Newtown High School’s midyear graduates were celebrated in the school’s cafetorium in a ceremony on February 21. Family and friends smiled as the four students who attended the event walked across the stage to be recognized.

Students who have met the requirements to graduate from NHS midyear included Sasha Allen, Chase Baker, Alexander Chau, Lucy Henderson, Eli Holmes, Hanna Holmes, Joshua Lewis, Julia Powers, Madelyn Salvesen, Grace Schoen, Rachel Swenson, Sarah Widmann, and Margaret Zuvanich. Only Sasha Allen, Grace Schoen, Rachel Swenson, and Sarah Widmann attended the celebration, which was rescheduled twice due to weather.

NHS Director of Counseling Bret Nichols welcomed everyone to the event, and NHS junior Payge Shaw sang the Star Spangled Banner. Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue and NHS Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco both spoke at the event.

“I know that the education you received in Newtown has prepared you well,” said Dr Rodrigue, “and no doubt you will be called upon in the future for your talent, your empathy, your kindness, and your knowledge.”

The early evening event represented the beginning of a lifetime of possibilities, potential, and promise, Dr Rodrigue said. Yet, she also said the event represented “so much more than that.”

“No doubt you will leave a trail for others to follow,” said the superintendent.

Dr Longobucco said the last 12 years of the students’ education were being celebrated, and to note the occasion, she shared milestones from those years. In 2006, when the students would have started kindergarten, she said Google purchased YouTube. Then in 2011, when the students would have entered Reed Intermediate School, the iPhone 4 was released. When the students would have entered Newtown Middle School in 2013, the “selfie movement” began. Dr Longobucco said the students will forever have a unique story, adding that only three percent of high school students graduate mid-year.

“You are closing one chapter of your life and opening a new and very exciting chapter,” said Dr Longobucco.

The four students in attendance were then called to the stage individually to receive flowers and congratulations from NHS staff and the superintendent. After all of the students were recognized, family members and friends were quick to snap pictures and offer congratulations.