2005 Commencement Celebrates 355 NHS Graduates

By Susan Coney

The O’Neill Center at Western Connecticut State University was packed Tuesday night with enthusiastic families and friends who gathered to support and congratulate the 355 Newtown High School graduates of 2005. During the musical procession, as the seniors filed in, the crowd welcomed them with heartfelt applause.

“The Star Spangled Banner,” performed by the Senior Select Choir, set the tone for a joyful and upbeat evening to honor the Class of 2005.

Krishna Patel, the class Salutatorian, was first to address the group. She humbly reported that she had no great message to impart to her fellow classmates but left them with a few thoughts of her own that she keeps close to her heart. First she said, follow the adage that laughter is the best medicine, and to try to live a happy life. She continued saying that you should always know what you are getting yourself into before you say “yes,” to anything. She stressed the need to use your common sense and be careful. Krishna said, “Do not live in the past, or stress too much over the future, enjoy the present.”

She went on to say, “Always remember your friends, they will cover your back. And keep an eye on your enemies.” She added, “Always be open to change, don’t prejudge, be tolerant of others.” Finally she said, “Be true to yourself wherever you go.”

Second Vice President Mary Anders reviewed the Class of 2005 accomplishments by saying that the achievements in the areas of academics, community service, and extra curricular activities were outstanding this year.

She reflected on the success of the musical production of Show Boat, and the extremely talented music students who were asked to perform at Carnegie Hall this year. She boasted about the band’s performance in the St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Mary confirmed that out of the 355 graduates, 96 percent were going on to further their education and that the class had collectively won a million dollars worth of awards and scholarships. Mary noted that the Class of 2005 had performed 28,000 hours of community service. More than 134 seniors had committed 100 hours or more of service in the surrounding community.

Interim Principal Patricia Llodra introduced two foreign exchange students, Nora Mielikaninen from Finland and Veronica Lara from Mexico. The girls exchange flags from their countries with Mrs Llodra and thanked the student body, teachers, and staff for a wonderful year.

Nora Mielikaninen sincerely thanked everyone for the warm experience she has had while living in Newtown and attending the high school. She laughed saying, “I need a car. I used to think that it was a long way from Big Y to Newtown High School. I tell everybody that Newtown is 30 minutes from everything.” Nora went on to thank all of the people that helped her when she seemed to continually be lost in Newtown, but thanks to the wonderful people in the community she always found her way.

Superintendent Evan Pitkoff encouraged the Class of 2005 to continue to be lifelong learners. Dr Pitkoff was able to get a couple of plugs in about the rewarding aspects of being an educator and urged students to consider that career path.

He said that in life there is a constant need to retool and continue learning. He cited examples of how an adult might find the need to adapt and learn new skills. He said it would be ridiculous to have an eye surgeon who does not want to learn how to use a laser; or a secretary who is not willing to learn how to use a computer. His message for the Class of 2005 was to continue to learn, give back to the community, and be happy in your life.

Dr Pitkoff expressed his thanks to Jan Brookes, Carol Lucas, and Carol Napolitano, three teachers who are retiring this year. He also expressed his sincere thanks to Patricia Llodra for coming out of retirement to step in and help the community by taking over the demanding position as interim principal of the high school.

Elaine McClure, Chair of the Board of Education, spoke on behalf of the board to congratulate the graduates. She advised that no matter what challenges you face, your family and friends will always be there for you. She also said that as you venture out into the world treat everyone you meet with respect and kindness. She encouraged the students to stand up for their beliefs and opinions and to believe in themselves. Finally she told the students not to rely on material possessions, fancy clothes, or cars to make them happy. “All you need is love,” she said.

MaryAnn Murtha from the Newtown Scholarship Association had the privilege of announcing the many scholarship award winners at the ceremony. The Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) has been in existence since 1937, when it first awarded a $50 scholarship. Since that time the NSO has awarded nearly three million dollars worth of scholarships to area students.

After the ceremony Ms Murtha said, “I wasn’t nervous speaking in front of the crowd. How could you be nervous when you are facing the happiest audience in the world?” She commented that this year’s graduation was a wonderful ceremony with a lot of positive energy flowing.

Inside Insights

Following the awards presentations Class President Kyle Lyddy and First Vice President Siobhan Cooper followed up with reflections and inside jokes pertaining to the Class of 2005. Some of the inside insights included: if you need a pass for anywhere at any time go to Mr Tolson. Both students also recommended to incoming freshmen, “Learn to wear a sweatshirt; no one knows how to work the air conditioning in this school properly.” One other piece of advice, “Be careful playing four square in the courtyard.” Kyle and Siobhan enthusiastically said together, “Carry your smile around with you. The more you laugh the more you live.”

Class valedictorian Margaret Boushell impressed upon her classmates that they have had an amazing place to spend their high school years. Now they have an opportunity to receive a blank slate. She said, “What matters now is that you take what you learned and apply it to your future.” Maggie closed her message by saying, “You planted the tree of education and now as you leave high school harvest the sweet fruit.”

The commencement address jointly given by two popular staff members, guidance counselor Jeff Tolson and math teacher Gene Hall, received much applause and laughter. After being summoned to the stage the two proceeded to rip off their ceremonial robes revealing matching train engineer outfits. Having previously provided all of the graduates with whistles, they periodically encouraged the students to blow their whistles at appropriate times.

Using the train scenario they told the student body that, “It’s not the destination, it is the journey.” The message they brought to the Class of 2005 was simple. They enthusiastically urged the graduates, “Find friends who encourage you and make you better and bring your energy to the world. Above all, find your place in life that makes you feel alive and invigorated. Do what you love!”

Pat Llodra gave the closing speech, which was cleverly presented. She told the graduates that with technology the world is a much smaller place and we cannot predict our future so she related helpful advice. Mrs Llodra told the students that she wished to give each one of them a metaphorical back pack that would contain many of the things needed in life. First in the backpack would be a dictionary to use in communicating. Next, a flashlight to guide your way and help you to find the right road. Also snacks are needed, remember to give yourself treats in life. Stamps and stationary are necessary to always stay in touch with family and friends. “A candle so that you will light up with knowledge and be a lifelong learner,” she said.

She went on to add the much needed tissues to wipe the tears of joy and sorrow. A first aid kit with bandages to patch yourself up and move on when life gets difficult. She said vitamins were necessary to protect your health. She urged the graduates to choose a healthy lifestyle. A mirror also belongs in the backpack so that you may look yourself in the eye and keep your integrity intact. Safety pins and a sewing kit are essential to hold things together in an emergency. An eraser is needed to help forgive mistakes, allowing forgiveness of yourself and others. Finally bubbles, balloons, and beach balls are placed in the backpack to remember to have fun, play, and enjoy life.

Mrs Llodra summed it up by saying, “I have had the pleasure to work with the Class of 2005. They are the best, brightest, and kindest group I have had the pleasure to work with.”

The graduates were then called to receive their much-anticipated diplomas presented by Mrs Llodra, Kyle Lyddy, Siobhan Cooper, Jessica Budnick, and Lindsey Coyle.

The Senior Select Choir sang “Come Sail Away” by Styx as a final song at the ceremony. The High School Concert Band performed throughout the ceremony under the direction of Kurt Eckhardt.

The graduates were given a standing ovation at the end of the ceremony. Families and friends gathered to congratulate the Class of 2005.