PINE BUSH – With the sun shining, though intense thunderstorms were gathering in the west, Pine Bush High School's class of 2009 gathered on the football field for this year's commencement ceremonies.

Mathew Reinhardt gave the invocation and Robert Briwa gave the welcome address. Rachel Byrd gave the first Honor Graduate Address, to considerable applause for her humor, especially when she reminded the class of the time Principal Aaron Hopmeyer wore a tutu. She recalled with fondness the smell of donuts in the cafeteria and she noted that "the decisions we make in the next 10 years will decide what our lives will be like."

Congratulations Class of 2009! Pine Bush High School Scholarships and Awards

Principal Hopmeyer spoke of the three areas that are important in life: the ability to grow and to learn, the sense of community and belonging, and the formation of loving relationships. He went on to describe the mission of the Pine Bush schools as bringing awareness of these three areas of life to students, and to equip them for worthwhile and productive lives.

Hopmeyer listed the Class of 2009's other achievements, beyond academics and sports. "You raised $40,000 for charity. You filled food pantries. You donated clothing. You participated in the Relay for Life. You took field trips to Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and some even went to Virginia Beach." Hopmeyer concluded by wishing the class well as they move on into the world after school.

Superintendant Phil Steinberg presented the Class of 2009 to the public and gave his first presentation address of his tenure at Pine Bush, which was also well received. And then, at last, with beach balls bouncing, even while teachers grabbed them and put them under their seats, 13 years of education came to an end for the Class of 2009. Mortarboard hats flew skywards and the class of 2009 was declared graduated.

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2009!