Drury High Class of 2017 Working Hard on Next Chapter
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Drury High School class of 2017 was celebrated with a storm of confetti on Thursday and a charge to dream big, take risks and be kind at they ventured into the next chapter of their lives.
Their story had begun in their earliest years in elementary school, the first stop on a story map that valedictorian Alexandra Bernard had projected above the seated graduates in the high school gym.
"The things they did in their lives, and the things they learned prior to entering the setting of this story (Drury) shaped them into who they were before they got here," she said of her 82 classmates. Some had left the story, others joined during the five years at the school, "but each of them is a unique character, and every one of them is here for the same reason: to make the story of the class of 2017 worth telling. ...
"Collectively they've had their ups and downs, but they remained resilient through it all. They are a strong bunch both mentally and physically. And they're very supportive of one another, especially when the times are tough."
Now the class members are ready to go their separate ways, to follow their dreams and ambitions in what is still a work in progress.
"And it's time to write 83 new stories that have similar beginnings but that will continue in all kinds of unexpected ways," Bernard said. Some will be adventures, mysteries, romances, science ficton. "Whatever the style we truly get to choose our won adventure, and that's beautiful."
Take risks and learn from them, she said, remember Drury and the experiences and support it gave them.
"Dream big, dream so big, and work as hard as you can all the time to achieve the success that you wish for, the success that you deserve," Bernard said. "Everyone of you has something beautiful to offer to any story that is put in front of you in your own way, and it has been an honor to know you."
Class President Alex Griffis was master of ceremonies in welcoming guests and speakers and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The class sang the national anthem and the band played "Fantasia on the 'Dargason'" and the chorus "For Good."
Principal Timothy Callahan presented a number of awards and gave the class five takeaways from their time at Drury: that "Shakespeare is the still the coolest" because his work defined being human; that reality is what you make of it; to stay curious because it's the only way you can learn; be leader and invite people along; remember, you're not alone.
The diplomas were presented by Mayor Richard Alcombright, his last graduation since he is not running again, and Superintendent Barbara Malkas, who thanked the class for accepting her during first year and their last at the school.
Alcombright congratulated the class and said the apples didn't fall from the trees, and thanked their parents and families for providing their support. Malkas, channeling her aspirational superintendent, Albus Dumbledore, said the students and started strong and demonstrated incredible courage.
Dumbledore had warned that old age often underestimates youth, she said.
"We do not underestimate you," she said. "This is the class that has proven itself time and time again and we need you in this world ... continue to make good choices."
The class also sang their ode, "I Found a Way," and the school's anthem "Drury, Mother on The Hill," before the blast of sparking confetti exploded over them.
Joking in his speech that he was finishing up the easiest part of his life in second place, salutatorian Chase Christopher had earlier in the evening said he'd still like to advise his classmates on that "hard work really does pay off."
"The two leading causes of unsuccessfulness are mental hurdles that we create for ourselves laziness," he said, and explained how he learned calculus on his own by dint of perseverance. "It was over 100 hours spent in my room with a calculus book just thinking it out and doing problems."
Laziness can "get the best of us," Christopher cautioned. "Remember that guy that gave up? Neither does anybody else."
He called on classmate Connor Meehan as an example of someone who has honed what may be natural talents with hard work to become a successful athlete.
Christopher condensed his theme and farewell advice to the class of 2017 into a quote by self-made millionaire Jordan Belfort: "The only thing standing between you and your goal is the BS story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it."
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