Despite an impending forecast of rain, the sky was clear and the weather fair as the 2016 graduating class of Newtown High School (NHS) lined up outside Western Connecticut State University's O'Neill Center in Danbury, Saturday, June 11.

As the NHS graduates entered the building, Band Director Kurt Eckhardt conducted a rendition of "Pomp and Circumstance." The Chamber Choir, directed by Jane Matson, followed with the national anthem.

NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue welcomed the packed crowd with an opening address and told the over 400 graduates, "You decide what life you want. It starts with all that you've learned, the relationships you've built, experiences you've gained, and your persistence in discovering where you want to go and who you want to become."

Dr Rodrigue explained that this year's graduating class has set many records with their athletic, academic, and service achievements.

"Graduates," she continued, "your experience and participation have meant so much more than a school statistic. As you move forward, never stop learning or finding solutions to problems when others have long given up, or having faith that the world is worth caring about and contributing to every single day."

Student Government President Lauren Beier spoke to the class of 2016 about their potential to make a positive impact on their surroundings.

"Everyone here can leave a footprint," Lauren said. "From this point on, everything you do is a choice, so make sure your heart is behind it. I know that after today I'm not going to see some of you again, but I do want all of you to find what makes you happy and spread it to others. Together we can make the world more beautiful."

Additional student commencement speakers included Class of 2016 Executive Council President Samantha Dion with a class council message and Salutatorian Sean MacMullan.

Newtown Scholarship Association President Ted Kohler preceded the diploma presentations telling the aspiring graduates, "Since 1937, Newtown Scholarship Association has been successfully focused on one mission: to put higher education within reach for every high school graduate from Newtown."

He said this year 54 students from the class of 2016 will be awarded need-based scholarships, equaling approximately $110,000.

"In addition to that," Mr Kohler continued, "we will be awarding another $333,000 in continuing aid to those currently attending college."

Mr Kohler said during the Newtown Scholarship Association's 74-year history, members have awarded almost $5 million in financial aid to support higher education for Newtown students.

Superintendent Dr Joseph V. Erardi, Jr followed with a heartfelt speech that included some age old advice: "Be true to your heart. Do what is right, not what is easy. Make yourself proud and do it daily."

Valedictorian Caelan Ritter started his speech by saying, "So, given only seven minutes, I decided I would discuss a simple, light-hearted topic, namely: how to change the world."

The advice he gave to his fellow classmates included, "Take a chance, work hard, help others, speak for those who would not otherwise have a voice, but never forget to have fun."

Caelan concluded by saying, "And who knows? We may even change the world."

Keynote speaker, and social studies educator, Edward Obloj talked about his path to becoming a teacher. Mr Obloj had originally gone to school for engineering only to realize, after taking two and a half years of classes, that he wanted to change his major to history. It was not until his last year of school that he took a class that inspired him to eventually become a teacher.

"With an open mind and an open heart trust your internal compass, and you will find your road," Mr Obloj said. "In the end only you can find your way. Believe in yourself and may your road lead to adventure."

Dr Rodrique awarded four Newtown teachers with honorary diplomas upon their retirement this school year. The recipients, who have worked a cumulative span of 74 years, were Albert Finelli, from Reed Intermediate School; Don Ramsey, from Newtown Middle School; Larry Chiucarello, from Newtown High School; and Karin Sherman, from Newtown High School.

Student diplomas were given out by class officers Kelsey Miller, Kayla Kordish, Brandon Qiao, and Megan Schumacher.

After each graduates' name was called, tassels were turned from right to left, and caps were thrown in the air celebrating the Class of 2016.

Before the ceremony, many students said they came to the ceremony with a mix of feelings. Graduate Anika Dholakia said, "I'm nervous and excited."

Some felt hesitant about what the future holds after graduation, while others felt ready for a change. Graduate Eve Passman said, "I'm excited to move onto the next phase in my life."

With the event drawing to a close, students made their way outside to find friends and family members to celebrate their final farewell to high school. Many posed for pictures, some using selfie sticks, to capture images with fellow classmates.

Soon after attendees began exiting the O'Neill Center, the sky opened up in a downpour. As the water washed over Danbury, it cleared a fresh slate for each graduate to start their next chapter.