Turley Publications photos by Ruth M. Lyon

 

School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Hicks hands a diploma to Gillian St. John, who won several awards.

 

 

 

North Brookfield High School graduation celebrates ‘family’

 

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

 

NORTH BROOKFIELD - The heavens thundered outside, but inside the North Brookfield Elementary School auditorium words of appreciation, affection and love of this tiny town wafted through the air.

Thirty-nine graduates, most, according to the speakers, having been together in this town’s school system since childhood, trod slowly to “Pomp and Circumstance” through arches formed by baton-bearing underclassmen to the stage. They were accompanied by the North Brookfield Junior/Senior High School Band, directed by music teacher Megan Carr.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kimberly Awiszio, class of 2011 vice-president, the assemblage was welcomed by class of 2011 president, Kachaundra Stevens. In her brief address, she brought smiles when, after affirming her admiration for the departing class, she confessed that “On the other hand I can hardly wait to see them go, so our class will be the senior class.”

Fourth-ranked student Gillian St. John, in her address, “Family” spoke of her affection for and appreciation of her own family, but went on to describe the process through which, in a small school, the entire class and even faculty had become a family. “I have at times felt and been told that our town, our school, is too small to provide what we need. But I’ve reached the realization that we have our own very special opportunities. We have gained each other” she concluded.

Jessica McKinnon’s teary-eyed speech, “Because You Loved Me,” traced the progress of the class from the first scary uncertainties to the present, describing the help of parents and teachers, “The life lessons of morals and manners and decisions. We have been encouraged to live life to the fullest. We are loved for the things we do, not for the things we don’t do.” In closing, she quoted President John F. Kennedy “The highest expression of appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Salutatorian Joshua Allen’s “What is success” called for the need for service and kindness to those around us, “To use time, talent and money to build upon what we have learned here.”

Valedictorian Paul Ahearn’s speech, “Potential,” began with the words, “We finally did it. We are ready and well prepared to proceed, not because it will always be easy, but because we will strive to reach our full potential.” He also quoted President Kennedy: “We choose to go not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” He wished his classmates well, finishing, “Work hard and have fun.”

Principal Robin Whitney advised the class to first, identify risks, and then be willing to take a leap of faith in achieving goals. “Trust in yourself, take that chance, dreams do come true,” she admonished.

As Whitney read the list of awards and scholarships, class advisors Abigail Rigney and Matthew Carlson handed them to students. Whitney announced that a total of $113,448 in scholarships were awarded, these in addition to scholarships awarded by learning institutions to individual students.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Erin Nosek addressed the students, advising them to “Take the lessons you’ve learned here with you. You can never have a perfect day without helping someone who will never be able to repay you,” she said.

School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Hicks, remarking that “After these years of speaking to graduating classes, I’ve used up all of the remotely profound thoughts I’ve ever had,” stated that “I have faith in the future we’ve handed you. Don’t listen to naysayers, you know right from wrong. Use your mind and your heart. And remember to cut your kids some slack.”

He offered recognition to Superintendent Nosek, who will be leaving the school system this year. “We’ve made some great strides forward with her leadership.”

He continued with a request for support from the townspeople. “I do remind all of you, parents and friends, that the coming years will be challenging to this school. Your support is needed, the sort of support involving personal involvement with the schools. Join the P.T.A. Attend concerts and sports events. Volunteer with special projects. There is much important work to be done,” he concluded.

By the end of the recessional, “Mingle Your Cheers,” the rain had barely ended; a receiving line had formed inside the hallway. Bouquet-bearing guests offered words and gestures of congratulations to the capped, gowned, tasseled and triumphantly smiling graduates.