Hoosac Valley Graduates 64 'Destined for Greatness'

Valedictorian Autumn Fetridge hoped the class will fond memories of their time at Hoosac. See more photos here.

CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Hoosac Valley High School class of 2016 looked back on years of adventures, gave thanks, and reaffirmed their preparedness for the world during their graduation ceremony.

"Our blood is red and white, literally. We are lightning, we are the wind and thunder, we are powerful and strong, no matter what may stand in the way. We are Hurricanes and we will treat the world as such," graduate Danielle Soule told the Hoosac Valley class of 2016 Friday during the graduation ceremony in the school gymnasium.

The 64 graduates reflected on their time at Hoosac Valley and in the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District. Valedictorian Autumn Fetridge asked them to remember their early days at Hoosac Valley, before it was renovated.

"We came together as a class in seventh grade right here in the school. It was a bit crustier back then," she joked. "In ninth grade, we had a brand-new school. By new, I mean nothing worked and none of the teachers could figure out the new technology, but at least it looked nice."

She said although they may have not been the closest class at all times, they still created many great memories.

 "I wouldn't go so far as to say that we are the most connected class or that we are all best friends because we aren’t but we do have some great memories together," she said. "It has been a long exhausting four years, but we have got decades to go, so I hope my classmates can remember at least some part of our years together fondly as we move on."

Although their time in school was not always the easiest, graduate Jared Haley said it has prepared them for the world. He noted many of the graduates survived the "scary building" known as Notre Dame during the high school renovation and that they survived three different principals.

"The fact that we made it through, decorated with awards and achievements, is just a testament to our perseverance in our commitment to excellence," Haley said. "Graduates, you are all destined for greatness, and each and every one of you has potential to change the world to make a monumental impression on this earth."

While many of the speakers focused on the past, salutatorian Marlena Horton set her sights on the future.

"As we diverge and this chapter of our lives comes to a close we start the next. Some people come into our lives and stay for the whole book others make a guest appearance and disappear, only their memory still intact," Horton said.

"Every person we meet has an impact on us for better or for worse. The days we've spent in the walls of this school will stay with us forever."

The graduates:

Shelby E. Allen
Avery J. Anderson-Hall
Austin J. Barrett
Peter S. Barrow
Tucker B. Beliveau
Joshua P. Bergeron
Rachael L. Carlo
Mathew D. Carlow
Abby K. Chaput
Jameson C. Coughlan
Courtney M. Crews
Calob J. Cunagin
Alexandra L. DiCarlo
Austin J. Dufur
Autumn C. Fetridge
Aron R. Filion
Jasmyne L. Forrest
Shiheem D. Gallaway
Elizabeth C. Gerwaski
Erin E. Girard
Shannon M. Gwozdz
Jared X. Haley
Nolan C. Hayer
Tyanna V. Hewitt
Sapphire R. Holland
Aaron J. Holman-Vittone
Marlena R. Horton
Mackenzie V.N. Huntoon
Jasmine M. Hyatt
Joshua E. Jarvis
Tyler C. Kaczowski
Madeline E. Keeler
Sierra R. Kell

Cheshire Tag Sale and Bazaar