Weather couldn’t dampen the spirit of a single student or proud parent on the Town Green for the June 16 graduation of the Class of 2023, despite a deluge that seemed to time itself almost perfectly with the onset of the commencement. School officials had made the decision to move the start time to 3:30 p.m. earlier in the day to avoid potential weather, but Mother Nature had other ideas, and heavy rain endured through the entire ceremony.

However, a bit of rain seemed to energize the grads, who didn’t allow the weather to interfere with such an important milestone, according to several attending seniors.

Salutatorian Riley Mullet reflected on the experience of growing up in Guilford and its impact.

“Writing this speech, I did a lot of reflecting on what growing up in Guilford has meant to me. I found myself drawn to the image of the Guilford Green, where we stand today and the strong sense of community which it embodies. Here, I’ve ridden on parade floats, attended protests, and gone to religious services. It is also on this Green that families gather for the tree lighting, pride month celebrations are held, and every senior class graduates, even if it means moving graduation three hours earlier. The Green represents a connection between generations, ideas, and cultures. This same connection has filled my life here in Guilford,” said Mullet. “When I think of Guilford, I think of my friend’s parents, that hug me every time I come over. I think of the Adams volleyball team coming to our high school varsity volleyball games. I think of my English class singing ‘We’re All in This Together’ from High School Musical, with various pitch accuracies. I think of my teammates, teachers, and family cheering for me at tennis matches. I think of my metaphorical Green - all of the amazing people I have connected with in this town.”

Valedictorian Cassandra Pringle, in her speech, spoke of the randomness of life and how that can inform and inspire.

“Maybe some of you guys have heard of chaos theory. If not, I’m sure many are familiar with one of its better-known principles, called the butterfly effect. Named after a thought experiment that suggested the flap of a single butterfly’s wing could be the tipping point for the formation of a tornado, it’s the idea that small variations can have drastic impacts on the future,” said Pringle.

The Valedictorian summed up how possibilities can be found in even what appears to be insurmountable “chaos.”

“It may have been a coincidence that we ended up here together, but I consider myself one of the luckiest graduates in the country to have shared this with you. Together, we created a class that was, as a whole, tolerant, empathetic, passionate, and chaotic in the best way possible. That is the legacy I will carry forward. So, no, I can’t tell you what the future holds because, ironically, the only constant in this world is chaos. But this isn’t something to be afraid of; the greatest things lie in the unexpected,” said Pringle. “So, remember this community that we created out of nothing, randomness, chaos — whatever you want to call it — and remember that we can all help to create similarly awesome environments going forward. Remember the butterfly effect, and use it to shape the future we’re all going to live in. Above all, as you’re battling your way through all the world’s chaos, remember what we taught each other, and carry our legacy forward.”

To see more photos of Guilford’s commencement ceremony, visit our gallery at: https://www.zip06.com/photo-galleries/20230620/guilford-high-school-2023-commencement/