SBHS principal gives annual convocation
By Senior Geena Elghossain, Viking Vibe Staff
"Responsible leaders do."
These words, spoken by Principal Peter Varela, expressed this year’s core value.
At the beginning of every September, the freshmen, seniors, and staff come together for convocation. It is a welcome to the new students, a "you’re almost there" to those who are leaving, and a bonding between the two—- the old and the new being joined by the theme that will recur throughout the rest of the year, namely, responsibility.
"This year we chose to focus on responsibility because it encompasses all of the other values. With what the King family faced, we demonstrated as a community, small and large, that we can come together and do the responsible, which was to help them," said Mr. Varela.
Mr. Varela was referring to math teacher Lisa King, this year’s primary guest speaker, who along with her husband, social studies teacher Jeff King, recently suffered a great loss to her and her family. A gas pipe near her home had leaked and exploded, causing catastrophic damage the surrounding area. They lost everything—- their property, their belongings, and the roof over their head.
Imagining what this is like is nearly impossible, and the South Brunswick community saw this and stepped forward to help one of their own.
"The entire South Brunswick community— faculty, staff, students, parents, community members— all stepped up and helped the Kings. I know that Mr. and Ms. King were very touched by the kindness, generosity and support that the they received from many members of the South Brunswick community," said Ms. Melissa Burdge, a mathematics teacher and speaker at convocation.
Ms.Burdge explained how this extraordinary kindness and generosity exemplifies what it means to be responsible. It is something that anyone and everyone can and should do, beginning with small acts within the walls of SBHS itself.
"I hope I have encouraged students to stop and think about their daily decisions and make choices that positively affect their community," she said.
Following the strong words of Ms.Burdge and Ms.King was the SBHS Student Council President and Class Presidents speech. This year President Kevin Chen (15’) and Senior Class President Gowri Cheepurupalli (15’) delivered it. The two also touched on the theme of Responsibility, illustrated by Disney images to go along with this year’s Homecoming theme.
Mr. Chen said to the freshmen, "High school may be a bit intimidating at first, but have fun, don’t get caught up on small things, work hard, and there is literally no limit to what you can achieve in four years."
After these speeches, the Spirit of the Viking award was given to Mr.Mark Kraft, who retired from the Music Department this year but has always played a large role in convocation. The Wind Ensemble, which he formerly conducted, entertained the staff and students during the entrance and departure, playing an assortment of over a dozen different marches.
The most notable piece performed at convocation after the Wind Ensemble is the school alma mater, traditionally performed by the Concert Choir and directed by Virginia Kraft.
"Our alma mater is a wonderful piece, actually written for us by a graduate of SBHS. It speaks of the pride and unity we as students, bound together at SBHS, should have for our school, a message right in line with the theme of convocation," said Student Council Vice President Tyler Sanders (16’), who is one of the performers in the concert choir.
Participants said that the sense of togetherness and unity achieved through convocation is one of the most notable parts of the South Brunswick High School experience.
"This is my thirteenth year in South Brunswick. I’ve seen convocation grow and change— it’s a part of the year I think our high school community looks forward to. It’s important to start off with a message that comes from us. We are a small community," said Mr.Varela. "I sincerely hope convocation at SBHS continues as a tradition for many, many years."