The Greenwich High School class of 2019 announced on Wednesday the Commencement Speaker for graduation on June 17, 2019.
The Emmy winning, Tony and Grammy nominated music arranger, composer, producer and director Rob Mathes is a Greenwich High School graduate from the class of 1981.
Mathes has strong connections to the community and the public schools. His father, George Mathes was a band teacher in the public schools, receiving a 1987 Distinguished Teachers Award, and his mother, Joan, taught piano to numerous young musicians in town.
Rob Mathes married GHS classmate Tammy Hume and their two oldest children graduated from GHS, Emma (Class of 2013) and Sarah (Class 2016). Their youngest, Lily, will be among the Class of 2019 GHS graduates on June 17.
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GHS Senior Class President James Heavey said, “The Class of 2019 is very excited to have Mr. Rob Mathes as our Commencement Speaker. Not only is Mr. Mathes a GHS class of 1981 graduate, he has stayed connected to our high school and the music department since graduation. Once a cardinal, always a cardinal!”
GHS Interim Headmaster Rick Piotrzkowski said, “Rob is a highly accomplished musical composer, performer, and producer who understands the challenges and opportunities that high school graduates face. As a GHS parent and alumni, Rob has contributed to the fabric of our school in numerous ways: as a composer of songs sung by our choirs, as a mentor to numerous GHS students, as a guest speaker in classes and for Cardinal News. Rob embodies all that is great about GHS and we are delighted that he will be sharing some of his wisdom with our graduates. I am very pleased that the Class of 2019 chose to honor Rob Mathes as their speaker.”
Graduation Date
Greenwich High School graduation will be held on Monday, June 17, 2019 at 6:30pm* at the high school’s Cardinal Stadium.
*In case of inclement weather, the commencement ceremonies will be held indoors in the GHS Performing Arts Center in two groups – students with last names beginning with A-K will begin at 4:00pm, and students with last names beginning with L-Z will begin at 7:15pm. While seating for the outdoor ceremony is unlimited and on a first come, first serve basis, each family will receive two tickets for use in case there is an indoor ceremony.
See also:
Rob Mathes Reflects on His GHS Band Roots, Music Teachers Who Were “Towering Figures in My Life”