[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
In September of 2014, Walpole High’s freshmen sat in their homerooms for the first time, wondering what the next four years at the high school would bring them. Perhaps some days in those last four years seemed to be never-ending, but on June 3, these students could officially say they had graduated from Walpole High School.
Instead of slouching over their desks in homeroom, the graduating seniors sat poised and confidently in their blue gowns, as the 144th graduation exercises at Walpole High School commenced.
Valedictorian Jessica Fitzgerald delivers her speech at the Walpole High School graduation. Photos by Laura Drinan
Beginning with a processional and the singing of the National Anthem by the Walpole High concert band and the Walpole High concert chorus, respectively, the graduation exercises continued with the presentation and acceptance of the class gift, followed by speeches from salutatorian Sylvia Lanni and valedictorian Jessica Fitzgerald.
Lanni recalled her experiences surviving the Walpole High School hallways – particularly the one spot where the science, English, and math wings intersect, dubbed the “whirlpool” – and advised her fellow graduates to navigate through the tough times in life with a buddy.
Fitzgerald addressed time and how their four years at Walpole High made up just a millisecond in the world’s existence.
“At certain points, we thought high school was never going to end,” she said to her classmates. “But now that it’s over, there just simply wasn’t enough time for all of the things you wanted to do, people you wanted to meet and spend time with. One day, you’re sitting in class with the friends you’ve had your entire childhood, and the next, you’re just done.”
Walpole High graduates toss their caps in the air, celebrating their achievements and success at the high school. Photos by Laura Drinan
She recognized the exciting, yet overwhelming feelings associated with being propelled into adulthood, but she urged the graduates to continue to learn, explore, and grow, and thanked all of those who made her millisecond at Walpole High special.
Before presenting scholarships and awards, as well as awarding the diplomas, Principal Stephen Imbusch recognized Aidan Fitzgerald and Paul Kauranen, who will be enlisting in the United States Marine Corps after graduation.
With each student returning to their seat with a diploma in hand, they moved their tassels and tossed their caps in the air, celebrating their final moments together before the class of 2018 would venture into the world as high school graduates.
