On June 25, the Norwood News sent reporters to chronicle the graduation ceremonies of three Bronx high schools, including Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music.

Students at the Ceila Cruz Bronx High School of Music gathered in the Lehman College Performing Arts Center amidst a sea of balloons and flower bouquets to receive their diplomas. White and blue block letter balloons displayed on stage read “CCHS 2013.”
Outside on the street, a mock photo studio, awaited the soon-to-be graduates. The canvas backdrop, complete with painted ivy covered columns, was draped along the side of a nearby bridge.

After the class proceeded to the stage and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, members of the Celia Cruz Women’s Choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Valedictorian Marty Kate Mutze and Salutatorian Ryan Mullane received certificates along with several of their classmates. Members of the Celia Cruz Full Orchestra performed.

“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future,” Mullane said, quoting John F. Kennedy. The student drummer was also the recipient of the New York State Comptroller Award, and a Regents Diploma.

“We are products of so many people who invested time in us and to whom I owe a debt of gratitude,” Mutze said during her Valedictorian address. “You do you. Work hard and pave the way forward…if you make a mistake, fake it and keep going,” she said, smiling.

Mutze also received a slew of advanced diplomas and awards. Her mother was granted the Outstanding Parental Involvement Award.

Council Member Helen D. Foster, who represents District 16 and was, in 2002, the first African-American woman from the Bronx to be elected to a city office, offered her wisdom, joking with the room full of music students about several previously failed attempts to play the violin.

“I am sufficient in and of myself,” she said, listing three tokens of advice. “Be present right here where I am, and have a vision,” Foster said, repeating the last phrase for emphasis. “If you can look up, you can get up and if you can get up, then you’re back in the race,” she told the graduates.