Radnor High School Commencement

As hundreds of parents and relatives and friends shuffled into the crowded Pavilion at Villanova University, the excitement was barely contained. Also present were sadness, joy, and fear for the future. 315 seniors graduated from Radnor High School this past week, and 315 adults walked out.

The night began with the time-honored traditinon the procession. The seniors walked in from the back of the Pavilion towards the stage, through an aisle created by their seats in the very front. Everyone rose, and the band played the traditional graduation processional.

Remarks were given by members of the senior student council including Addie Bickhart (Class Treasurer - University of Alabama '15), Edward Lee (Class Vice President - Harvard '15), and Brian Garber (Student Body President - Syracuse '15). Then the commencement speaker, Mr. Charles Ryan, took the podium.

Charlie Ryan graduated with honors from Harvard University and went on to a distinguished career in international banking and finance. He played a key role in the development of the privatization program for industry and real estate in Russia. He founded and developed United Financial Group which grew into Russias leading investment bank.  From 2003 to 2008, he served as CEO of Deutsche Bank Russia.  Mr. Ryan was voted the American Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year for 2003. He was inducted into the Radnor Hall of Fame in 2010.

Mr. Ryan spoke of perseverance and dedication to one's goals. He told a story of how when he was studying the Soviet Union during its collapse he was mocked by his friends because he would have no career after that. But he forged ahead and has become a hugely successful banker. He talk about not bowing to the will of others, and staying true to one's goals and ideals and principles.

Then Maria Vasiljevic (Class Valedictorian - Johns Hopkins University '15) gave her speech. It focued on overcoming obstacles and facing your fears to become a better person. Following her, Edward Lee (Class Salutatorian - Harvard '15) told four short stories about his own life. He also spoke about overcoming adversity, about being true to one's self, and about being the best anyone can be.

After the speeches came the handing out of diplomas. Some seniors were confidant when they stepped up to the podium to recieve their diplomas. Some looked scared, some were crying either out of joy or sadness, and some looked relieved.

When all the diplomas had been handed out, the seniors who were in Meistersingers--Radnor High School's honors chorus program--sang the Radnor Alma Mater. And with that the 115th commencement at Radnor High School drew to a close.