Class of 2011 Says Farewell

Their thoughts may be resting on the summer ahead for now, but on Friday evening, 178 Weston High School seniors just focused on the moment—their official movement from high school to bigger and better things.

"What does this moment bring, aside from beautiful white dresses, dapper tuxedos and red roses? It brings responsibility. The moment you cross this stage and have diploma in hand, the expectations of you shift. That is the moment when you become 100 percent responsible for yourself," said teacher speaker Teal Parker to the audience.

Friday was a sunny and beautiful day, and people gathered on the Town Green in anticipation as early as 2 p.m., easily three hours before the ceremony's official starting time of 5:15 p.m. 

Many brought blankets and folding chairs and audience members ranged in age from a few months old to great-grandparents, who later were asked to stand in recognition by Principal Anthony Parker.

As the students wended their way around the green and down the steps to the podium, there was a frission that went through the crowd, where even just a bystander could tell that family members, friends, relatives and even just interested Weston residents were there to support the graduating classs, beaming with pride and joy at the students who had spent the last 13 years working to this moment.

"This day is a commencement for us, but for the people who helped get us here, it may be more of an ending.  So now I think that I, as well as the rest of the Class of 2011, should take a moment to thank the family, friends, teachers, and everyone who helped us finish this first long chapter of our lives," said Class President Kerry Ecker, to applause.

Ecker said he felt he and his fellow classmates will leave a legacy of positiveness and kindness at the high school. 

"As a class, we have created one of the most positive environments in that Weston High School has ever seen. We didn’t save the world, but we were not afraid to be 'the nice class' and I think that goes a long way," he said.

Teal Parker, who tearfully told the crowd she is leaving the high school to move onto her "next adventure," harkened back to her own high school graduation, where her father gave her a locket and a note that read, "On your own but never alone."

Take that sentiment, she urged the graduates, and remember it. Let failure happen, but do not be afraid of it.

"When you do fall flat,  someone will be there to help you brush yourself off,  re-evaluate the situation and take an approach from a new angle, be it a friend, relative or one of your Weston teachers. We are here for you and always will be," she said.

The full list of speeches and completel copies are available on the high school's website.