Members Of The 2010 Class ‘Go’ Out Into The World

By Eliza Hallabeck

Cameras and video recorders were raised outside Western Connecticut State University’s O’Neill Center as Newtown High School’s Class of 2010 gathered together before making their way inside for this year’s commencement exercises on Thursday, June 17.

Despite the startling appearance of a woodchuck while students were in line outside, the procession was calm and controlled as the graduates entered with NHS faculty for the ceremony.

This year’s graduates were urged by speakers to be themselves, make good decisions, and “go now,” as commencement address speaker Lee Keylock said in a poem he wrote, called “Go.”

Throughout life, as Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson said, there are transitions that are emotionally charged, like entering kindergarten, earning a driver’s license, and graduating high school.

“Whatever your plans are moving forward,” Dr Robinson said, “you will be making life-altering decisions along the way.”

Growing up in a community like Newtown, she said, where people have been committed to fostering the growth of each student, gave the graduates a background to help them make sound decisions.

“All that we have hoped for you, and taught you, will go with you as you open this next chapter of your life,” Dr Robinson said. “You face small and great decisions, and believe me some of those will be challenging decisions.”

Board of Education Chair Lillian Bittman spoke after Dr Robinson, and said the Class of 2010 has every right to be proud and to celebrate with friends and family. She asked the graduates to take a moment to remember themselves as freshmen before leaving the ceremony.

“I know you can’t believe you used to act that way,” she said, “but you did. Parents, I don’t want you to cry, but go back and remember that first year.”

Ms Bittman said only the graduates know their own heart and can answer which path is right for them.

“Congratulations Class of 2010, Newtown is so proud of each one of you,” she said, “we can hardly wait to see which path each of you choose. Good luck and enjoy your lives.”

The graduates survived four years of spirit weeks and cafeteria food, as salutatorian Zoe DeStories said during her speech.

“Don’t forget we haven’t come this far without taking a little help from the people who care about us, many of whom are here this afternoon,” said Zoe. “We cannot forget the teachers who stayed after school for extra help.”

Continuing, Zoe said to not forget the coaches, siblings, friends, and “the parents, who forced us to prepare for the SAT and sat in the cold at track meets, the grandparents, who drove two hours to see our theater productions and tournaments. They, too, have a share in this moment. On behalf of the Class of 2010, thank you.”

Senior Class Vice President Nahba Bropleh listed the accomplishments of the Class of 2010.

“If I say anything today,” said Nahba, “I want to get this message out clearly, the Class of 2010 is the best class to ever walk the halls of Newtown High School.”

The 2010 class was the last fifth grade class in the elementary schools, the first to attend the Reed Intermediate School, and has had many accomplishments since starting at NHS four years ago, he said.

“For example, the girls’ lacrosse team has been the SWC champions for the last four years,” said Nahba. This year, he continued, the boys’ softball and tennis teams wrapped up perfect seasons by capturing SWC championships, seniors in the drama club were nominated for five Connecticut high school theater music awards this year, and in 2006 and 2007 the NHS marching band won the Musical Arts Conference championships.

Those are just a few of the accomplishments, Nahba said, adding he hoped it gave those in attendance perspective on the remarkable students in the 2010 class.

“Many of them have not been announced publicly,” said Nahba, “but tonight we recognize every student sitting here as amazing individuals. I can say that I am personally honored to be a part of this class.”

Valedictorian Amar Agashe said he was excited when he learned he was the valedictorian, then realized he had to write a speech.

“Unlike the Gulf of Mexico, we have survived this year,” said Amar, to laughter.

He quoted Yoko Ono as saying, “Every drop in the ocean counts,” and said the quote, though cheesy, speaks to the composition of the class.

“We are a class of academics, athletes, musicians, and, above all, honest hardworking and down-to-earth people,” said Amar. “Our achievements speak volumes towards the potential we all carry as Americans. In deep each day we move closer and closer to our destinies.”

Senior Class President Ben Federman and Student Government President Sarah Ferris also gave comments during the ceremony.

“So this is what my graduation looks like? To be honest, I thought that after the past couple years of excruciating work, I’d have more to show for it than moving this cat toy-looking thing from my right side to my left,” said Ben. “But then again, I guess this must be a pretty big deal, considering that I was told that if I were to blow up a beach ball at any point tonight, my boy Freddie the security guard would be forced to escort me out of this building.”

Sarah said she read many graduation cards that welcomed grads to the real world.

“I can’t speak on behalf of everyone, but most of us have been done growing up for awhile,” said Sarah. “We are adults.”

Commencement address speaker Lee Keylock read his poem “Go” for the graduates.

“Go. Go now. Go now into summer into the glaring sun that will be on your backs as you walk the promenades of life,” Mr Keylock’s poem began.

The last 18 years of the graduates’ lives can be summed down to this moment, he continued.

“This God giving instant where you sit alert and charged in all your gowns and caps that in seconds you will launch to the sky,” Mr Keylock continued, “on this night of first kisses. Oh, you must go. You have to go now.”

A full audio recording of Mr Keylock’s commencement address is available with a slide show of photos from the Thursday night event at www.newtownbee.com.

 For every Orson Welles, TS Elliot, Albert Einstein, and Pablo Picasso, who were all well accomplished in their fields by their 20s, NHS Principal Charles Dumais said, there is an Alfred Hitchcock, Charles Darwin, Mark Twain, and Paul Cezanne.

“All of them undeniable late bloomers, who made their greatest accomplishments in the later years of their life,” said Mr Dumais. “Regardless of which group you relate to, there is good news for you.”

As research is finding, according to Mr Dumais, talent is not determined by genetics, but by a process that builds on failure, sustains on effort, and taps into true potential.

“Class of 2010, we believe in you, and know each one of you will find success,” said Mr Dumais before introducing the class as graduates.

After Mr Dumais spoke, Senior Class Treasurer Kyle O’Connor, Senior Class Secretary Meghan Bridges, and Senior Class Executive Councils Kristen Tanner and Sam Kent presented diplomas to their fellow graduates.

See a the full version of Mr Keylock’s poem “Go” at www.newtownbee.com.