This story has been updated to reflect what one of the speakers said at the event.

Despite sweltering temperatures outside, Newtown High School's Class of 2018 graduated with high spirits inside Western Connecticut State University's O'Neill Center in the late afternoon of June 18.

In response to the high temperatures, students gathered inside until it was almost time to line-up alphabetically to enter for the ceremony. Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue and NHS Interim Principal David Roach led school faculty and Board of Education members at the front of the line. Then, as the students entered, family members and friends who filled the bleachers in the O'Neill Center stood to cheer as the wave of graduates flowed to rows of arranged seats. The commencement ceremony saw 417 students walk across the stage to be honored, according to the school.

Speakers at the event included Mr Roach; Dr Rodrigue; Student Government Co-President Justice Zoto; Senior Class Co-President Michael Arther; Class of 2018 salutatorian Emily King; Class of 2018 valedictorian Talia Hankin; Newtown Scholarship Association President Patrick Kelley; and two teachers, Richard Lye and Jacob Thomas, who offered a "tag-team" commencement speech. The NHS Chamber Choir sang, and the Concert Band played as the graduates entered and exited the ceremony.

Mr Roach noted the event marked "four years of effort" by the students, faculty, staff, and parents. He also thanked NHS Assistant to the Principal Nathalie de Brantes for making the graduation ceremony possible.

"I stand before you today, humbled," Mr Roach said, looking out at the graduates wearing blue and white robes and the friends and family gathered.

Looking back on how he became interim principal, Mr Roach shared memories from "the football field" to student teaching, from being scared to teach his first lessons to spending 13 years as a history teacher, and from serving as an athletic director to being an assistant principal. It all started, he remembered, with "Good morning, class." Many inspired and motivated him through the years as he learned about hard work and dedication.

"I firmly believe that you can't get much out of something unless you put something into it," said Mr Roach. "I [couldn't] walk out of a classroom because I was scared. I had to give it a try. All of my schooling prepared me for this one moment. When adversity stares you in the face, what will you do?"

Mr Roach told the graduates not to give up when facing adversity.

"Do me a favor," Mr Roach said, "never forget where you came from. When adversity surfaces - and it will from time to time - remember all the intangibles that you learned from the people that cared about you the most."

Advice From Peers

When Justice spoke, she remarked on how different each member of the Class of 2018 is, despite spending roughly 12 years together.

"We have all grown into beautiful butterflies who are at the edge of our seats waiting to fly," said Justice.

Before the graduates "spread their wings," Justice asked them to remember each other.

As a freshman at NHS, Justice said she had wanted to be "just like Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation," so she ate waffles and truly worked to be a leader. The graduating students can be leaders in "so many different ways," Justice said.

"Wherever your future takes you into this new journey, let your personality glow," said Justice.

Later, Michael said he researched other graduation speeches in preparation for sharing the Class Council Message. He found many similar speeches.

"My message is simple," he said. "Take whatever time you need to find your passions, don't be afraid to change course, challenge yourself to do your best, and everything will work out in its time. The truth is, everybody can't be everything to everyone."

He told the students to be open to hearing advice, opinions, and criticism.

"In the end, you will own the decisions you make for yourself," Michael said. "If you don't have everything figured out yet, that's okay, too."

Sharing her salutatory speech, Emily said she has seen her fellow graduates complete acts of generosity.

"While we may have traveled different paths, we are all still connected, and we are all capable of great things," said Emily.

She thanked all of the teachers that helped the students throughout the years.

"Congratulations to the Class of 2018, and good luck changing the world," said Emily.

In her valedictory speech, Talia said, "As a class, we have learned what it means to be a team player, what it is to celebrate one another, what it means to face disappointment, and what it means to dust ourselves off and carry on."

Talia said the diversity of talent in the class astounds her.

"While on the way to your own personal success, I urge you to broaden your view to that of your community and the world. Use your passion and expertise to somehow make an impact," said Talia. "Create some change on an individual level, and it will cause a ripple," she said.

As a class, Talia commented, the students have already begun to create change.

"We have a lot to be proud of as a class. We are a part of the generation responsible for the world of tomorrow," Talia said. "Across the world, there are youth rising up and voicing their opinions as well as youth making change behind the scenes. We are in an era of empowerment and questioning of the norm. The world needs young people like us."

Each of the Class of 2018 graduates has a chance to achieve something remarkable, added Talia.

"So take a risk, become who you aspire to be, do what makes you feel alive, dream bigger, question more, and never settle for less," she said.

'Watching From The Wings'

When NHS teachers Richard Lye and Jacob Thomas offered their speech together, they told the students that their resolve will be tested most days. The duo took turns reading the commencement keynote speech. The mundane days, the days that will be forgotten years later, are how life is measured, they said. People remember kindnesses, and legacies are built on the "journey."

Many things have changed in the past few decades, Dr Rodrigue said when she spoke. People now have the chance to speak out and have their voices heard "faster and to a much wider audience." How people use that ability, Dr Rodrigue said, is significant. Dr Rodrigue said a recent graduation speech by author J. K. Rowling resonated with her. The speech touched on failures, using imagination, observing the plight of others, and using her own talents in ways that can help.

Through their education, Dr Rodrigue said, the graduates have heard stories about real people who have helped others with no wizardry involved.

"Students, no one expects perfection. And never, ever, be afraid to make a mistake or have a bold idea, as these are where real successes truly come from," said Dr Rodrigue. "Your voices don't have to be loud to be heard; they only have to be yours - genuine and determined."

Dr Rodrigue said the students should let their experiences, kindness, and selfless actions drive what they do in the future to "inspire others always."

"All of us will be watching from the wings as you do great things," Dr Rodrigue told the graduates.

After the students walked across the stage in the final part of the ceremony, the graduates were instructed to move the tassels on their mortarboards from the right to the left to signify the accomplishment of completing high school. As the students exited the O'Neill Center, friends and family cheered. Smiles were as plentiful as applause.