Celebrating receipt of their High School Diplomas in traditional fashion, the Class of 2016 tosses their hats high. Photo by K. St.Germain.

UPDATED 06/12: In a ceremony held under a warm sun and clear, blue skies, 99 students received their Lyme-Old Lyme High School diplomas Friday evening.

Celebrate!

Honor Essayist Alex Bellas reminded the class that everything they had done over the past four years “has been leading you right here, to this very moment.”

Class members patiently wait for their names to be called to receive their diplomas.

He went on to mention the extraordinary bond the class had formed, “as we all shared a common experience within these walls.” Noting that, “small schools like ours often receive mixed reviews from students,” because “everyone knows everything about everyone else,” Bellas turned that negative into a positive pointing out, ” When I walk through the halls of this school, I don’t see a sea of strangers,”  but rather, “complete and unique” individuals to whom he can say ‘Hi.’

He encouraged the Class of 2016 always to remember “all the positive memories” they’ve made with their peers and to “know that this bond we’ve formed as a class will not fade away.”

Amber Bowker receives her diploma from Principal James Wygonik. Photo by K. Bowker.

Salutatorian Ryan Harty told his classmates, whom he described as, “all brilliant,” that, “We’re not perfect, and we’re going to need to keep improving ourselves if we want to keep up in the real world.” He stressed, however, “We share the virtues of honesty, compassion, and self-awareness,” but stated emphatically, “It is critical that we go one step further and translate those qualities into a quantity of action for the greater good.”

Charlie Dahlke shows his delight after receiving his diploma. Photo by Pam Parker.

He elaborated on that comment saying, “Each and every one of you possesses some talent or predilection that cannot be purchased or acquired through other means,” adding firmly, ” I charge you henceforth to express it to the best of your ability.” Ultimately, his clear and simple advice to the class was, “The world needs originality, not assimilation.”

A proud degree recipient.

Valedictorian Maria Boyle said that although she was, “excited for college, of course …  I also don’t want to forget all of the memories I have made here in high school.” Most of all, she anticipated she would fondly recall, “the everyday life of this school” filled with “school spirit … throughout the school year.”

Using a quote from Ernest Hemngway, she compared her days at Lyme-Old Lyme High School to a journey, saying, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end,” noting that for her “what I have loved most [about high school] is the journey.”

Commencement speaker Emily Macione stands between graduates Sophia Romeo (left) and Samantha Lee. Photo by L. Romeo.

Commencement speaker Emily Macione, who had been adviser to the Class of 2016 for all four of their high school years, focused on the success of the class, commenting, “What has impressed me the most is your ability to redefine the typical way we see success, and it has revealed itself in many forms over the past four years.”

Lyme-Old Lyme High School baseball coach Randy St. Germain stands with graduating seniors from this year’s varsity team. Photo by W. Visgilio.

She counseled them that, ” the secret to success is pretty simple … Work hard.  Be kind.”  Macione continued, “Showing that you are willing to work hard, and consistently being kind to others are aspects of your character with an importance that cannot be overstated.” She clarified, ” these qualities are not truly communicable through a resume or a cover letter,” urging the graduates to, “Incorporate hard work and kindness into everything you do, every interaction you have, and that is how you will come to be known.”

Hugs were happening everywhere after the ceremony was over. This one was between Sophia Romeo and Aliza Hackling.  Photo by L. Romeo.

Macione concluded that if the Class of 2016 followed her advice, “Good things will follow. Success, however you choose to define it, will most certainly follow.”

Members of the Region 18 Board of Education gather for a photo with Superintendent of Schools Ian Neviaser (back row, right).