The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
97 graduate from PHS
Bonds, friendships a common theme
PORTLAND » The Portland High School Class of 2017 did themselves proud Thursday.
Ninety seven students stepped forward to accept their diplomas, and if the temperatures were a little cooler, the warmth of the affection from the audience more than made up for it.
The students who spoke during the not-quite hourlong ceremony all sounded a common theme: the “bonds and friendships” that were formed among the students, as class president Jillian Crawford described them.
Crawford cast herself and her classmates back four years to when they arrived at the school, anxious and even a little scared “of being shoved into a locker.”
Four years later, Crawford said bad high school movies had over-sold that idea.
As she stood in front of her classmates, “I’m actually in shock that this day has finally come,” Crawford said.
Yes, she is anxious to move on to the next chapter in her life, Crawford acknowledged. “But in my heart, I will miss coming to school and seeing your faces,” she told the other 96 graduates.
She thanked those who brought her to this moment: her parents (‘the ones who will be signing those tuition checks in a few months”) and her teachers.
“Graduation is also time for us to acknowledge our own accomplishments,” Crawford said. “We have worked so hard to get to this point and should be proud of all we have achieved.”
The address by Valedictorian Christopher Wiezbicki was laced with any number of humorous comments.
“You know, I’ve never understood why people tell you to picture members of the audience in their underwear to be less nervous. Honestly, I’m trying right now, and Mr. Varas, your tighty-whities are just making me uncomfortable,” Wiezbicki said in opening his remarks, referring to math teacher William Varas.
Even as he spoke of “the last high school heartbreak” and “the last time we are all together as a class,” Wiezbicki had a quip ready for the moment.
“We are, by far, the most attractive class to come through Portland. Smart and sexy is not a combination you are going to find in any other school,” Wiezbicki said.
Salutatorian Nicole Ferguson also sprinkled her remarks with levity. She spoke about final exams the class had to take and then spoke about “what finals we all could have aced,” such as vocabulary.
“Our vocabulary has improved over these past four years,” Ferguson said. “‘Yolo swag’ has evolved into a sophisticated ‘Dank memes.’”
Or an exam on teacher’s birthday, or “a final on each and every rule and technique of ultimate Frisbee.”
Ferguson turned more serious, however, when she said, ”The education we have received transcends any material tested on an exam.
“The education we have received in far more significant than the cap, gown or cords we display today,” Ferguson said. “Whether pushing ourselves athletically, academically or otherwise, we’ve learned that are capable of so much more than we thought possible. The persistence we gained through long nights of homework or studying for a big test will certainly aid us through future struggles.
“Portland’s close-knit community has taught us the value of a support system,” Ferguson.
At the same time, “Though fear of leaving this secure atmosphere is understandable, we also learned the importance of leaving our comfort zones in order to grow,” Ferguson said.
It was left to MaryAnne Rode, the chairwoman of the Board of Education, to offer practical advice, tinged with some emotion, to the graduates who included her son, Kevin.
“None of you got here all on your own,” Rode said, asking — and she does every year — the graduates to thank the individual(s) who helped get them to this point — and to do so in person.
“Actually talk to them, and tell them how much they mean to you,” Rode said.
Rode then quoted from country singer Tim McGraw’s hit “Humble and Kind,” which was written by Lori McKenna.
“Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re going don’t forget turn back around and help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind.”
With that, Rode called upon the graduates to “Go and do great things.”
As she did, three mylar balloons floated up into the darkening sky and — like the graduates — away to who knows what comes next.