Newtown High School hosted a midyear ceremony on Wednesday, February 1, to acknowledge the students who have completed graduation requirements.

Newtown High School Assistant Principal Dana Manning welcomed everyone in attendance for the event.

While only four students attended the evening, 15 students graduated for the midyear commencement. Students recognized during the event as meeting graduation requirements were Christopher Anesi, Andriana Bonadio, Hunter Brunetti, Natane Davis, Carolyn DelRossi, Kendra Dunnigan, Cameron Elliott, Troy Goeller, Robert Hutchins, Zoe Ivan, Ashley Jacobs, Ben Mason, Steven Mayor, Seth Morrell, and Jackson O' Bryan. Zoe, Kendra, Hunter, and Steven were present for the ceremony.

"I know that you worked very, very hard," Ms Manning said to the graduates present. "I know some of our students overcame great obstacles to get here today, and some of our students have challenged themselves to graduate early to pursue other opportunities."

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jean Evans Davila also spoke at the event, and Zoe spoke, sharing a graduate's perspective.

Dr Erardi asked those in the audience who were there to support a graduate, and a number of people in the high school's cafetorium raised their hands. The superintendent asked them to remember the day they graduated from high school, and shared memories from when he graduated high school in 1973.

"What I most remember is that was the first event that my parents showed up to. The way of the world has changed since 1973, but I can assure you what hasn't changed is that the pride that your family has tonight, for those that represent you, is just a very special moment," said Dr Erardi.

The graduates present for the event, Dr Erardi said, represent many others that could not attend the evening event.

Dr Erardi congratulated the graduates on behalf of his office, the high school administration, and the Board of Education.

"You made it. You crossed the finish line. You did it your own way, but you did it," Dr Erardi said. "Congratulations."

Ms Davila shared her pride in the students' accomplishments. When she graduated high school in 1981, Ms Davila said she felt like a "work in progress." She finished her school and was a hair dresser, successfully for ten years. Later she went back to school with the support of her parents.

"When we have a high school graduation, we refer to it as commencement," said Ms Davila. "As much as students feel this is the end of something, to commence something is to begin something. And right now, as much as you feel you have gotten to the end of a path... This is just the beginning for you. I want you to have faith in yourself."

As the students move through life, Ms Davila told them to think of themselves as a work in progress and to grow from each experience.

"Be kind to others and to yourself as you go through life," said Ms Davila. "It's a learning process, and you are only just beginning."

Ms Manning also spoke to the students and told them to find an affirmation to inspire them. In the meantime, she shared her own: "imagine, create, and become."

"You're lucky to live in a time when opportunities are limitless," said Ms Manning.

When Zoe spoke, she shared how staff at NHS helped her during her time as a student, and she congratulated her fellow graduates.

"You're done with high school," said Zoe.

After everyone spoke, the four graduates present walked across the stage to be congratulated and receive flowers. A line of educators also stood to congratulate the graduates. The names of all of the 15 students who completed graduation requirements were also read to acknowledge the accomplishment.