Class President Patrick Landry noted in his speech opening the proceedings that this class had throughout its career been considered, “The class to be reckoned with.”

He recalled that back in middle school, principal Jeffrey Ostroff had told them their “Reputation had preceded” them, but noted how in high school they had finally found “Outlets for their overflowing energy.” Landry was referring to the many successes the class had enjoyed in academics, music, robotics, sports and more, bringing home multiple awards and trophies including two state championships.

As they graduated, he encouraged them to continue to use this energy, “To find a purpose in life,” but, at the same time, to, “Hold onto their principles and values,” predicting that ultimately, through its force, they would have an, “Impact on the world beyond our imagination.”
Pillars bedecked with beauiful floral arrangements greet the entering procession.
The gym is a sea of blue and white.
Photo by K.Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
A packed gymnasium is the scene of the ceremony.

Building on the theme of the class’s reputation, High School Principal Jan Guarino-Rhone (extreme left in photo above, standing) told the graduates, “You’re not what I thought,” but then added quickly, “… but more than I was led to think.”  Contrasting their future with some of the lives depicted on the television, she cautioned them against “Living (their lives) like reality TV,” imploring them to “Live a real life,” and “Experience the authentic.”

Having told them, “You are well-suited for the life ahead,” Guarino-Rhone quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words, “Live in the sunshine, Swim the sea, Drink in the wild air,” and then advised the Class of 2009 they were ready for prime-time life.”  She closed urging them to, “Move up and move on!”
From left to right, Zach Dunn, Annie Bill, Frank Bombaci and Stephen Burke savor the moment.
Photo by K.Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Thoughts on a rose: a contemplative moment for Evan Carabello.

Retiring Humanities teacher and former high school baseball coach Charles Wolfe, pictured immediately above, reflected on his 34 years teaching in the high school, pointing out that he had joined the same year as physical education teacher William Rayder and Athletic Director Robert Roach. He said that along with these “great teachers and great friends,” he had learned that the three greatest qualities a teacher can possess are, “patience, kindness and a sense of humor.”

Wolfe expanded on his theories of qualities teachers require saying they must be able to, “laugh with – and at – the kids, channel their own ridiculousness and embrace the absurd.” He also cautioned teachers, “Don’t be afraid to show your students you care and that you will never give up on them.”

Due to his “extended” stay at the high school, Wolfe said it had become so commonplace for him to find himself teaching the children of former students that it was now inconsequential to him. When a student had first raised their hand, however, and said, “You taught my mom English in 1977,” it had been a little unnerving.  Despite recognizing that many years have passed, Wolfe commented to loud laughter, “I’m not ready to be a greeter at Wal-Mart quite yet!”

Wolfe concluded by expressing thanks to Guarino-Rhone and the faculty for the opportunity to teach and coach saying it was, “Not an honor I take lightly,” and to the board – arousing more laughter – “For 34 years of fat pay checks!”

Honor Essayist Rebecca Baehr, pictured standing in photo above, returned to the theme of the class’s reputation wondering how and why it had been acquired. She noted that over the years the class had variously been described as, “rambunctious, rowdy, wild, mischievous and fun-loving.”  She suggested the Class of 2009 should now take this character and personality to greet the next stage of their lives “Head-on and with audacity,” so that they can in future, “Create and live up to their own reputation.”  Her final wish for her classmates was to, “Keep in touch and live the dream.”

Salutatorian Liia Koiv-Haus, pictured extreme rightin photo below (seated), spoke of the obstacles the class had faced over the years citing her own experience back in Mile Creek School of finding herself locked in the bathroom.  She noted, “Pessimism isn’t healthy,” whereas optimism can turn any difficult situation into a better one.  Sending her fellow members of the Class of 2009 out into the world, Koiv-Haus urged them to see this day as, “A turning point in life,” and to, “Relax and enjoy it.”

Valedictorian Stella Deng, standing in photo above, told the story of “A little girl from a faraway place,” who came to, “The kingdom of LOL” to join the search for the Golden Scroll. It was a “Difficult journey” over “Treacherous terrain” through, among other places, the ‘Castle of Mold’ (a reference to the mold issues in Center School when this class had attended that school), but now finally they had found their scrolls on the top of a podium.

To their surprise, when they were opened, the scrolls were blank and, “Now it’s time,” Deng told them, “for you to find the words of your own … the rest of the story is up to you.”

Wolfe was also honored with the Outstanding Educator Award given in memory of the former Lyme-Old Lyme High School teacher Mildred Sanford.  He is shown leaving the stage having been presented with that award and a bouquet of flowers.

Each student was then presented with their diploma by Board of Education Chairman Susan Fogliano.
A smiling Aaron Mesham receives his diploma.

Many gave and received hugs on – and off – the stage.
A smile and a hug from Michael Smith.
Michael Massa embraces math teacher Kirk Kaczor.

After presentation of diplomas, the task of dismissing the graduates fell to Robert Roach (pictured below), who had served as Interim Assistant Principal for six weeks in the fall.

To the delight of all present, who by this time were suffering from the combined effects of the crowded gym and the humidity, he held up a notecard saying, “This was my speech” and then ceremoniously tearing it in half, declared, “… and this is what I’m going to do with it,” … a decision well received by the graduates (see photo below.)
Photo by K. Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
From left to right, Erin Bennett, Annie Bill and Frank Bombaci celebrate during the ceremony.

He wished the class well and inviting everyone to join the outdoor reception in the courtyard prepared by the junior class parents, said exuberantly, “Let’s get out of here!”
Class President Pat Landry (center, smiling) enjoys the outdoor reception.

Here are more photos from the great event!
Anna Seidner is all smiles.

Evan Carabello strides confidently onto the stage.

Olivia Abare-Brown is so happy to have her diploma!
Trent Soares sports a wide grin.
Jared Zimmerman finally tells the class it’s tassle-time!