‘The present is our blank canvas’

Delran High School’s class of 2025 moved their tassels from right to left, sang their alma mater and threw their caps in the air signifying an end to their high-school chapter.

Under the hot sun on June 19, salutatorian Suhani Patel led the Pledge of Allegiance, the school’s chorus sang the national anthem and class president Lily O’Connor welcomed family and friends for the school’s 50th commencement inside the football stadium.

Several students sang a rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” and senior John Campo offered the seniors reflection. In her speech, Patel spoke of living in the present.

“The present moment is the only time we are truly guaranteed, and the only part of our life we can fully control,” she noted. “That makes the present not just a gift, but a responsibility. An opportunity we’re entrusted with moment by moment.”

Patel told her fellow students to “never be afraid to act boldly and take full advantage of the countless possibilities” each moment presents them.

“While time itself is finite, the only limits of what we can do with it is the one we set for ourself,” she pointed out. “The present is our blank canvas and what we choose to do with it, how we show up, who we decide to be and what we work toward paints the person we become and everything else that follows.”

Valedictorian Minnah Khan spoke about the future.

“The truth is, none of us knows what the future holds” she stated. “I’ve come to believe this is the most exciting part. There’s beauty and hope of the future being unknown. It means we are allowed to grow, to change our minds, discover new versions of ourselves. It means who we are today does not define who we are tomorrow.

“It is undeniable that we will make mistakes and challenges will be thrown our way when we least expect it, but with that, there will also be achievements and success,” Kahn added. “It is entirely up to us to determine how our future is going to be written.”

Principal Brian Stolarick said the graduates are “all starting your pathway of adulthood during a time of change.”

“Artificial intelligence (AI) will inevitably be the equivalent of what the people of the 18th century faced looking toward the Industrial Revolution,” he explained. “Yes, we will see change in many aspects of society as a result of technological breakthrough. That breakthrough makes this 51-year-old man who drives a car with a tape deck anxious at times, but it also presents so many opportunities.”

Stolarick implored a “growth mindset” for the class of 2025.

“As AI grows within our society, humanity will become most important in meeting new people, shaking their hands and engaging them with conversation without an algorithm,” the principal advised. “(Humanity) will be a skill set that sets you apart.

“Maintaining a growth mindset and achieving more as a result of using those technologies at your disposal will present endless opportunities for growth and success.”