NHS Graduation A Celebration Of Achievements

By Laurie Borst

The O’Neill Center on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside campus was the venue for celebration Tuesday evening, June 20, as the Newtown High School Class of 2006 — along with family and the friends who could get tickets for the event — gathered for graduation ceremonies. More than 380 students who had completed requirements for high school graduation came to celebrate this milestone in their lives.

The Newtown High School Concert Band, led by Kurt Eckhardt, played the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates and faculty entered. The Senior Choir performed a classic version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Lillian Campbell, co-salutatorian, spoke to her classmates about failure, particularly the areas where she has failed. She spoke of her failures as an athletic hopeful and of her dreams of singing and recognized that everyone fails at some things, succeeds at others. Lillian quoted Truman Capote in saying, “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” She wrapped up with this advice: “So relish your failures, learn from them, and ensure that success will be oh so much sweeter when it arrives.”

Co-salutatorian Claire Zukowski compared her experiences studying in Japan for a year with Newtown. Japan was “consistent” in its high school uniforms, standardization, and “group” culture. Back in Newtown, she became aware of the differences, the diversity shown in all the faces, all the interests of her classmates.

“If it is true, as some say, that our class unified during the past few months, I feel inadequate as one individual to represent what many must feel. But I have to say — we are amazing in our uniqueness,” she said.

Dr Evan Pitkoff, Newtown superintendent of schools, offered this advice to the graduates: “There will be many changes in your life. If you can adapt, you increase your chances of success.” He concluded with a quote from the great naturalist Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

Board of Education chairperson Elaine McClure told the audience, “I know how you can be instantly rich; be happy. Approach new adventures with a smile and positive attitude. Discover your passion.”

The Commencement Address was delivered by psychology teacher Robert McHugh. Mr McHugh’s speech spoofed the TV show Deal Or No Deal and contained inside jokes that elicited hearty response from the graduates. He offered this advice: “Do something nice for others. Learn to cook. Take responsibility for what you do or forget to do. Phone home. And remember, you can’t always get what you want. You can accept that, whine about it, or work to change it.”

The joyous activity of presenting diplomas followed. Administrators and Board of Education members presented flowers and diplomas as the name of each graduate was read.

The final speaker was valedictorian for the Class of 2006, Celia Song. Celia reminisced in her speech: the first nerve-wracking day of high school; that day when you finally received your driver’s license; the first job; that fateful day, September 11.

“These have been the days of our lives. We grew from these experiences…There is only one way to progress from here, forward,” Celia concluded.

The Senior Choir then performed “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway show Rent. Then the Newtown High School Concert Band played the school song as the graduates filed out into the world.