Principal James Wygonik (above), who had only joined the high school in November of last year, confessed he had never written a graduation speech before. Explaining that he had researched in all the usual ways to find a theme … Google, YouTube, books of speeches … but could find, “Nothing deserving for what you have achieved,” he ended up calling his mother, who advised him, “Remember your heart will never betray you. If you’re looking for an answer, you’ll find it there.”

After she had said that, it suddenly became clear to him that all he wanted to tell this class was simply, “Don’t change. We need you. You have character.” He continued, “You care about each other, this school, this community, this earth. You guys consistently do the right thing – even when no one’s watching.”

Wygonik mentioned that many of his associates are pessimistic about the future of the country at the moment, but he, in contrast, is positive because, “I know something they do not.” He described how coming to work at Lyme-Old Lyme High School has nurtured this optimism since, “You [the Class of 2010] will be our leaders.”

Commencement speaker Roger Haynes (above), who is retiring this year after 20 years at the high school as a history teacher, described the day as, “A time of leaving for both of us.” He urged the class to “go on for more education,” because “with knowledge, right actions and good choices are inevitable,” and “to sign up at some point to serve … in or out of uniform.”

Referencing first an expression he uses frequently in his history classes, Haynes left the class with three instructions as follows: “Avoid hubris, don’t upset the ladies, and—especially for those students departing for college—don’t upset your moms!”

Honor Essayist Megan Griffin (above) pursued a magical theme in her speech but she joined the common thread of the ceremony when she noted in her opening, “We have worked together to achieve great heights.” She ventured, “Magic and reality are often inextricably tied,” adding, “I have no doubt each of us has the capacity to find magic.” She concluded, “Today is a magical day and tomorrow let us venture on to grand adventures, which will one day be re-told as legend.”

Salutatorian Andrew Winter (above) mused on Descartes much-quoted saying, “Cogito ergo sum,” which translates roughly as “I think, therefore I am,” reflecting it could be interpreted to mean, “You decide how to enjoy the world you live in.” He implored his classmates to “Follow your passions,” telling them, “You possess the ability … you have the potential,” then declared boldly, “This class can change the world.”

Drawing to a close with the time-honored phrase, “Tomorrow is the start of the rest of life,” Winter ended with a rousing call, “Class of 2010, go get ‘em!”

Valedictorian Lucy Walker (above) asked her class rhetorically, “What does success really mean?”  Noting that though they have, “Probably heard the word ‘success’ a million times”, she suggested it was now time, “To define success ourselves” and this might mean among many other options, “Living without any external recognition.”  She told her peers forcefully, “The time has come for all of us to be the judges of our own success.”

Walker summed up her class as being a group of, “Motivated, strong, compassionate people,” and ended wishing, “Much success,” to them all.

The Officers of the Class of 2010 (from left to right, Liz Comstock,  Catherine Logan, Sarah Peck and  Alex Bosenhard) then named English teacher Jill Ressler (below) as Outstanding Educator—an award given annually in memory of the late, long-time District 18 educator Mildred Sanford.

Superintendent Elizabeth Osga (below) then introduced the candidates for graduation …

… and Region 18 Board of Education Chairman Russell Gomes (above, center) presented each with their High School Diplomas and then the final graduate, Alison Wilkman (below), invited the class ceremoniously to turn their tassels.

Assistant Principal Tony Carrano (below) gave the official Farewell before the Alma Mater was sung.

For one family, Tuesday evening represented the end of a very long line.  Tom and Barbara Beyer’s eldest son joined the Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools in 1983 and on Tuesday—27 continuous years and six children later— their youngest, Becky, graduated with the Class of 2010!  Congratulations to the whole Beyer family – we think that’s a record … unless of course, our readers know dfferently!

From left to right, Katie, Sarah, Barbara and Tom Beyer.

We include below a selection of additional photos from the evening.  All of the photos taken by professional photographer Kim Tyler, who was hired by the Safe Graduation Party committee, will be available soon on a Shutterfly site athttp://lolhssafegrad2010.shutterfly.com/ and also on Kim’s own website atwww.ktphoto.net

Kim can only guarantee the photos produced from her own site, which are of professional quality.  All of LymeLine’s photos (there are many more) will also shorty be available for purchase on a site to be announced.

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Austin Hack hugs Courtney Vinchesi.

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
A graduation group gathering.


Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Hannah Seddon shares a smile with Ryan Milke.

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Calvin Linderman and Samantha Nickerson connect.

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Jordan Arruda (center) enjoys the moment.

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Robert Tyler receives his diploma from Principal Wygonik.

James Scheide signifies his delight at receiving his diploma.

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
A thumbs up from Alex Bozenhard

 

Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
Catherine Logan processes proudly into the ceremony.


Photo by Kim Tyler (www.ktphoto.net)
One happy guy … a super smile from Patrick Shaw.