Neptune High School graduation. Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ. Photo by Jean Bredin, Blogfinger staff. 6/20/2016.
Monday night. June 20, 2016. the first day of summer.
Text and all photos below by Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
I arrived at the Great Auditorium as the names of the Class of 2016, Neptune High School, were being read. There was a joyful noise as cheers erupted, one after the other, like a happy chain reaction. Then they all stood for the Star Spangled Banner, and then over 300 Scarlet Fliers were clutching their diplomas as they flowed out into the twilight. I stood there, enveloped by the moving throng. There were hugs, kisses, laughter and yes joy all around me. It was hard to focus the camera.
The crowd was in motion as the grads greeted their families, friends and colleagues. No doubt there will be parties, as there should be, because this is such a momentous accomplishment for these teen-aged students. At this moment, only the here and now seemed important.
I was shooting very quickly, recording motion all around, trying to capture moments of truth. There was little chance for composition.
When the images later popped up on the computer screen, I was surprised to see the faces. Besides excitement and happiness, so many seemed serious. What was in their minds? Was it fear of the future or were they merely overwhelmed by the moment? They can’t control the expressions on their faces, but they will have many chances later to reflect on the meaning of what just occurred.
So congratulations to all the grads of Neptune High School ’16. This is an achievement to be proud of.
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This year June 20, 2024 at 6 pm at the Great Auditorium of Ocean Grove, NJ, USA. Come to see the Grove in a different light.
SHIRLEY McLAINE:
Reblogged this on Blogfinger and commented:
This photo essay of the 2016 Neptune High School graduation continues to attract viewers, so we are reblogging it now for your enjoyment, especially if you missed it.
NHS graduation in the Great Auditorium is a much anticipated tradition in Neptune Township. AT one point in the recent past its continuation was threatened, but it survived, and these images document its importance. —Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.