South Windsor High Graduates Told to 'Learn Like They Will Live Forever'

In 1963, South Windsor High graduated its first class on a sweltering June day.

Fifty years later, history repeated itself, as temperatures reached the 90s, with 368 members of the Class of 2013 received their diplomas at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts in Storrs on Monday.

“I guess we are celebrating history,” Board of Education Chairman David Joy quipped.

Joy also highlighted the many great achievements made by Connecticut residents throughout the years.

He implored the members of the Class of 2013 to continue the tradition and remain in the state and “pursue your passions in Connecticut.”

Several speakers invoked the memory of Kenny Offiaelli, who would have graduated with the Class of 2013 but died in 2009.

“His name is alive in the hearts and minds of the graduates today,” Principal Dan Sullivan.

Indeed, valedictorian Katie Cavanaugh and salutatorian Tim Savidge both noted that the class stuck together when Offiaelli died and helped his memory live on through an annual basketball tournament held at Timothy Edwards Middle School.

Savidge noted other tragic moments that bound the class together: Sandy Hook. The Boston Marathon bombings.

“Nothing could ever break our spirit,” he said.

Savidge also quoted Mahatma Ghandi, who said “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kate Carter said that she hoped the class would be successful  in the world, but that it would also be “guided by generosity of spirit.”

Carter said that we live in a society that revels in the failings of others.