A collection of positive themes characterized the Class of 2011, said those who taught and led the group of 107 young men and women throughout their years at Bromfield. Members of this class will be remembered for their strong social consciousness, extraordinary commitment to the community, and academic excellence, according to those who took the podium at the 132nd graduation exercises held last Friday, June 10th. After walking in the matched blue-with-white procession under the direction of class marshal Bernadette Stadler, the blue-clad boys and white-gowned girls took their seats on a warm spring evening on the last measure of K'naan's "Waving Flag."

Principal Jim O'Shea opened the ceremony with a welcome to the family and friends assembled in front of Old Bromfield, beginning with a compliment to the Class of 2011.

"These are women and men we can feel confident passing the torch to in the future," he said. He illustrated the point with a story about Bromfield Against Cancer, an organization that grew to such an extent it required a more general name to encompass all of its activities and became Bromfield Cares. These individual and collective efforts to make the world a better place reminded O'Shea of a twist on John F. Kennedy's familiar challenge: "Ask not what your school can do for you, ask what you can do for your school." Noting that graduation marks the students' entry into the world at large, he urged them to continue with their passions and interests, and to stay active in their communities. "Just keep doing," he said.

Superintendent Thomas Jefferson addressed the class with a talk that took note of the exceptional generosity and tolerance the students showed toward one another throughout their years at Bromfield, a theme echoed by parents and students throughout the evening. In a group notable for its range of interests, challenges, and talents, members of the class pulled together as a whole, Jefferson said, creating a community that he urged the group to continue cultivating in the years to come.

The presentation of the keynote speech by Associate Principal Scott Hoffman was a highlight of the evening. He was chosen for the honor by the class, who made up the last group he taught before becoming an administrator, and with whom they felt exceptionally close.

 "There is no kid like a Bromfield kid," he said, illustrating the point with stories of kind gestures large and small on the part of Bromfield students. That generosity of spirit is one of the defining characteristics of this group, he said, and reminded him of a quote by Winston Churchill. "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." Hoffman concluded his talk with a thoughtful combination of instruction and inspiration for living a successful life in the years beyond high school. Before he left the podium, Ellen Leicher presented him with a gift from the parents of the class, who wanted to acknowledge his special contribution of attention, thought, and care to the Class of 2011.

Eva Kenna walks away with an award presented to her by Sherry Armstrong on behalf of the Harvard PTO. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)  MORE PHOTOS

Salutatorian Andrew Hong followed Hoffman to the podium and gave a thoughtful presentation on the necessity—and the joy—of lifelong learning. Teachers can be found everywhere in our lives, he said, quoting the wisdom of an ancient parable. "Of three people walking, one must be my teacher." Continuing to learn and developing the 'flexible confidence' modern life requires is the task ahead, he said, and one which has only just begun.

In a similar vein, Valedictorian Jeffrey Austin Yates talked about life's ever-increasing pace of change, and the need to adapt and learn. Their education has provided a good foundation for going forward, he said, concluding his presentation with a directive to "Keep an eye on the rapidly changing world, but remember that Bromfield will always be a part of us."

Before the presentation of the awards, the class rose and sang a lively rendition of "Build Me Up Buttercup." A number of these presentations focused on remembering lives that passed from Harvard much too soon, including Charlotte O'Shea, a daughter of Principal Jim O'Shea and his wife Janet, and Oleh Dutkewych, a veteran, businessman, and father of four. Both were remembered in loving tributes that focused on their contributions, talents, and brightest gifts. Following the awards portion of the ceremony, each member of the class came forward to receive a diploma from School Committee Chairman Keith Cheveralls, Jefferson, O'Shea, and Hoffman. It was noted that seniors Kendall Cotton and Diana Fox were representing Bromfield at the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and were unable to attend graduation. Cotton and junior Sam Ginouves captured the gold medal in the Men's Youth-2 Pair in the Grand Final last Sunday (see article).

O'Shea closed the evening by thanking the Bromfield faculty for a wonderful year. In addition, he expressed gratitude for the work of the staff and many volunteers who worked to make the evening special for the family, friends, and Class of 2011. Turning to the young men and women in the stands, he asked them to rise and present their tassels to the audience, a gesture greeted by a standing ovation and a round of happy applause.
 

Blue white robes, long-stem
Roses, sunset golden light
Graduation night.
—Haiku by Terry Wilson-Malam

Note: In the original version of this article, as printed in the June 17, 2011,  issue of the Press, our reporter mistakenly credited Bromfield Principal Jim O'Shea with giving a public acknowledgment of retiring teacher Karen Bucholc at the graduation ceremonies. As confirmed in Mr. O'Shea's subsequent letter to the editor, he inadvertently omitted the public acknowledgement.