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06/16/2024 11:06 AMWith just 99 members, their number was small, but the North Branford High School (NBHS) Class of 2024 demonstrated mighty Thunderbird spirit during four years of challenges and change that’s made them resilient and ready take on the future.
A crowd of family, friends, and fans filled the stands, while excited parents watched from a special section on the school field, to celebrate commencement with the Class of 2024. The class marched onto the field in caps and gowns of Thunderbird purple on under sunny skies June 11.
Principal Todd Stoeffler commented on the “tenacity and talent” of the group. He recalled how their 2020-21 school year as freshmen began during the pandemic, causing their initial experiences at NBHS to include, “...some very unique protocols that none of us wish to revisit.”
The class also transitioned from the former high school building into the completed first phase of the new high school building during their time at NBHS. In addition, many members likely faced individual challenges and obstacles during four years of personal growth, Stoeffler said.
“You’ve adapted and learned about the importance of being flexible, and you’ve learned about being resilient. As young adults, you’ve successfully adjusted and arrived at this day as a group of individuals having matured and grown,” said Stoeffler. “As you move ahead, rely on the important lessons of the past four years and beyond the classroom...you have the framework to be the leaders of your generation, on many levels.”
Valedictorian Kiley Mullins said the “bright and promising” Class of 2024 experienced a wealth of learning opportunities including “...access to a world of connection and information that no generation before us has experienced.” However, those resources can also be used to “numb thoughts and pass time mindlessly,” said Mullins.
“Passing hours ‘doom scrolling,’ as our generation has so aptly named the habit, [is] the quickest and easiest route to extinguishing the fire that burns in each of us to learn and grow. Do not waste such an invaluable resource on such a destructive goal,” Mullins advised.
Mullins’ parting thought for her classmates was to ask each of them to “...care about something.”
"Find a passion and pursue it... things that interest you, perhaps things that make you upset or uncomfortable, or things that bring you and your community joy, [and] learn something new, every single day. Be open to new ideas or to deepening your understanding of your own ideas,“ said Mullins. “We, as a generation, are selling ourselves short if we tell ourselves that we are incapable or too young to have an impact on this world.“
In addition to Mullins, the commencement program recognized Salutatorian Christina Carusone and Class Essayist Sienna Brigance. The program also recognized Class of 2024 co-presidents Joelle Herassme and Lucas DeAntonio, vice president Sophia Toto, secretary Jay Patel, and historian Patricia Mone.
Herassme gave the co-president’s commencement address. She reminded the Class of 2024 of their time learning and growing together, including many milestone moments during their elementary years and at the intermediate school and high school. She closed her comments with words from a Bon Jovi song asking, “...who says you can’t go home?”
“We have built a home here at North Branford. It is, and forever will be, our home. So who says you can’t go home? No one. Because no matter how far you go, North Branford will be right here,” said Herassme. “Seniors, cherish these last few moments as you embark onto the next chapter. It was a pleasure meeting and growing up with this class. I wish everyone the best of luck. May your dreams become reality and your wishes come true...remember, Thunderbirds don’t just fly, they soar.“
As the mother of a member of the NBHS Class of 2024, Board of Education chair Shawna Holzer remarked on having the privilege of watching this class grow up together. As they leave NBHS to move to their next adventure, she urged them to, “...be interested in who you want to be, as much as what you want to be,” said Holzer, reminding them “...you were raised with the strength of the Thunderbird.”
“As the Thunderbird has the ability to flash lightening from its beak and thunder from its wings, you have the ability to the be the light of hope and the thunder of change in a world craving servant leaders,” Holzer said. “North Branford is your roots, T-Birds -- strong, intentional roots that provide you with a foundation to keep steady through life’s peaks and valleys. You have developed wings to lift you to your highest potential.”
Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker shared some humorous observations provided by American comedian Jerry Seinfeld in his commencement address to the Duke University Class of 2024.
“He talks about the current negative connotation of the word ‘privileged’ and recommends to the graduates to use your privilege,” Schoonmaker said. “Whatever your privilege is, use it to your advantage.“
“I think that some of the privileges each of you have as graduates of North Branford High School is that you have been afforded a great education and high school experience in a small and caring community,” Schoonmaker said. “Although you are one of the smallest classes in the last several years, with only 99 graduates, your school system has afforded you incredible opportunities to grow and shine.”
Schoonmaker expressed his appreciation for the many occasions where the Class of 2024 demonstrated it is “...a caring, compassionate and empathetic group of students.”
With Schoonmaker’s confirmation the seniors met all the requirements become high school graduates, degrees were conferred, with NBHS and North Branford Public Schools Teacher of the Year Lauren Palaski providing the reading of the graduates’ names. The graduates received their diplomas from Holzer, NBHS Assistant Principal Megan Lee, and Class of 2024 Advisor Eric Bickelhaupt and Assistant Advisor Meghann Redman. Each graduate was also congratulated by Stoeffler and Schoonmaker.
Herassme and DeAntonio lead the Class of 2024 in the turning of the tassels to close the ceremony. Musical selections throughout the evening were provided by the NBHS Concert Band and NBHS Chamber Choir.