Turley Publications photos by Ruth M. Lyon

 

The Class of 2010.

 

 

 

David Prouty High School graduates 129

 

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

 

SPENCER - One hundred twenty-nine members of the David Prouty Class of 2010 entered the packed gymnasium to the solemn strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” at 6 p.m. on June 4. The same solemn strains accompanied their recession two hours later, but the graduates appeared to be marching to a livelier drummer.

Hugs, hand shakes and high-fives were exchanged with one another and with those seated on the aisles; spray string dangled from caps and hairdos, bouquets filled the arms of many.

Sixty-five scholarships were awarded, most from the Permanent School Scholarship Fund. According to DPHS Principal Robert E. O’Brien, scholarships in the amount of $71,000 were awarded.

Class President Marissa Flynn Mattei welcomed the large assemblage of parents, grandparents, faculty, friends and well-wishers to the ceremony, observing that the contributions of those attending had made the happy occasion possible.

School Superintendent Dr. Ralph Hicks added his welcome, and then addressed the students, asking for raised hands in response to questions regarding future plans: college, military and jobs.

Quoting President Franklin Roosevelt, who had remarked during his presidency that he did not consider the United States a finished product, but a country in the making, Hicks said, “You are not finished products, you are products in the making.”

He continued, saying that the education received at Prouty has prepared them well for whatever future they might pursue, but that the “making” will be a continuing process for years to come, and advised the graduates to make wise choices. “I salute you, and wish you well,” he said in conclusion.

Assistant Principal David A. Bachant remarked that, possibly for the first time, all of the class officers, President Marissa Mattei, Vice President Barrie Lynn Sutton, Treasurer Patrick Jarred Donahue, and Secretary Joseph Martin had held those positions through their four years of high school.

Kimberly Higgins Saunders read her essay “Roots,” thanking the school and parents for the roots which have prepared her and the class for growth and expansion.

Patrick Jarred Donahue read his essay on the meaning to him of his experience at Prouty and his thoughts for the future.

Salutatorian Amanda Renee Parkin’s essay, “Rhythms” remarked on the rhythms of life and education and her appreciation of her years at Prouty.

The senior class gathered around the piano for a harmonious rendition of the senior song, “On My Way,” directed by Choral Director Josef Konkol.

Valedictorian Brittney Lee Atwater delivered her essay “The Real World,” in which she outlined the challenges faced by the class and her thoughts on the future.

In the aftermath, as a smiling, chattering audience sought the cool outside air and an opportunity to meet and mingle, the graduates and their families posed for photos, accepted bouquets, and congratulated one another on a crowning achievement. “We did it” was the phrase of the hour, it seemed.

One parent, hugging her daughter as she left in a decorated automobile, commented. “Tonight the world is theirs. Unfortunately, it’ll be theirs for generations to come. I hope they’re up to the challenge. I hope they handle it better than we did.”

To which her husband replied, “This generation will witness things we never even thought of, in fact they already have. We’ve raised good kids, and given them our best. Now it’s up to them, and I for one, have faith that they can handle whatever comes their way.”

A grandmother nearby, holding a squirming baby, said, “I just hope they all get home safely tonight. Then we’ll see how they handle the next step.”