Uxbridge grads told to ‘unlock the genius’
On picture-perfect day, 171 Uxbridge High seniors earn diplomas
UXBRIDGE — It was a day that acknowledged sad goodbyes and celebrated new beginnings as the Uxbridge school community bid bon voyage to the 117 Uxbridge High School seniors who earned diplomas at Sunday afternoon’s commencement.
It was standing room only and loud applause from family members and friends who packed the high school gymnasium as the graduates, wearing robes in the traditional Spartans colors of black and orange, filed into the gym to the
Uxbridge High School
Band’s spotless rendition of ‘Pomp and Circumstance.’
In his speech, Student Council President
Trevor Rafferty said he found his happiness in so many places in high school, “and while some of us might like to say that high school was the worst, I know that we all found something that we enjoyed.”
“For the longest time, I wasn’t sure if this was true,” he said. “But, in the past week or so I learned just how true it is.”
“So, when you leave today, and go out into the world, keep this in mind. Look for the groups that will make you happy,” Rafferty said. “You won’t have to look hard, I promise, because they’ll be looking for you. Try to recreate the joy you felt here, but what I ask is that you open
“I want you to unlock the genius that is inside of each of you so take today as a beginning, not as an end. I want you to realize that the piece of paper you are about to receive, something you probably took for granted, is a ticket to so much more. Act if you have nothing to lose, for if you have nothing to lose, you can try everything.” —UHS Principal Michael Rubin
your mind, and open your heart to it make even greater. Class of 2018, you’ve given me so many memories to cherish. I wish you a lifetime full of many more.”
In his speech, Principal Michael Rubin said graduations are a time to “reflect, and provide an opportunity to pause and think about the opportunities we have provided you, the relationships we have built, and the learning we hope we have shared, be it in the classroom or beyond.”
“For many of you, today was an event that was a foregone conclusion, just another checkmark in the experiences that happen as you progressed through your time at Uxbridge High School,” he said. “There was that first day of school, when you wandered into this new place, neophytes, strangers in a strange world, eagerly approaching a new locker that you would hardly visit. There was that time you would approach your first sports practice or stand in the back as a fan at a game; take the stage in productions that brought us to our feet; led holiday drives and Student Council initiatives; and helped a new principal find his way.”
“I tell you this because today is not something to take for granted, even in a community and for a group of you for whom this was never in question,” Rubin said. “For the greatest generation, the generation of my grandparents, there were all too many who put this day off to give us an opportunity to be here. In the case of one of my grandfathers, it was a day that would not, could not happen, never mind the prospect of seeing me deliver an address.”
“I want you all to live,” he said. “I want you to unlock the genius that is inside of each of you so take today as a beginning, not as an end. I want you to realize that the piece of paper you are about to receive, something you probably took for granted, is a ticket to so much more. Act if you have nothing to lose, for if you have nothing to lose, you can try everything.”
In her speech, Class of 2018 Valedictorian Riley Malone told her fellow graduates that they should be “immensely proud” of their accomplishments.
“No matter what happened between Monday and Friday, freshman year and this moment right now, we made it. We figured it out. And that’s what life is,” she said. “It’s not about who accomplishes their goals the soonest or chases their dreams the fastest. You will all realize your dreams by the end of the day. And during the times in between, there will be challenges and unforeseen obstacles, as I’m sure you all have faced in high school.”
She told the graduates not to enter their lives fearful of a vast unknown, but to enter with confidence that their dreams will become a reality, no matter whether it be tomorrow, a year from now, or 10 years.
“Enter with excitement, kindness, happiness, and hope, for you all have tremendous lives before you, and this is just the beginning,” she said. “So I would just like to urge you, the Class of 2018, to do a couple things in your lives. Don’t take the beauty of a single moment for granted. Don’t sum up your life using a few words. Individualize each moment and use the entire English language when you write of the extraordinary uniqueness of your life. Life is grand. Make sure you don’t miss it.”
She ended her speech by thanking her teachers, friends and family.
“To my friends, you are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and to see the ones I used to explore backyards with now in caps and gowns about to begin their wildest dreams is incredible,” she said. “To my parents, you once told me kids often grow up and become who their parents are, and I’m grateful that I could have such admirable people to model for the rest of my life. And to the Class of 2018, thank you. You have granted me an unforgettable high school experience, and I cannot wait to hear what each one of you has accomplished at our first high school reunion.”
In her speech, Class of 2018 Salutatorian Emily Philbrook said graduation is not just about celebrating the past.
“Everything leading up to this moment has prepared us for what is to come,” she told the graduates. “Today marks a new beginning for all of us. Some of you will go straight into the workforce, some will be stepping up to serve our country, while others will be attending the college of their dreams. No matter what path you take I have some advice for you all. Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. It is our generations time to make this change. Now is time for us to make our marks on the world.”
“Some of you will go out and make great scientific discoveries that will one day be read about in textbooks, while others will inspire the next generation through the gift of education,” she added. “Everything we do from here on out is going to define the difference we make. Our possibilities are limitless.”
Philbrook reminded the graduates that it is how you handle your successes and failures that will define you as a person.
“Throughout our lives, so many people have helped to shape us. It has taken the entire community to raise each and every one of us,” she said. “Our parents have taught us right from wrong. Our teachers have given us knowledge. Our coaches have taught life lessons. They have all put so much time and effort into helping us, and we can do the same for others. Volunteer in your community. Donate to the less fortunate. Make somebody smile. It is our duty to give back to the community around us. It’s truly the little things that matter in life.”
“Finally,” Philbrook said, “remember where you came from. We are all a family. We grew up together in this little town of Uxbridge. I hope you all look back and smile upon the memories you have made with all of the people surrounding you now. I know I will. The world is ready for us ,Class of 2018, and we are ready, too.”