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By Amelia Tarallo
Hometowne Weekly Special Correspondent
Medfield High School’s recent graduation marked many lasts. It was the last Medfield graduation where the band was led by Doug Olsen. It was the last Medfield graduation where Robert Meaney would attend as police chief.
On Sunday, June 3rd, Medfield High School’s class of 2018 assembled for the last time.
Photos by Maria LaRose and Amelia Tarallo
As always, the former Medfield students’ walk across the stage was preceded by carefully-prepared speeches. The first speech was given by Julia Letai, who served as president for the class of 2018 for three out of four years at MHS. She provided her reflections on graduating, reminiscing about popular teen hang-outs and activities, like visiting Hospital Hill.
Superintendent Jefferey Marsden followed Letai’s speech. He referred to George Couros’ book, “The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity.” He noted the eight characteristics of innovators: they are empathetic, problem finders, risk takers, networked, observant, creators, resilient, and reflective. “The experiences of Medfield have prepared you for your next journey,” he told the class of 2018.
Photos by Maria LaRose and Amelia Tarallo
John Kohler was the next speaker and earned a few chuckles from the audience as he reflected on his time at Medfield High School. “Being a Warrior is about pushing through,” he said. He recalled numerous occasions, including many promposals and date requests. “They didn’t always say yes,” said Kohler, “but those who did were worth it.” Each of his reflections aligned with the story of "Pippin," the musical preformed by Medfield High School this year. Kohler also mentioned some of his classmates' recent trips to Italy, as well as recalling the second grade Pilgrim day at Rocky Woods.
Kate Travis, the second Honor Essayist, had the audience crying during her speech. She spoke about the secret speciality of growing up in Medfield. She recalled a conversation with her grandfather years ago, during which she had said that she couldn't wait to get out of Medfield once she graduated. Her grandfather thought differently.
Photos by Maria LaRose and Amelia Tarallo
"Nope,” he told her, “you're a Boston kid, and Boston kids come home."
Travis considered what makes Medfield so special to everyone who grew up here. She ended her speech with the same words her grandfather had said all those years ago: "you're a Medfield kid, and Medfield kids come home." By the end the speech, a number of people in the audience were tearing up.Senior Speaker Macey Musto, meanwhile, contemplated the importance of taking risks and their consequences. She included a story about when she told her elementary school principal that she did yoga every day as a way to become more in touch with her inner spirituality. During her speech, Musto admitted that she had never actually done yoga in her life. The humorous story had the audience in giggles.
Musto ended her speech with a reminder: "Class of 2018 are ready to take whatever the world throws at us."
This year’s graduating class consisted of 229 students. It was comprised of actors, athletes, academics, activists, artists, and so much more. All of them have worked hard to earn their caps and gowns, and have proven that they are ready to take on whatever the next steps of their lives are.
Photos by Maria LaRose and Amelia Tarallo
