Saturday, May 25, 2013

Class of 2013: A commencement to remember

This, of course, was Schanz's fault. Clearly, everyone -- even Schanz himself -- had to agree. Where, other than perhaps Nunavut Territory in Canada, do we record WIND CHILL on May 25? At Marist's graduation ceremony, of course. A rainy day is one thing. But a raking, biting Northwest wind to go with it? Surely, this does not happen. But alas, this is the day we've all been waiting for: Will Schanz (and his wonderful classmates) graduated from Marist College. We are proud of them all. But of course, nothing goes easily or smoothly when "Dark Cloud Boy" Schanz is involved. Naturally, his school was the last to be introduced for diplomas. And, being an "S" person, he was one of the last to receive his diploma. A crowd favorite -- his non-graduating teammates showered him with love today -- Schanz also received the scorn and blame for this terrible weather.

This, of course, is silly. Bad weather happens. This was truly nasty. But joking about/complaining about inclement weather in the wake of such weather extremes of the past year or so really doesn't seem right. Instead, let's focus on what was otherwise a smooth and efficient Commencement: Longtime NYC TV anchor Ernie Anastos delivered a succinct and simple commencement speech. Surprise guest Sen. Chuck Schumer was even more direct and to the point, which met with thunderous applause. Father LaMorte delivered a to-the-point, Noah's Ark-inspired benediction to close the ceremony and send everyone off to trudge through the mud with a smile. And, let's face it, extreme weather like this makes for a memorable day.

When we inevitably complain about the heat next year or in the future at graduation, we can reminisce and say, "yeah, remember that brutal rainstorm we sat through in 2013?" Fitting, to be sure. This was a memorable and special group of graduating seniors; we will never forget them, just as we will never forget this day.

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