NHS Class Of 2003 Graduates––

Once In A Lifetime !

By Larissa Lytwyn

 Cast in shadowy darkness, Newtown High School’s 284 graduates swept into the high school auditorium to the sounds of Scottish bagpipes June 18, a sharp blend of youthful exuberance and classic pomp and circumstance.

Though heading toward the future, Newtown High School Salutatorian Kristin McGrath reminded fellow members of the Class of 2003 to relish the moment and “Carpe Diem” — seize the day.

“As Charlie Chaplin said, a day without laughter is a day wasted,” she said. Kristin will be majoring in International Studies this fall at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

“I would love to work with [less-fortunate] countries,” she said, “doing relief work to help the people who need it.” During her four years at Newtown High School, she was deeply involved in peer leadership projects, such as assisting in freshman orientation, as well as on the field hockey and lacrosse teams.

She was also selected her sophomore year to represent Connecticut in the prestigious Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership program, based in Washington, D.C. The program gives students the opportunity to attend seminars led by international leaders and ambassadors and features various social activities and leadership-building programs.

After Kristin spoke, the high school Concert Choir Seniors performed a rendition of The Carpenter’s “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Class President Elana Tenenbaum spoke at length about Newtown High School’s accomplishments. “Forty-one percent of seniors were on the high honors or honor roll this year,” she said. Other attributes of the senior class, she continued, were its participation on record-breaking sports teams and activeness in local charities. “Congratulations, Class of 2003,” she said, “We did it!”

When Principal William Manfredonia asked members of the Class of 2003 to stand if they had participated in more than 100 hours of community service while at Newtown High School, more than half of the seniors stood. The mass media’s often-negative portrayal of seniors, he said, was misleading. “You were a great class,” he said. “You each can make a significant difference in the lives of others.”

Though sustaining its air of elegant formality, the ceremony was at times peppered with the ageless tradition of beach ball tossing, hastily intercepted by faculty before inevitably continuing anew. When Valedictorian Owen Beams took the stage, the seniors’ applause was thunderous. Throaty shouts of “Beams!” echoed through the audience.

Nevertheless, Owen was exceedingly humble. “I’m not afraid to be up here,” he said. “I’m absolutely terrified!” Laughter shook the auditorium. He continued, “Everyone has displayed they are capable of dedication and hard work to have it made it this far. This is a solid base for a successful future however you define success.” Owen, who will be attending Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., this fall, proceeded to applaud the Class of 2003’s parents and teachers for their support.

History teacher Jason Hiruo, introduced by Class Treasurer Christopher Thibdeau, continued the high school’s tradition of inviting a faculty member to deliver the Commencement Address. As senior advisor, Mr Hirou, a 1991 Newtown High School graduate, has been centrally involved with the production of the class yearbook, marching band, and other endeavors. “Dream with your eyes open,” he encouraged. He also encouraged the class to always express themselves freely. “If men and women think the same,” he said, “then they aren’t thinking very much.”

Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff talked about the recent rediscovery of his sixth grade autograph book, filled with humorous anecdotes from his peers. Lastly, Dr Pitkoff shared his father’s advice. “Work hard for all you wish for,” he said.

Before awarding the graduates with their diplomas, Board of Education Chairman Elaine McClure shared a parable-type story about a campaign to ban chocolate — a campaign directed by people looking for consumers to buy more jelly beans. “Now, you can either support this campaign,” she said, “or you can launch your own campaign to save it.” Whether or not the goal is ultimately accomplished, it is imperative to “stand up for what you believe is right,” she said. “Be true to yourself.”

During the seniors’ ensuing processional to receive their diplomas, the concert choir performed “Alma Mater” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” by Simon & Garfunkel. Keeping in the spirit of the evening, one senior even performed a cartwheel on his way to receive his diploma.

“I’m going to miss my friends the most,” said graduate Kristen Ryan, who will be attending Colgate University this fall in Hamilton, N.Y. “But I won’t miss getting up early!”