The Class Of 2001: ‘Ready To Conquer The World’

By Tanjua Damon

The Newtown High School Class of 2001 could not have asked for a better day as they culminated their four years at the high school Tuesday night under clear skies and a blazing sun during the commencement ceremony honoring over 300 graduates.

As graduates entered the high school stadium in their royal blue caps and gowns, cheers followed them from the crowd of family and friends. The audience of over 1,000 made more noise than the graduates did. Balloons, miniature fans, and silly string brought life to the Class of 2001 as they waited for their big moment.

The students remembered the two classmates, Greg Chion and Jon Ullo, who died this year by wearing gold star pins on their gowns.

The Class of 2001 overcame various obstacles that help to unite them.

“I think of what your class has gone through this year,” Principal William Manfredonia said. “The Class of 2001 has built a bridge for all classes to follow. They have been through so much together and overcome many obstacles.”

Valedictorian Kathy Deng thanked teachers and parents for their guidance and support through the years.

“First of all, I want to thank all of our teachers. Without you, without your patience, without your persistence, and without your guidance, we would not be here. Your knowledge enriched us, your wisdom enlightened us, and your experience taught us well,” she said. “I would also like to thank all our parents. Without you, without your understanding, without your support, and without your love, we would not have achieved success. Your tolerance allowed us to grow, your endurance enabled us to mature, and your caring made us more humane.”

The Class of 2001 cares about more than just material things, Kathy said. They also care about world issues like politics, poverty, hunger and starvation, race relations, and global warming. This class will make a difference.

“You think that prejudice, discrimination, and racism are facts of life, but we will give you lessons in tolerance, acceptance, and diversity,” Kathy said. “If you think we aren’t ready to go off and do all of these great things and more, well, trust me, we are. The Class of 2001 is the best class that has ever graced the halls of Newtown High School. We are ready to conquer the world.”

Salutatorian Stephen Ambrogio told his fellow classmates that not everyone is the same and they should not to be afraid to meet new people and use the knowledge from others because life is too short not to.

“It wasn’t until this year that the Class of 2001 came together. The great thing about life is that everyone is unique and different,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to go out and meet new people. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience that people around you have to share. You don’t know how much longer they’ll be around to share it.”

Teacher Edward Obloj told the class to look out for turning points in their lives. Turning points help shape the life we will lead.

“Turning points alter and define the path a person’s life goes down,” Mr Obloj said. “Some turning points are forced on you by major events. Some are subtle.”

Mr Obloj finished with a quote from Yogi Berra: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Class speaker Todd Palo spoke about the class’ achievements. Members of the Class of 2001 put in 16,000 hours of volunteer work while in high school. They have been successful in academics and sports.

“Though unique and independent as we may be, together as a class we managed to attain a level of excellence unsurpassed by any other,” Todd said. “As you can see, by doing what we do and being who we are, this class has touched the lives of many members of Newtown High School and the community. There is no doubt that the Class of 2001 has made Newtown High School a better place.”

Stephanie Gaston, president of the Newtown Scholarship Association, announced this year’s scholarship recipients: Thomas Denninger – The Bob & Pam Gleason Entrepreneurial Scholarship and The Thomas P. Mularcik Memorial Scholarship; Geoffrey DiBeneditto – The Greg Chion Band & Color Guard Scholarship; Erin Doyle – Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) Scholarship; Travis Finalyson – The Joseph Borrello Memorial Scholarship and The Taunton Press Scholarship; Even Graves – The Jonathan R. Ullo Memorial Scholarship; Faith Hunt – The Alice H. Carroll Memorial Scholarship, The Robert Daily Memorial Scholarship, and The Paul V. McNamara Memorial Scholarship; Alden Palmer – The Greg Chion Memorial Scholarship; Todd Palo – The Rotary Club Scholarship and The Sylvea & Nelson Curtis Memorial Scholarship; Olga Sokolova – The Newtown Women’s Club Scholarship and The Caroline Calabrese Memorial Scholarship; Bonnie Soucy – The Dorthea S. Baker Memorial Scholarship and The Norma Pierson Memorial Scholarship; Matthew Sullivan – The Newtown Savings Bank Scholarship and The Philip Morgan Memorial Scholarship; Erin Thomas – The Geraldine Farrell Memorial Scholarship and The J. Gary McMahon Memorial Scholarship; Jonathan Werbeck – The Ernie Badillo Memorial Scholarship and The Joseph Corbo Memorial Scholarship; Mark Werbeck – The Brett Pryor Memorial Scholarship and The Lt Robert W. Vogel Memorial Scholarship; and Todd Winner – The Jonathan R. Ullo Memorial Scholarship.