Paramus High School’s Sixty-Fifth Commencement: Perfectly Traditional

PARAMUS, NJ – Commencement never disappoints, just ask all the proud parents and family members that attended, wondering where all those years went...and went so quickly for the 273 graduates.

Paramus High School’s 65th Commencement, June 20, 2024, was held on the high school football field, where there was no sparing of tradition: "Pomp and Circumstance”, speeches, and the handing out of diplomas.

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Valedictorian, Ian Park, and Principal, Mr. Raymond J. Kiem.

Valedictorian Ian Park urged his fellow graduates to remember that Paramus will always be considered their home. “What lies ahead is unpredictable. There are inevitable doubts about the future and, come fall, we’ll feel as if we are not home,” he said. “For home lies not in what we seek, but in what we know. And home is where we want to be, but I think we’re already there. As we soon disperse to pursue our new paths, let us remember that we will always remain looped together by the bonds that we have cultivated here.”

Principal Raymond Kiem, who is retiring, noted that the special day marked the end of an era for the graduates.

“Each of you has contributed uniquely to the diverse tapestry of Paramus High School, and for that, everyone here is incredibly proud,” he said. “The world is full of possibilities and I have no doubt that each of you will leave an indelible mark wherever you go.”

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Kiem concluded by thanking attendees for the last decade he has served PHS as principal. “I do want to thank everyone here for everything,” he continued, “because the last ten years as your principal has truly been the greatest honor of my life.”

Prior to the presentation of diplomas, Sean Adams, Superintendent of Schools, addressed the members of the Class of 2024 and guests, expanding on the meaning of the word “graduate.”

“The first definition of ‘graduate’ was straightforward: to receive an academic degree or a diploma,” he explained. “However, the second definition was much more intriguing: to pass from one stage of experience to another one. It struck me that, as per this definition, there is a name missing from the list of graduates: that of your retiring principal, Mr. Kiem.”

Adams continued, reflecting on how everyone was gathered that evening not only to celebrate what the students have learned, but to also acknowledge what the students have taught the faculty and staff along the way. “You have shown us the value of working hard, remaining strong in the face of sometimes overwhelming adversity,” he continued, “forging and maintaining strong relationships, and striving to make the world around you a better place.”

In a thoughtful gesture to honor Mr. Kiem’s dedication over the years, Mr. Adams designated Mr. Kiem as an honorary member of the Paramus High School Class of 2024 by providing him with the first diploma of the evening.

Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Board of Education Outstanding Academic Awards
Dillon Kim - Business
Victor Olivo - Computer Science
Meliza Chitic Luis - Directors of Guidance
lan Park - English
Natalie Martinez - Fine Arts
Victor Olivo - Mathematics
Gabriela Turfan - Music
Maria Rivera - Performing Arts
Teah Polyakov - Physical Education and Wellness
lan Park - Science
Isabel Seo - Social Studies

Abigail Uy - Technology
Estelle Bahar Sagmal - World Language
Adrianna Cioffi - Salutatorian
Ian Park - Valedictorian
National Merit Scholarship Letters of Commendation
Mateen Aminyar
Stanley Cheng
Adrianna Cioffi
Zaid Elhadary
Asad Gilani
Dillon Kim
Matthew Kim
Irene Lee
Jerad McElroy
Raj Modi
Jihoo Na
Krish Patel
Neal Ramani
Angel Yoon
National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists
Arlene Heriveaux
Ian Park

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