian Corey Sherman, Principal Alessandro Weiss, and, finally, Bloomberg, each blew the audience away with their comedic and touching words.

Dhanraj and Sherman spoke directly to their classmates, reminiscing and congratulating them. Weiss gave a moving speech about the acceptance within the school and his hope that after leaving high school, each student would continue to celebrate differences and reject prejudice. Bloomberg was cheery and optimistic, noting that each of the graduates was headed to college.

Sherman, who is planning to study film in college, also put together a special film presentation for the occasion. His cute interviews with students and faculty and collection of funny photos set to A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?” captured the enthusiasm of the close-knit family that is the small Bedford Park school.

“The ceremony was absolutely phenomenal,” said Charles Leake whose godson Thomas Bautista graduated. “I’m so impressed with the faculty and the respect of the faculty from the students.” Leake is also incredibly proud of his godson who is off to Pittsburgh for college, after choosing among eight different acceptances.
The HSAS band performed “Pomp and Circumstance” for the processional and “March No. 4” for the recessional with impressive skill. As the graduates were announced, a group of teachers described each student, emphasizing their best qualities.