This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Clayton High School Graduates Class of 2011

A total of 196 seniors received diplomas Thursday night at the Washington University Field House.

A total of 196 (CHS) seniors earned their high school diplomas Thursday evening and became the 101st graduating class of the .

The seniors, dressed in blue robes, slowly filed into the Washington University Field House at the start of the ceremony. Family and friends filled the Field House, and the excitement was palpable.

The evening’s program began with the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by several speeches. CHS faculty chose three seniors to address the graduating class. Phoebe Raileanu spoke first.

Find out what's happening in Clayton-Richmond Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The class of 2011 is simply the best class to come out of Clayton High School," Raileanu said. “Ten, 20 years from now, we will successfully rule the world.”

Rebecca Steinberg also addressed the class.

Find out what's happening in Clayton-Richmond Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I can’t think of anything to complain about," Steinberg said of looking back on her time at CHS.

Steinberg spoke about how each student received encouragement from faculty to be individual, to voice opinions and even to argue with teachers.

"All of us have formed different opinions about what high school is, was and should be," Steinberg said.

Ian Miller spoke last. His speech focused on learning.

“You are all, I’m afraid, life-long learners,” Miller said. He challenged his fellow students to continue learning, though it might not always be in a classroom.

“Learning will change your life," he said.

Students received diplomas after the speeches. One of six faculty members chosen by the senior class and entrusted with correct name pronunciation called out each name.

Dr. Louise Losos, principal of CHS, offered a few last congratulatory words before the senior class of 2011 threw its caps in the air and the celebration began.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Clayton-Richmond Heights