By Laurie Borst

As strains of Elger faded, the 427 seniors in the Class of 2007 settled into their seats. In a scant couple of hours, they would become alumni of Newtown High School. Friends and family packed the O’Neill Center on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside Campus on the evening of June 20.

After the Senior Choir performed the National Anthem, Newtown Superintendent of Schools Evan Pitkoff addressed the audience. He spoke of the “pleasant and powerful feeling of achievement.” Dr Pitkoff referred to the class’s yearbook theme — definitions.

Dr Pitkoff offered several definitions of success, how the definition is different for different people. “Whichever definition you choose, I wish each of you great success in life,” he said.

Elaine McClure, chair of the Board of Education, offered her congratulations on the students’ accomplishments. She referred to the 12,000-plus hours of community service the Class of 2007 has contributed.

Mrs McClure advised the graduates, “Life is about more than just being happy. It is about making a difference.”

As each speaker turned from the podium, the graduates let fly dozens of beach balls, balloons, and even a giant blow-up lobster. When a new speaker reached the podium, the students respectfully corralled the flying objects.

Salutatorian Darcy Fiscella reminisced. Memories of sandwiches at the General Store, Cake Wednesdays, Dance Dance Revolution, Four Square, and combo platters at the diner elicited enthusiastic responses from the crowd.

As the youngest of four children, she spoke of longing to move to the next stage, “but when longing for the future, we can never truly enjoy the present.”

She left the graduates with this thought: “Listen to another pretty smart guy, for it was Einstein who said, ‘Never think of the future. It comes soon enough.’”

Jennifer Iassogna recounted the accomplishments of the students in her class. Approximately 94 percent of the class is going on to college. In May, 35 percent of the class took 340 AP exams. The Class of 2007 has 16 National Merit Commended Scholars in its ranks. Applied Science Research students represented NHS at numerous science fairs, winning many prizes.

In athletics, over the four years they spent at Newtown High, they saw 14 SWC championships, three state championships, and one state open championship. Fourteen students are All-State Athletes. Two earned 12 Varsity letters each. Six athletes will play Division I sports.

The class boasts eight Eagle Scouts, 12 volunteer firefighters, and six EMTs. And 125 students completed more than 100 hours of community service. Plays, literary magazines, and school newspaper have all received critical praise.

AFS students Rebecca Schuermann and Heidi Sikemsen exchanged flags of their countries with high school principal Arlene Gottesman. Cheryl Clark, president of Newtown Scholarship Association, announced the students who were awarded scholarships by the organization. NSA awarded more than $200,000 to seniors and continuing college students this year.

When Valedictorian Brian Pennarola took the stage, the crowd erupted with applause. Brian described graduation as a culmination and a beginning, a pivotal moment and the many varied journeys each student has taken to that point.

“These pieces of wisdom are simple,” Brian said, “not lofty or grandiose or cryptic. Quite honestly, I feel these truths are often found within the lofty walls of a fortune cookie.”

He reminded graduates to be thankful for their friends, teachers, and families. “Above the call to preserve youthful optimism, or strive for success, or seek to change the world is the call to be a nice person, a good person…It is kindness which will make our lives most fulfilling.”

Robert McHugh, who retires this year, was chosen as commencement speaker. Rapping, flashbacks, and inside jokes kept the students laughing as he advised them to be kind and compassionate, even though there are those who will take advantage of their kindness, to do the right things regardless of what others do.

The students gave Mr McHugh a standing ovation as he left the podium.

Then, the 427 seniors took that long walk across the stage, passing from high school senior to alumni, the Class of 2007.