Photo by Lester Smith
In a surprise feature of the SHS graduation, students from the school’s new course in American Sign Language translated the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Behind them on the dais in the photo are members of the Board of Education and the school administration.
Not the end, but the beginning. That was the message delivered by several speakers at Suffield High School’s graduation ceremony on June 10. Fortunately, the threatened showers were totally absent, and the big crowd, whose parking overflowed onto Sheldon Street as far as the VFW, enjoyed the great event in bright sunshine.
The proceedings, with a well-prepared, well-delivered brief welcome by Class President Amelia Picard, included music throughout, starting with the traditional processional by the SHS band, mostly without their seniors. Interestingly, all the music except the old standards (Pomp and Circumstance and the National Anthem) concerned the pains and satisfactions of growing up.
Speaking for the Board of Education, member Lori D’Ostuni told how a neighbor boy among these graduates had demonstrated innovation and determination even at age two. She spoke of the importance of those qualities for success in today’s world. Salutatorian Lindsey Connolly used as the basis of her advice the four lines of a well marketed, unattributed quotation that starts “Behind you all your memories,” continues with “Before you all your dreams,” and ends with “Within you all you need.” Line three, “Around you all who love you,” suggests not to ignore a little help from your friends.
Moving to another quotation, valedictorian Rachel Roncaioli used Dr. Seuss’s “Oh! the Places You’ll Go!” for her nicely-explored topic and her advice on adaptability. Principal Stephen Moccio, the major speaker, used the same quotation – he commented laughingly, “I guess good minds think alike!” But before launching into his advice to the graduates, he listed many of their intended colleges and future plans. In particular, he named each of the six who have enlisted in our country’s armed services, asking each to stand, to considerable applause. He also commented that the Class of 2017 was noted for its self-demonstrated slogan: “Have a Little Fun!”
Principal Moccio’s principal advice had to do with meeting obstacles along the way: “You must persevere; don’t let a little adversity hold you back.” Superintendent of Schools Karen Berasi followed in the same spirit – “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” – before presenting the Class of 2017 to the Board of Education. Members of the Senior Class Council read the names, diploma folders were presented, caps were flung in the air, and a happy batch of new graduates marched on to their new beginnings, well advised.