This  morning, 182 Bridgeport High School graduating seniors will gather in the school auditorium for the annual senior assembly. Representatives from a number of organizations will present awards and scholarships to many of those students.

 

“Before it’s all said and done, awards will total well over $4 million,” said Principal Mark DeFazio.

 

Rehearsal took place Monday morning for the 9 a.m. assembly, during which time parents and guests will have the opportunity to see the graduates in their caps and gowns.

 

Thursday, May 12 was the seniors’ last day of class. Since then, they’ve been busy in activities leading up to graduation, which takes place 6 p.m. Sunday, May 22. Typically, commencement is on Saturday morning, but it was changed this year due to the state track meet taking place this weekend, DeFazio said.

 

Monday night was the student-organized baccalaureate service at Bridgeport United Methodist Church, followed by the senior banquet at Bridgeport Conference Center.

 

“Then Wednesday is the senior trip,” DeFazio said. “We have about 80 students going to Kennywood and to a Pirates game. We’re taking two charter buses. Mr. (Assistant Principal Matt) DeMotto and some teachers will go to the park with them and then I will meet them at the game.”

 

The senior trip was first organized three or four years ago and it is open to all graduating seniors.

 

“The kids really seem to enjoy it,” DeFazio said.

 

Activities continue Friday with the annual Rose Breakfast to be held at the school cafeteria. Afterwards, graduates will rehearse for Sunday’s commencement exercises. That ceremony is being planned for outdoors and will once again – weather permitting - be held on Wayne Jamison Field. In the case of rain, graduation will be held inside BHS. Graduation will begin at 6 p.m. Among speakers will be Mr. and Miss BHS, Jack Funk and Maggie Lohmann. Student representatives Dante Bonamico and Mateah Kittle will address their peers at this morning’s senior assembly. There will be special music, provided by members of the senior class, at both events. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo by Ben Queen Photography was taken at the 2015 BHS graduation.