Graduation is a stepping stone.
That was among the messages sent to the graduates of Joel Barlow High School's Class of 2013 Sunday afternoon at the O'Neill Center of Western Connecticut University. Joel Barlow educates Easton and Redding students.
"Don't let this be the best day of your life," one student advised his peers.
Also, awards are important but there are more pressing issues in the world to tackle. Still, awards do encourage achievement.
In the end, "What matters are the friends that you made."
Especially in light of Facebook and Twitter, "we have no excuse to let our [high school] relationships fade away," the speaker said.
The valedictorian's name was not released, but two commencement speakers were selected. Officials said 21 students graduated with grade point averages of more than 4.0.
Christina Johnson urged the graduates to look past academics and focus on the "real stuff."
"Look at the big picture. It's easy to get trapped in the little bubble that we live in. Remember it's the big things that matter," Johnson said.
She recalled other advice from her teachers: Be fearless and don't do things halfway; try new things and find new passions.
"Don't be afraid to make big mistakes," she said.
Laugh at yourself occasionally, and try to do great things. "We come out of here knowing we can do it, whatever 'it' is," Johnson said.
Nicolo Marzaro joked that he learned at least one thing: "I can never, will never be an accountant."
But he also learned that getting an education is like lighting a fire, rather than filling a pail with knowledge. A spark of an idea can lead to bigger discoveries.
"We need people like us to go out there and light fires," he said. "Don't stop now. Keep fighting, keep dreaming, keep building."
Finally, Schools Supt. Bernard Josefsberg said all students can succeed despite all human imperfections.
"I hope you will fill [your time] with lives that will be well-lived," he said.
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