Grads urged to ‘dare greatly’
At New Britain ceremony, Class of 2019 told to embrace defeat and learn from it
NEW BRITAIN – Over 500 graduates of New Britain High School were urged to find their passion and achieve their goals no matter what odds are stacked against them.
“Class of 2019, raise your hand if you felt like you’ve been defeated during the last four years.” Valedictorian Leah Gaffney said. “Look around you. Everyone here has had their fair share of defeat.”
Gaffney encouraged her classmates to thank the teachers, parents and friends who shepherded them through high school and to always remember their roots in New Britain. She said growing up in the diverse city that has seen its share of problems taught her that she can achieve anything regardless of the obstacles.
“New Britain has taught us all how to be hard hittin’,” Gaffney said. “One thing I have learned in New Britain, anything is possible.”
Principal Damon Pearce recalled how students mobilized against a decision to make changes to the homecoming
dance.
“The students didn’t just lie down and accept the changes. They organized. They scheduled meetings with me. They spoke to me in the hallways. There was a full day of protest,” Pearce said. “By coming together, you made change happen.”
As graduates prepared to receive their diplomas, Pearce honored the family of Elijah Little, who died in February during a fire that destroyed his family’s New Britain home. Little, 17 at the time of his death, would have graduated Saturday.
“Elijah Little and I had a running joke,” Pearce said. “The result of which was that I had to buy him a pizza. … I unfortunately was not able to buy it for him before he tragically died. Elijah was a joy to all and is still greatly missed.”
Little’s father Anthony received his son’s honorary diploma to a standing ovation from graduates during the ceremony.
Mayor Erin Stewart called upon the graduates to find their purpose and to stay humble.
“Who knows where you will end up? I certainly didn’t know when I was in your seat,” she said. “Be constantly in search of your purpose. … Don’t let others define who you are. Our time on Earth is limited. Don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
Superintendent of Schools Nancy Sarra told graduates to lean into failure and accept it as a way to learn.
“It’s those failures where we do so much of our learning,” she said. “There is no effort without mistakes. … You must be willing to dare greatly and always do what’s right.”