They will ‘always carry a little piece of the rock’

NEWTOWN - They were the class that came from the place of “yes.” Yes, we can do this. Yes, we can accomplish that. Their successes were a testament to their determination.

With eight National Merit Semi-Finalists along with 26 students who received the designation of Commended, a litany of students who received awards on both the regional and national levels in Math, Language and Science, and don’t forget the 14 Distinguished Scholars, the Council Rock North High School Class of 2013 came WRJHWhHr WR FHOHErDWH WhHLr RnH ODsW finDO achievement: draduation.

On Wednesday, June 19 the class of “yes” said it louder, said it longer, and said it to their future.

The sun that shone brightly on this grade since freshmen year shone even brighter on Wednesday as the more than 500 high school seniors received their diplomas.

Realizing that this would be their last time together, a class whose prom theme was “everyone loves everyone” celebrated with laughter and tears, hoping their friendships would endure but knowing that everyone was moving on with their lives.

Their Senior Class President, Natalie Maher, reminded her fellow students of this in her graduation speech, reminiscing about their four years together when they were Freshmen and “began as babies.”

She talked about what they all learned through the years: how to succeed, how WR finG D SODFH IRr WhHPsHOYHs, hRw WR GHDO with the growing pains. She recalled that their senior year activities, like Blue and White, the senior trip to Disney, and the prom, “melted the multi-faceted layers of the grade into one contiguous group.”

“Remember what North has taught us,” Maher told her fellow classmates, “When it seems overwhelming, reminisce back to the basics.”

draduation speaker Jason Shavel added to the walk down memory lane, celebrating the class’ list of accomplishment. “Other schools don’t do this,” he said, “other years don’t do this.”

He talked about the grade’s passion for success and their future, complimenting them on their strength and cohesion, encouraging them to walk into the world and seize every opportunity out there. “I would wish you luck, “said Shavel, “but you are one of us. You won’t even need it.”

As sWuGHnWs flunJ WhHLr FDSs LnWR WhH DLr, tear stained faces lifted up to the sun, looking into a bright future. A future made possible by the motivation, the drive and determination inspired and fueled by the people around them.

As Senior Class Principal Ellen Short described, “This is a very spirited class and really enjoyed each other’s company. They will always carry in their hearts a little piece of the rock.”

Photo by Ann Cole CR North graduates are all smiles as they pose for a finalHS photo. From left to right, HayleyKinsel who will be attending Moore College of Art and Design; Katie Cole who will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design; Jenny LaPierre who will be attending Northeastern; and Paige Milligan who will be going to the University of Massachusetts. These fast friends realize that while they may be at schools far apart, the ties they made during high school will last for years to come.

Photo by Ann Cole Goodnoe Elementary teacher Lisa Bachman poses proudly with her son Peter Bachman-Gregori

Photo by Ann Cole Steven Steinbock is all grins after he received his diploma.

Photo by Ann Cole Jennifer LaPierre is all smiles and pride as she walks away with her CR North diploma.

Photo by Ann Cole Paige Milligan, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts to study animal science said her favorite memory from senior year was the class trip to Disney. “It is the most magical place in the world,” she emphasized.

Photo by Ann Cole Commencement speakers Paul Caldwell and Jordyn Goldberg did a duet as they compared the senior class Disney trip rides to their four years at CR North, asking, “What to do now that the ride is over?”