Education All the 'Magic' Taconic Graduates Need
 High honors students are acknowledged by School Committee Chairwoman Kathleen Amuso at Sunday's commencement exercises. See more photo here. |
But this time, they will be prepared — and not just with four years of English, physics, etc. "Rather it is our four years of real-life experience, of being around real people and finding out not only how you deal with life but where it is you fit in the world," she said.
"The most exclusive school in the world cannot compete with what we have here at Taconic," she told her 189 classmates and a packed gymnasium on Sunday in the Home of the Braves. Not even that extra-exclusive school that begins with an H; no, not the Harvard she's headed for but Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where a boy not unlike themselves was taught the powers of magic to save the wizarding world from "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
Harry Potter may have needed spells and tokens, "but we do not need magic in ours," said Moon. "All of us have the power to influence the world positively without a wand.
"I'm not advocating that everyone leave tomorrow and join the Peace Corps, not at all," she said. It was the ability to appreciate the differences between them, and what those differences can contribute and teach them, to which they should hold fast.
"We will be each be able to make a difference as we take up responsibilities that come with the privilege of education ... that my fellow members of the Taconic High School class of 2011 is our magic," said Moon. "It is up to us to share that with the world."
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Ruberto, speaking at his last graduation, said he was impressed by the class' success and activities in the classroom, on the field and in the community. "You make Pittsfield proud, all of you."
High honors were presented by School Committee Chairwoman Kathleen Amuso who told them that their diplomas didn't mark the end of the journey but a milestone on a much longer one as they became citizens of the world.
Amuso was aided by Superintendent Howard J. "Jake" Eberwein III and Douglas; honors were presented by School Committee Secretary Erin Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent Keith E. Babuszczak and Deputy Superintendent Barbara Malkas.
Retiring Vice Principal Anthony J. Simonelli was recognized for his 33 years as a Pittsfield educator, 17 of which were spent as vice principal at Taconic.
"From happy Monday to happy Friday, Taconic High School bids farewell to an educator whose influence has extended to thousands of students who have walked through these doors," Principal John Vosburgh said to rousing applause.
Vosburgh, who had some of these students as both a sixth and seventh-grade teacher at Reid Middle School before being appointed principal two years ago, said this graduation was significant in being the last opportunity to speak with them.
"I don't think there will ever be a class I've known as well or worked with as closely as I have this class," he said. "When I think about the class of 2011 one word comes to my mind; that is 'class.' ... You have carried yourself through your high school years with dignity and style and you should be very proud of yourself."
Eberwein, who also found some advice to give the class from 1970s music ranging from Cheap Trick to James Taylor, said the public schools are an integral part of American history that shaped social policy and justice.
"I'll put forth that we are the only institution in America that accepts all who enter, unconditionally, working as best as we can to ensure that our citizens — that's you — have opportunities and access to the American Dream," he Eberwein. "So how are we doing? I'm confident that our graduates sitting here today are proof of return on investments."
But he warned that the class couldn't rest on its laurels. "Those graduates living overseas? They want your jobs, they want your homes and they want your lives. You will need to work harder than ever," said Eberwein. "I think the word that is being tossed around this graduation season is grit ... you'll need to have grit ... that is a sense of purpose, a sound education and a lot of willpower. We have great hope in each of you and that's what draws us here today."
Salutatorian Taylor M. Jacoby thanked her friends, family and "every teacher I had for the past four years" for their support and love over the years.
"I wish you the best of luck in the adventures you will be starting in the next few months," she told her classmates. "I know you will be successful in all you wish to do. I hope your experience at Taconic has been rewarding as mine. ...
"I never thought I would acutally say this but — we did it. Congratulations class of 2011 and may you always be a Brave."
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