Marching in perfect cadence to the strains of “Bittersweet Symphony,” the Bromfield class of 2008 followed marshall Sam Peisch across the playing field and into the stands last Friday evening to begin the 129th year of commencement exercises. Wielding the traditional blue-and-white baton, Peisch seated the class as a whole for possibly the last time, signaling the beginning of the ceremony precisely at 5:30 p.m.
Following long tradition, the Garden Club of Harvard festooned the platform with bright bouquets of spring flowers, including the podium that Principal Jim O’Shea ascended to lead both class and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Addressing the families and friends assembled, O’Shea reflected on the collective success and experience of this year’s class of graduates, calling them a credit to the tradition of excellence at Bromfield. Not only did the class have a number of outstanding athletes and academic achievers, but the breadth of talent was remarkable as well, he noted. Artists, actors, musicians, and students with outstanding records of community service are all part of the Class of 2008, O’Shea said. Those talents will be necessary to succeed in a world challenged by climate change, global competition, and war, he added, and issued a challenge to the students assembled behind him: “Use your talent and your intellect to benefit the world.”
Tyler Alderson seemed ready to take on that challenge in the speech he delivered after taking the podium from his principal.
“Today is the day that we enter the real world,” he said, noting that graduation is also the gateway to new friendships, experiences, and adventure. The future is something the class eagerly awaits, Alderson said, noting that his classmates felt ready to move on and find their own ways in the world. Seeking to reassure the audience that the class was well-prepared for future challenges, he asked them not to worry, and rest assured that Bromfield had prepared them well for all that lies ahead.
Salutatorian Casey Silver sounded a more reflective note in her address, looking back on the past 12 years of effort and learning that would bring each student to the podium for a diploma. Graduation is the reward for all those years of lab reports, reading, and cramming for exams, she said, but even all that book knowledge isn’t the best part about being at the point of graduation. Learning and acquiring more intangible qualities like creativity and maturity are the best part of being a Bromfield graduate, Silver said. Taking her cue from Dr. Seuss, she ended her address with a quote from one of his books, a sort of rhyming benediction offering the class reassurance that they were well-equipped for all the challenges they would face in the coming years.
Danny Child, the class valedictorian, gave an energetic and optimistic speech that highlighted the remarkable achievements of his classmates in a number of different areas, noting that Bromfield was a great launching pad for all manner of creativity. Child also gave thanks to the school’s staff and faculty for their close support, and credited them with creating a feeling of unlimited options for the future. After relinquishing the podium, Child took his place among the students as they began singing the Lennon-McCartney classic “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
The awards portion of the ceremony began with O’Shea’s presentation of the Steven Johnston Memorial Scholarship to Chris Martin, who was given the honor in recognition of his qualities of compassion and inspiration, O’Shea said. A similar scholarship, established in the name of Anne Moynihan, was given to Naomi Malam for her spirit of leadership at the school. The William Post Award, given to a student who has shown courage in the face of adversity, was bestowed on Vanessa Jacobson. Sharing the stage with a tiny preschool student, Village Nursery School Director Jane Venditti took the stage to present VNS alums Nick Kimball and Jamie Ryan with awards honoring their achievements during their years in the Harvard public schools. For demonstrating personal initiative, insight, innovation and integrity, Kathryn Kennedy received the Murphy Insurance Company award. Jennifer Miller and Andrew Jorgensen both went to the front of the stage to receive the Celebration Award in recognition of their “community involvement, integrity, hard work, and loyalty.” William “Bill” Spacciapoli stood up on behalf of the Ayer Rotary Club and awarded Amelia Mazzola the Rotary Fidelity Award for exceptional community service.
Teacher Christopher Jones presented 10 awards for academic achievement on behalf of the Harvard Teachers Association, awarding them to Ben Brown, Jamie Flaherty, Mike Girard, Emily Kibbler, Jeff Lee, Hillary Lewis, Amelia Mazzola, Katie Papzian, Will Schwarz, and Molly Seavy-Nesper. Teacher Dennis DeGara gave the Mary Kaye Waldron Memorial Scholarship to Brian Morgan for his qualities of “courage, kindness, and optimism.” Maria Vasta, who plans to major in education in college, received the Harvard Parent-Teacher Organization Award from presenter Elizabeth Drummey.
For her interest in history and world affairs, Madeleine Moberly, this reporter’s daughter, went to the front to receive the Francis Reeve Memorial Award from presenter Thomas McGregor, Reeve’s brother. Representing the Harvard Woman’s Club, Maria Day and Charlotte Fitzgerald gave Clara Wool, Tom Cooke, Catherine Johnson, and Casey Silver four separate awards honoring their academic effort, community achievement, and leadership. On behalf of the Bromfield Trustees, John Lee awarded the Elizabeth and Stanley Turner award to John Gill, as well as four additional awards to Georgia Gunner, Erica Adelson, Adam Katcher, and Danny Child.
Richard Sherman, whose late wife Donna Sherman was an artist, presented the Donna Sherman Scholarships for the arts in her memory. Recipients of the two awards were Kylie Gordon and Victoria McPhee. Speaking on behalf of the Harvard Schools Trust, Heidi Siegrist called Casey Silver and Hillary Rowse to the front of the stage to receive awards for their qualities of “service, spirit, and personal growth.” Derry Brooks named nine recipients of awards from the Harvard Athletic Association, noting that each one had contributed significantly to the athletic life of the town. Rose Gatto, Lindsey Burke, Catherine Johnson, Henley Siegrist, Jon Fricchione, Connor Kempton, Josh Lyvers, Ben Brown, and Bryan Morgan all received this award.
Exceptional community service was the theme of the next several awards. On behalf of the Harvard Ambulance Service, Tom Phillipou called Sarah Cochrane to the front to receive the Harvard Ambulance Scholarship in recognition of her exceptional service to the squad. Terry Mead from the Harvard Lions Club also gave an award for extraordinary service to the community, this time to Casey Silver. Selectman Tim Clark took the podium to give the Ginny Thurston Civic Scholarship Award to Kathryn Kennedy for outstanding service to a town department. Representing Solar Design Associates, Marilyn Strong asked Victoria Hawkes to come forward for a scholarship honoring a student who plans a career that will benefit the environment in some way.
The stately presentation of diplomas came next, with O’Shea assisted by Superintendent Thomas Jefferson and School Committee Chairman Stuart Sklar. After all 95 students received their bright blue folders, O’Shea closed the ceremony with a theme of gratitude, thanking the faculty, staff, and community for an outstanding evening and exceptional year. Not a moment after his final word, the sound crew kicked in with Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” and all 95 students were off the stage and into the field for the traditional round of cigars.
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