The rain held off and brief moments of sun shone on the next round of Newtown High School graduates on Tuesday, June 16, as they waited to enter Western Connecticut State University's O'Neill Center in Danbury.

When welcoming all in attendance for the event Newtown High School Principal Lorrie Rodrigue singled out "most importantly ... the outstanding students in Newtown High School's graduating Class of 2015."

Everyone surrounding her for the event, Dr Rodgrigue said, "played a role in getting our seniors to this milestone, a sentimental finale to their high school career, but a new chapter in what will certainly be a lifelong memoir."

Dr Rodrigue spoke about motivation's many forms, and told the students that their drive and determination was "tangibly evident" in countless touchdowns and field goals, home runs, swim meets, concerts, curtain calls, essays choices, and on in the brushstrokes across canvases.

The students in the Class of 2015, Dr Rodrigue said, were "steadfast" in their inspiration to succeed. Many students, she said, received acceptance letters from schools like Cornell University, Fordham University, Fairfield University, Syracuse University, the University of Connecticut, and Western Connecticut State University.

The evening, Dr Rodrigue said, payed tribute to the student accomplishments so far, but she also expects "far more to come."

"We can only hope you remain inspired by the innovative paths that others before you have chosen," said Dr Rodrigue, before sharing a list of Newtown's "noteworthy individuals." 

"Students, in the future, I have no doubt you will go on to make significant contributions of your own," said Dr Rodrigue, "and perhaps many of your names will be etched into the annals of Newtown's legendary locals."

Student speakers during the event were Lilia Hutchison, Katelyn Zimmerman, Salutatorian Hannah Grant, and Valedictorian Sarah Lynch.

Katelyn said Newtown High School has prepared the graduates to succeed.

"Our class has already accomplished so much during our high school career," said Katelyn. Among the accomplishments, she said, were seven South-West Conference (SWC) championships, six SWC sportsmanship awards, creating "two very successful" unified sports and unified arts programs, 14 nominations and three awards "for our amazing theater program," and performing over 65,000 hours of community service.

"All of this happened from our hard work, caring spirits, and dedication," Katelyn said. "If we carry these qualities with us, success will come."

Hannah listed some of her memories from the last four years at NHS when addressing her fellow graduates, like dressing up for Blue and Gold Day, building cardboard boats, and cheering on sports teams.

While Hannah said "today the life outside of Newtown begins," she also noted all of the new experiences that will be available to the students.

"This is not the end, but only a piece of the constantly changing puzzle of life," Hannah later said in her speech. "It is up to you, the best class ever, to pick and choose which pieces you want. But remember the puzzle can always change."

Saying she was honored to speak as the valedictorian, Sarah  said, "Congratulations, we did it. Four years of tests, projects, labs, and seminars to be sitting here today, finally as graduates."

Sarah said Newtown was the "first and foremost" place that prepared the graduates for life.

But the "next step," Sarah said, will be in a "bigger and more diverse world ... than we have been exposed to in Newtown."

Starting over can be scary and unnerving, but Sarah said the students should trust that the NHS faculty, parents, and friends have prepared the graduates to handle "whatever life throws at us."

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi Jr reminded the students that different "is okay" when he spoke.

Part of life, Dr Erardi said, is understanding how to manage, appreciate, and respect differences.

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander congratulated the students and said, "We are all proud to call you Newtown High School graduates," before he said the students have a strong foundation behind them and a "world of opportunities ahead."

As NHS graduates, Mr Alexander said, the students are up to the challenge of improving the world for themselves and for everyone else.

"Be inventive, be open, be kind, be strong, be you," Mr Alexander said.

Since the graduates began their high school careers, Commencement Keynote Speaker and NHS Teacher Trent Harrison said there have been 732 sunrises and sunsets, and the Earth has travelled 2.4 trillion miles through space.

"So don't complain that you haven't gone anywhere yet in life," said Mr Harrison.

The world, Mr Harrison said, is in a constant state of flux.

"Change is the act of becoming different," he said, adding that some change is gradual and difficult to observe until "you look back."

Due to change there can be no "normal," said Mr Harrison, admitting he is the "last person who should be giving you speech about what is normal."

"If the environment in which you live keeps changing, than normal must change along with it," said Mr Harrison.

Graduation is a time to reinvent and make a change from what is normal, Mr Harrison said, before telling the students to envision the change they see in their future while remembering to be mindful of the past.

"Each and every one of you has the ability to produce great works," said Mr Harrison. "And don't think for a millisecond that you are not capable, as we have all witnessed what you can accomplish in just a short period of time.

"So go out, gain new experiences, and become the vehicle of change," Mr Harrison continued. "Who knows? You may end up back here to help produce the next great class of the finest young men and women to call themselves graduates of Newtown High School."

More photos from the event will be in the June 19, 2015, print edition of The Newtown Bee. A slideshow will also be posted online this week.