NHS Class Of 2002 Graduates With Flying Colors On Flag Day

By Tanjua Damon

Flag Day, June 14, was a fitting day for the Class of 2002 to make its final mark at Newtown High School as more than 280 graduates waved American flags in celebration of their successes during the last four years.

The pouring rain outside drove the ceremonies inside the high school auditorium, where spirits were soaring, along with beach balls and bubbles that floated from graduate to graduate as they waited to cross the stage for the last time as students of Newtown High School.

The Class of 2002 was a well-rounded successful class from academics to athletics to clubs and activities to community service.

“As a whole we have excelled in every possible aspect. Academically we have proved ourselves worthy,” Jessica Omasta, second vice president of the class said. “We have logged 20,642 hours of community service. We have collected the most so far of any class. Today marks the last accomplishment we will make as a class. We have all reached success.”

Principal William Manfredonia encouraged the graduates to take a stand and make a difference.

“Those who have graduated before you have not been able to solve the complex questions. Maybe it is you,” he said. “Insist on having heroes and heroines in your life. Make a difference, you can do it.”

Valedictorian Brendan Krueger encouraged his classmates to go out into the world and leave no stone unturned.

“Don’t worry about what you can’t change. Don’t be afraid to try something new or make mistakes,” Brendan said. “Be persistent; don’t leave a problem half-finished. Be optimistic; there’s always another miracle out there for you to discover. I’ll just leave you with one last thought, this one from Abraham Lincoln,: ‘Whatever you are, be a good one.’”

Salutatorian Andrew Lysaght told his classmates to believe in themselves and ignore the doubts and fears to defeat the unknown.

“Trust in yourself, and things will begin to happen that you never dreamed of. Now graduation is upon us, and it’s hard to believe that this day is finally here,” Andrew said. “So to quote the song by Semisonic, ‘It’s closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.’ Form this end we begin the best of our lives. Good luck on your separate journeys next year.”

Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed told the Class of 2002 that he of all people could best understand the anxiety and nervousness they may be feeling as he too begins a new journey in life as he retires at the end of the month.

“I’ve had the honor of being at many ceremonies,” Dr Reed said. “I’m here with mixed emotions and feeling melancholy about the life I’m leaving behind.”

The “dynamic duo” of guidance counselor Jeff Tolson and math teacher Eugene Hall spoke to the graduating class about taking the journeys the freedom of America offers them.

“Face your fears and grow because of your triumphs and failures. That is what makes you great,” Mr Hall said. “We have been leaving fingerprints on the minds of the students. Thank you all for your wisdom and willingness to support the Class of 2002.”

The Class of 2002 will head to schools in 24 different states and three different countries as they begin their next quest in life.

“Knowing this is the moment. There will not be another exactly like it,” Mr Tolson said. “That bus has turned into a car. It’s on another trip. You are smarter, wiser, and more coherent. But you are more confused than you have ever been in your life.”

Mr Tolson and Mr Hall had the entire auditorium stand and sing “God Bless America” in honor of the students’ accomplishments and for the nation in which they live.

School Board Chairman Elaine McClure spoke of the Girl Scout’s song of “make new friends and keep the old,” encouraging the graduates to explore what life and people have to offer by being who they are.

“As you move on you will be on different paths,” Mrs McClure said. “On your way you will make new friends. To find these friends, be yourself.”