UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect the real names of one student identified in a photo and of a speaker at the event.

For the second year in a row, Newtown High School’s graduation ceremony was held June 15 at the school’s Blue & Gold Stadium.

NHS Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco welcomed students, families, and community members to the celebratory event that came with a gift for every graduate: a cupcake.

“Today, I would like to spend time talking about a delicious treat that came to be in the late 1700s,” Longobucco said while addressing the students from a stage that had been set up on the field.

She addressed the Class of 2022 members seated on folding chairs on the field, along with families and supporters who gathered in the stands or on chairs placed on the track just below.

Saying the significance and meaning society has placed on the cupcake is celebratory, Longobucco also noted the dessert requires the exact balance of ingredients.

“In a lot of ways, baking a cupcake is exactly what you did for four years here at NHS,” the principal said. Later she added, “You found the perfect balance of classes, you planned for the courses that would help you in the future, you met with your school counselors to ensure that you met all graduation requirements, and ultimately you found the perfect recipe to find yourself right here, just a few short moments from officially graduating high school.”

And the best part of a cupcake for Longobucco? The frosting.

“This moment is your frosting,” Longobucco said. “Your parents, friends, and families supported you along the way and today, they are ready to celebrate with blue and gold frosting and sprinkles. Because life is about balance, and cupcakes are for a celebration.”

Later, as the students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, Longobucco waited at the other side to hand the graduates a cupcake that was frosted with either blue or gold frosting. Students held them as they walked back to their seats. Many were smiling, some were quickly eating their desert, and others held them up next to their diploma.

This year’s graduating class has 358 students, and it had a 100% graduation rate, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue.

Inspiring Words

Other speakers at the event were Newtown Scholarship Association President John Morlock, Board of Education Chair Deborra Zukowski, keynote address speaker Victor Lye, and student speakers: Student Government President Christina Savo, Class of 2022 salutatorian Amanda Stowe, and Class of 2022 valedictorian Cate Fischer.

Christina thanked everyone who has supported the members of the Class of 2022.

“Despite our high school years being affected by a global pandemic, we persevered, we overcame, and we succeeded. We are Newtown,” said Christina.

After graduating, Christina reflected that the students will go in “different directions.”

“Whatever road we each decide to pursue, I know in my heart, we will continue to succeed despite any of the challenges that will surely lay ahead.”

When she spoke, Amanda shared that she loves hiking.

“And believe it or not, you have all just completed a hike of your own,” said Amanda to her fellow graduates.

NHS freshman orientation was the trailhead, the first day of freshman year was the first steps on the trail, and there were twists, turns, and some challenging things to navigate along the way. In March of their sophomore years, the scenery changed as the pandemic hit, the students faced blustery weather, but the summit of the mountain was later in sight.

“Now that we’ve made it to the top of the mountain, the view is amazing,” said Amanda. “We can look back the way we came and see the things we’ve overcome. And we can also look ahead and see that the mountain range extends in an infinite radius around us. We have reached the end of a chapter in our lives, but these countless other mountains provide opportunities for our future paths in life.”

Cate said she knew the student body was looking at its future with enthusiasm and great anticipation.

“We would not be here without the unconditional love of our parents and loved ones. You have all shaped us, held us up with your encouragement, preparing us to face the intimidating realities of the adult world,” said Cate.

The valedictorian thanked the NHS teachers for never giving up on the students, and she congratulated the graduates for “making it here” despite senioritis.

Cate said many are too hard on themselves and she encouraged the students to embrace mistakes and see the promise of starting from “square one.”

Parting Thoughts

“We are so incredibly proud of you,” Rodrigue said to all the graduates. It would be Rodrigue’s final NHS graduation ahead of her departure from the district (see separate feature in today’s edition).

Promising the graduates that there are many positive experiences ahead for them, Rodrigue said their passion, determination, and grit will help them tackle anything else.

While the last few years have been a challenge, Rodrigue said the students all emerged courageously, “because of your great spirit and sense of community.”

She challenged the students to truly listen, serve their communities, and offer their strengths and empathy to those in need.

“As graduates, we have no doubt you will use your talents for a great purpose,” said Rodrigue.

When sharing the keynote speech, NHS teacher Victor Lye reflected on a job interview he had years ago. The experience made him reflect on the words that label him. He challenged the students to think of the labels that they want to define them.

“From this moment forward, no one will care what you did in high school,” said Lye. “No one will even ask. Even the label of high school graduate, that we are about to bestow on you, isn’t that impressive.”

The crowd laughed as Lye said the students are joining an “exclusive club” in a world where the assumption is that “everyone has a high school diploma.”

Yet the graduates have a chance to define themselves however they see fit, Lye pointed out. And it will not be the last time they can make that decision.

Lye hopes the students will find labels that make them as happy as his labels of “father, husband, and son” have made him.

As the final speaker before the students graduated, Zukowski shared a story about the importance of listening.

“Listening is sometimes hard,” Zukowski said, “and even those who are really trying may not hear what another is saying. But it is well worth the effort, especially if you listen to people who have different life experiences and perspectives.”

After, Zukowski said, “On behalf of the Board of Education, I am so, so pleased to present the Newtown High School Class of 2022. Congratulations.”

And the crowd cheered.

Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.