Turley Publications photo by Jennifer Grybowski

(L to r) Mackenzie Kirker-Head, Samantha Parkman, Samantha Stagias and Riley Mann celebrate after graduation on Sunday.

Class of 2010 goes out with a bang

Power lost several times during graduation ceremonies

By Jennifer Grybowski
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE – Wind, nor rain, nor power outages could keep the Tantasqua Regional High School Class of 2010 from graduating Sunday.

The lights flickered on and off several times during the ceremony, due to an intense batch of thunderstorms rolling through the area. Kathleen M. Neal, chairman of the Tantasqua Regional School Committee, got about three minutes into her speech when the power went out for nearly five minutes. Then, about halfway through the presentation of diplomas, the lights went out for good due to a felled tree on Route 148. It took more than 20 minutes for the lights to come back on. During that time, the band began to play and everyone joined in, in singing and clapping to various popular selections.

The field house was filled almost to capacity, amplifying the heat and the humidity of the day, and friends and family members resourcefully used their programs to fan themselves during the ceremony.

The graduates entered, some of them already teary, to great fanfare that included cheers, applause, foghorns and cowbells. The mood among the graduates was light, as evidenced during the musical selections, played by the Tantasqua Concert Band and the Tantasqua Concert Chorus, when the graduates blew bubbles and took turns keeping several beach balls and balloons suspended in the air.

Class of 2010 Treasurer Haley Fuller delivered opening remarks and Class of 2010 President Elena Gillis delivered welcome remarks. After a rendition of “Unwritten” by the Tantasqua Concert Chorus, Gillis again took the stage.

Gillis’s speech was based on the commencement theme: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are,” by E.E. Cummings. She spoke of all of the times that students need courage throughout their lives and all the times that they will need courage as they face their futures.

“Courage means being true to yourself and being the best you can be,” she said. “Courage is the decision to place your dreams above your fears and to not be afraid to fail. Courage means doing something with all of your heart.”

She said that although today’s youth faces a world of problems, she sees a bright future.

“This is because I am assured that we have all been taught well,” she said. “We are so lucky to have attended Tantasqua Regional High School. We have an outstanding school, extraordinary teachers, and a fantastic and supportive community. We have received so much, and we have been provided with amazing opportunities.”

Next, Fuller, academic honor student, spoke about the television show Lost. She said that each week, for six years, her family would gather together and watch the show.

“Starting off a diverse group of people, the characters of Lost end up together in a room, as a close, unified group,” she said. “Together they have forged bonds of friendship and love and as a group; their shared experiences have given them meaning. Today, we find ourselves in a strikingly similar situation. Four years ago, we embarked on a journey together. Through the years, we have grown together and shared experiences that we will always remember.”

Then, Trevor Hajko, technical honor student, also spoke about the courage the students needed to succeed in school.

“The choices we make after today may be difficult, but remember to take the courage we have acquired over the past 12 years and apply it towards the future,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to take chances because this defines who you really are.”

Next, Principal Michel P. Lucas addressed the crowd.

“I have had the fortune of having many of you in class or out on the athletic fields,” Lucas said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. You are an extraordinary class, a talented class. It’s a great world; make it a better place as you go out into it. We know you will make us proud.”

Class of 2010 Secretary Margot Farrell delivered the farewell address.

“Despite the weather, we’re headed for bright futures,” she said. “Face the world with a smile on your face, an open heart and the courage and will to become who you really are.”

After commencement, Lucas reflected on the Class of 2010, officially the first class he graduated as principal.

“It’s sad, but exciting,” he said. “This is a good group of kids, a unique group. We had a lot of fun together. I’ll miss them, but I know they’re going on to do great things.”

After commencement, students had mixed emotions about becoming graduates.

“It’s scary,” Cassandra Forsman said. “It’s a new beginning, more challenges.”

“It’s crazy,” Nicholas Buccelli said. “I don’t know what’s next. The real world is hitting.”

“I feel different,” Andrew Filler said. “I’m glad it’s over and I’m happy to move forward with my life.”

“I’m really excited,” Ryan Slein said. “I can’t wait to go to college.”

Rebecca Emmetts said she felt fantastic about graduating, despite the chaos when the power went out.

“But it was kind of epic,” Katherine Moran chimed in.

“We went out with a bang,” Samantha Parkman said.

Emma Lamothe said she was relived it was over.

“But it’s kind of sad,” she said.