June brings about the season of graduation for many local seniors, but it also evokes a nostalgia for those who fondly look back on their own commencement ceremonies.

In 1934, Long Eddy High School held its first annual commencement. Despite featuring a mere six graduates (Freda Doyle, Frederick Eickhoff, Grace Hughs, Josephine Johnson, Clifford Neer and Susan Simon), the ceremony spanned three nights. Some elements of the 1934 commencement, including the baccalaureate sermon and speeches given by the valedictorian (Frederick Eickhoff) and salutatorian (Josephine Johnson), are still incorporated into modern graduations today. However, schools have largely abandoned other exercises, such as the class prophecy, class poem and a play (Long Eddy High School presented “On the Road to Parnassus” in 1934).

Although the sizes of graduating classes have multiplied and the ceremony itself has evolved, this time of year is filled with excitement, as students are released into the world and begin to prepare for new possibilities.

As “Pomp and Circumstance” plays across the country this month, the local community congratulates the Class of 2018.

The Basket Historical Society preserves and presents the history of the Upper Delaware area. If you are interested in becoming a member or finding out more contact us at basket histsociety@gmail.com.