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06/18/2015 11:25 AMSkies threatened, but rain held off as degrees were conferred upon over 260 members of the Branford High School (BHS) Class of 2015 June 17 on the town green.
From opening remarks to the moment the first graduate's name was called to cross the Town Hall stage, speakers at the event made an effort to underscore their impressions of this class; with many choosing to use the word "special" to describe the group.
Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez greeted the class with a letter he'd written which touched on being special but also urged them to apply hard work and determination to continue to succeed. Hernandez wrote he wondered if they realized what their accomplishment in receiving a high school diploma meant to them.
"If wonder if you realize you are special and talented in ways you do not recognize. I wonder if you realize grit and focus do not guarantee success, but they do set you apart. And while some may say you are lucky, the truth is hard work and determination make you much luckier," said Hernandez.
Hernandez also noted the Class of 2015 has "...been tested, figuratively and literally, more than previous graduates. In an age of instant gratification, overprotectiveness and unparalleled connectivity, I continue to wonder and hope you realize how special you are; because you've handled the unthinkable challenges with grace, poise and a spirit that makes the future more radiant and promising than the casual observer may believe."
Board of Education Chairman Michael Krause asked the class to stand and give a round of applause for parents, teachers, family and staff who had helped add to the students' success.
Krause said he was confident the graduates are, "...ready for the next stage of your life," advising them to, "...set your own goals, and when you have reached as high as you think you can, reach even further. Challenge yourself to be greater than you ever imagined."
In his message, BHS 2015 Class President Michael Caminear included a quote from pop singer Taylor Swift, saying of the last four years, "... it was a roller coaster kind of rush."
"In my opinion, our class was unique and special not only because of our diversity but also because of our ability to accept and respect each other for his or her individuality," said Caminear.
In addition to taking on challenges as students, athletes, artists and individuals in their four years together, Caminear said the Class of 2015 was unified in its efforts to help others, from raising money with "Camdyn's Concert" in their early years through to being "Branford Strong" to support the city of Boston following the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013, and more.
"We came into high school as young boys and girls; and now we are leaving as more mature men and women, ready to take on the world," said Caminear.
BHS Principal Lee Panagoulias Jr. announced Megan Shea as the BHS Class of 2015 Valedictorian and also named BHS 2015 Salutatorian, Jessica Lohret. By district policy, BHS does not release Valedictorian and Salutatorian names until they are announced on stage at graduation and doesn't include speeches from the Valedictorian or Salutatorian at graduation. The district also annually recognizes a Performance Graduation Requirements (PGR) Valedictorian and Salutatorian at graduation; for earning the two highest average scores (over four years) in areas of writing, reading , problem solving, collaboration, effective/efficient use of technology, community service and Capstone Senior Project . Panagoulias announced BHS Class of 2015 PGR Valedictorian Cameron O'Neill and PGR Salutatorian Nathan D'Amico. The Faculty Key Award was given to Michael Caminear.
Retiring faculty members Nancy D'Amato, Cindy Brooks and Harriet Mahoney and retiring Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Perara Ph.D. received honorary degrees. Panagoulias also introduced the presentation of diplomas with a brief talk that pointed to the many accomplishments achieved by the Class of 2015 during its four years, including those on the playing field, in the classroom, in the arts, in community service and as a community of students.
Class of 2015 Co-Faculty Advisor Nicholas Rizzi was selected by the Class of 2015 to give the Commencement Address. He joked that he had looked up speech writing on-line, using Wikipedia for most of the information "...so I know it's true."
"I'm not going to lie to you, you guys are legitimately special," said Rizzi. "And I've said this before about a lot classes; but for some reason, you guys got to me."
Both Rizzi and co-advisor John Matthiessen received recognition from the Class of 2015 for supporting the students in achieving much as members of the BHS population during four years. BHS Class of 2015 Treasurer and Student Council co-president Skylar Sandler presented their gifts on behalf of the class.
In addition to Sandler and Caminear, other 2015 Class Officers and Student Council officers on stage to assist with conferring diplomas were: Class Vice President Anamol Regmi, Secretary Samantha Brown, Boys' Social Chair Jeremy Keckler, Girls' Social Co-Chair Cassidy McCarn; Girls' Social Co-Chair Casey Raczkowski and Student Council Co-President Natalie Hannabury, Vice President Alexandra Shpitalnik; Treasurer Isabel Bysiewicz; Secretary Lillian Kirby; Parliamentarian Justin Campos and Director of Community Relations Jake Swanson.