Gerstell Academy Celebrates Commencement
The ceremony was a culmination of hard work and significant achievement designed to honor and acknowledge our 43 graduates. These students set a high standard and made a positive difference in the lives of one another and the community. The graduates processed through the quadrangle accompanied by a solo bagpiper.
Ms. Jenna Daly, Lower School Music Teacher and Chair of the Music Department performed the National Anthem.
Zavian Valedon, Gerstell Academy Student Body President led the invocation, followed by Mr. Brian Abbott, Head of the Upper School who provided opening comments.
Valedictorian Zavian Valedon spoke to his classmates about their good fortune to be sharing this moment as young leaders with a bright future. He commented on the growth he has witnessed over the past four years, and the efforts made to unite the class to become a positive force for good.
Braedon Dillon, President of the Senior Class presented a monetary award as the Class gift for new flooring and equipment enhancements for the weight training facility.
Mr. Brian Abbott, Head of the Upper School, also addressed the graduates and presented the Norm Smith Leadership Award to senior Sameer Nasir.
Dr. Frederick G. Smith, Founder and Chairman of the Gerstell Academy Board of Trustees along with Mr. John Polasko, President, presented The Stephen Olszewski Excellence in Teaching Award to Mrs. Joanna Edwards, long time teacher and beloved member of the Gerstell community.
Dr. Frederick Smith, Founder and Chairman of the Gerstell Academy Board of Trustees, spoke to the graduates and presented the Christopher A. Poklemba Award to senior Sameer Nasir. Dr. Smith also presented the Gary E. Slyman Leadership Scholar Award to Zavian Valedon.
Diplomas were presented by Dr. Frederick G. Smith, Mr. John Polasko, Mr. Brian Abbott and Dr. Venice Paterakis, Member of the Board of Trustees. Also, in attendance at the ceremony were Ms. Janine Wilson, Dr. Jason Hammond, and Mr. Benjamin Lyons, long-standing members of the Board of Trustees.
President Mr. John Polasko offered closing remarks and shared a personal address to the graduates.
The ceremony closed with the singing of the Gerstell Academy Alma Mater, written by Deborah Paterakis.
2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300
