NOTE (Friday, June 16, 2023): One photo caption has been updated to correct the full name of one of Tuesday afternoon's graduates. Additional images were added along with a minor update to include the name of a graduate who participated making announcements.

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The weather was ideal — the sun shone through scattered puffy clouds and an occasional cool breeze swept through Blue and Gold Stadium for Newtown High School’s Class of 2023 commencement ceremony.

As grads socialized before entering the stadium for the ceremony, friends and family filtered into the bleachers and lawn chairs facing the field. Shouts of excitement filled the air as friends greeted friends to take pictures, adjusted each other’s caps, and reveled in their final few moments as high school students.

As the clock neared 5 pm, it was time to get organized.

Educators and district officials, dressed in black robes, helped line up students by last name. Trent Harrison distributed treats to thankful waiting students, exclaiming that elementary school snacks are perfect for a high school graduation.

The NHS Wind Ensemble began playing “Pomp and Circumstance” and the class of 2023 took to the field to a cheering standing ovation of loved ones.

Once the students arrived midfield, a choir led by Director Jane Matson sang the National Anthem.

Encouraging Words

Principal Dr Kim Longobucco gave opening remarks, recalling the soon-to-be-grads’ decidedly unconventional experiences after in-person learning was cut short during their freshman year as the pandemic took hold, before returning to higher learning in cohorts as sophomores.

“Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse your senior year, the entire F-wing flooded and we sent you home again for two days,” said the principal, followed by appreciative laughs from the seniors.

She revealed she would be giving each class member their own bracelet to keep as a reminder “that when times get tough” they will “have a piece of Newtown High School” with them.

“You have been pleasant, respectful, and an absolute joy to have at NHS,” said the principal in her concluding comments.

Then, it was time for Senior class council co-presidents Adriana Russo and Rachel Krauss to welcome their classmates.

“I am able to look back on that time and remember everything we have gone through — the good and the bad,” said Russo about her 13 years as a Newtown student. Krauss reflected on classes, faculty, and best friends from NHS.

“The people that make up Newtown High School are the people I will never forget,” she said.

Salutatorian Lauren Jacobs got the stadium laughing, delivering a hilarious and sentimental speech capped by a sincere message.

“For these next few months that we have together as a community, I encourage you all to take advantage of all the time we have left,” said Jacobs. “Take late night runs to Blue Colony, watch a game at Cover Two, or see the sunset from Holcombe Hill.”

Jacobs encouraged her classmates to take all moments — including embarrassing ones — in stride as they aspire to “sights set on higher goals than we could have ever imagined.”

Newtown Scholarship Association Vice President Cindy Carlson also spoke.

She discussed some of the types of students who had applied for scholarships in 2023, listing a cake decorator, a pickleball expert, a seamstress, a master herpetologist, “plus 67 equally impressive and accomplished students.”

Carlson invited all those from the class who received an association scholarship to stand, and many students rose. She discussed the support provided for students from town residents and people they “haven’t even met.”

Next, Superintendent of Schools Christopher Melillo addressed the graduates, offering advice attributed to “The Seven Rules of Life” by Stephen Covey — along with his own hopes for the near-future alumni.

“Whether you choose to pursue further education, embark on careers, or dedicate yourself to causes close to your hearts, do so with a sense of purpose, and a commitment to leaving the world a better place than you found it,” said the superintendent, who also expressed gratitude to the families and educators.

Valedictorian Kirtana Kunzweiler spoke with expressiveness and articulation, tapping lessons learned during her time in the theater program.

“While we have an infinite number of choices we can make at any given moment, choosing the people who surround us is the most important decision of all,” Kunzweiler said.

Kunzweiler also urged classmates to express gratitude to those who helped them come to their achievement, and compared parts of life to unique blends of tea.

“I hope you continue to discover blends that help you to learn and grow,” said Kunzweiler, who finished her speech with a sweet reference to High School Musical that would be nostalgic to her peers.

NHS educator Ryan Eberts provided a powerful keynote address. Eberts used a personal anecdote about his admiration for the charitable way his father lived his life, even when diagnosed with cancer.

“The truth of the matter, though, is your plan is not your plan,” said the social studies teacher, expressing that students don’t have control over life’s curveballs.

“The wiser you get, the more everyone looks the same,” said Eberts, encouraging the graduates to see people as similar to themselves and treat them well. He also said “enemies” would help them grow.

Throughout the first segment of the ceremonies, Senior Richard Wilford assisted at the podium making announcements. As a master of ceremonies, Wilford was also the final NHS senior to graduate.

High Schoolers No More

With all speeches finished, Longobucco and Melillo affirmed each member of the class of 2023 completed all areas of curriculum and requirements from the Board of Education and Connecticut schools.

Chair of the Board of Education Deb Zukowski spoke as well, commending them on their achievement and urging them to not fear failure in life, because they will “learn from the challenge.”

“Be courageous to be different, to think differently, to fail, and ultimately, to grow, learn, and prosper,” said Zukowski.

One by one, rows of students stood up and crossed the stage after their names were announced to be congratulated by Board of Education members and Longobucco.

Friends and family were advised to hold their applause to the end, but groups couldn’t contain the excited cheering, clapping, the occasional airhorn, and shouts of claim to their favorite graduate. Members of the class of 2023 cheered on their friends as well, sharing in their collective accomplishment.

Grasping their diplomas, many graduates couldn’t contain splitting grins as they descended the stage and went for their graduation portrait behind the stage. Many students’ caps were visibly decorated with symbols of colleges they planned to attend.

After this ceremony, the graduated class of 2023 was invited to shift their tassels, followed by the traditional celebratory tossing of caps in the air — with a few even managing to capture the moment on video. The NHS Wind Ensemble closed out the official program playing “The Liberty Bell March” by John Phillip Sousa, which had a lively and triumphant sound.

Once formally released, the new graduates bounded to the back field, jumping, hugging and cheering. Grandparents, moms, dads, aunts and uncles, siblings, and alumni met them with balloons, flowers, and tight hugs before many headed off to more personal or private post-graduation activities.

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Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.