Nipmuc Valedictorian Leigh Hamlet about to receive her diploma during the Nipmuc Regional High School Commencement Ceremony held on May 30, 2014
Nipmuc Regional High School’s 54th Annual Commencement Exercises took place Friday evening, May 30, 2014
Principal John Clements opened the ceremony by noting graduation is a rare opportunity when the past, present, and future share the same space for only a moment. “It is a time to indulge the nostalgia of the first trip thirteen years ago on that pencil-yellow school bus. It is a time to unleash our pride. Pride for successfully navigating a journey of years. Pride for the growth that led to college acceptances, commitment to our armed forces, and the beginning of life as an adult. And finally, it is a time look ahead with unprecedented wonder, hope, and excitement for the possibilities of what comes next,” said Clements.
Clements said it was through the hard work of students, dedication of teachers, and the support and love of family and friends that brought this class through its journey which culminates in commencement. After congratulating the Class of 2014 he took a moment to acknowledge just some of their accomplishments as a class.
- 66% of the class of 2014 took Advanced Placement (AP) classes during their time at Nipmuc
- Over 90% of the class of 2014 achieved advanced or proficient scores in all areas of MCAS
- Over 2.4 million dollars of scholarship funding was received by the members of the Class of 2014
- They have been accepted to 173 colleges
Class President Emily Wojtowicz spoke of how family members and friends played a part in shaping the lives of the Class of 2014. “We are scholars, athletes, performers, and futures leader because you encouraged us as we stayed up all hours of the night studying for the next big test. You supported us at our countless sports games, dance recitals, music concerts, and plays….We are who we are today because of you and it is only right that we celebrate this day together.” She advised her fellow classmates to follow the wise words her Grandfather shared with her, “Don’t ever change Em.” She asked her fellow classmates to never forget who they are when faced with challenges in the future.
The Class of 2014 motto is, ” Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is not path and leave a trail.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Salutatorian Laura spoke of not defining yourself by a path. “I want to be a nurse but I also want to be more than that. I want to be a teacher, a writer, a traveler, or heck maybe I still want to be Milan.” She said, “The inspirational words of Emerson tell us to go forth and change the world….We are a class of innovators, pioneers, and fierce individuals… Do not limit yourself by what you do. Embrace the unknown of your future.” Laura challenged her classmates to follow Emerson’s words, “To blaze a trail and be true to yourselves.”
Robert Aziz highlighted the Class of 2014 Many Paths to Unity saying although each member of the Class of 2014 had chosen their own path their differences brought them together. “Nipmuc Regional High School we thank you for the impact you made upon us. We thank you for the unity you have brought us. We will forever be the Class of 2014. We will forever be one.”
“Today nothing will stop us from succeeding,” said Melanie Kossuth in her essay Sufficiently Breathless.
Superintendent Maruszczak shared thoughts on change and adaptability; “Never in our wildest dreams in 1984 did we think that the world would have changed as much as it has.” He then whipped out an old bag phone and said, “We didn’t use this to text, to tweet…. We used it to make phone calls.” He told the graduates 40% of the class will end up working in a job that at present time does not exist and it will be essential to be adaptable and flexible. He advised the class to read voraciously and to follow their passions. “Realize that life is not black and white, there is a lot of grey,” said Maruszczak. He concluded by quoting Mary Engelbreit, “If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”
The Nipmuc Regional High School Band performed Towards A New Horizon and the Chorus performed 100 Years.
Graduating Senior Arianna Bonito sang I Was Here. Her performance was outstanding and brought the audience to their feet.
Congratulations to all 179 graduates of the Nipmuc Class of 2014.
A list of graduate along with their future plans will be available sometime on Tuesday.. ….Now available here... Future Plans
Videos of all graduation speeches, Arianna’s performance, and the band can be found here.
Click to enlarge any photo an begin slide show.
UPTON DAILY 