LHS Class of 2011 Graduates

The Lynnfield High School Class of 2011 graduated Friday night in a ceremony outside at the Middle School.

After a processional, accompanied by the LHS concert band,the National Anthem was sung by the Chamber Singers, under the direction of choral director, Douglas Hodgkins.

Meghan Goodwin, student council president and National Honor Society member, delivered the welcome address. "No matter how many times we've messed up, our parents have been there. Some students have faced challenges in the art/music room, etc. We've lasted four short years, and I want to thank everyone who helped celebrate a completion of our journey," she said.

Next, principal Robert S. Cleary spoke."I will miss you, but I'm glad to see you go (not for reasons you think). You've all performed admirably, which makes my job as principal extremely admirable," he said,

The LHS principal went on to thank some local organizations for their contributions to the town's education system, including the Lynnfield Business Coalition, the Elks Club, the Rotary, and the Parent-Teacher Association.

After the senior chorus and Chamber Singers, also under Hodgkin's direction, performed "World's Greatest," National Honor Society member Michael James Dillion gave a valedictory address.

"It's hard to believe we were all in kindergarten only 12 years ago," said Dillon. "Most of us will repeat the same process in college. We've formed strong bonds over 12 years together, including the ability to adapt to different situations. Let's get ready to embrace new challenges, and we'll make the world a better place. Congrats!"

Next, Robert Emilio Benson (NHS member), class president, presented Nicola Varano, class president 2011-2012 with their class gift: a display case for the hallways of LHS. After the LHS Concert Band performed "Thunderscape," Benson spoke:

"We're so lucky to live in Lynnfield. The teachers, faculty, guidance, and coaches devote their lives to us. Making trigonometry cards shouldn't have been the best years of your life. If it was, you've done something wrong. Graduation isn't the end, but the beginning. We have so much to look forward to. If you keep on studying,  you'll be tomorrow's readers. Laugh -- we can always use a smile."

Benson continued: "Superintendent Hassett couldn't bear to leave us, so he went out with us. It's been a great pleasure to be your class president, but an even greater pleasure to be your classmate. Congrats, Class of 2011 -- we made it!"

Superintendent of Schools Robert Hassett gave some follow-up remarks, with  his retirement set for the end of this month: "Thank you for your warm send-off. My first year here, you were starting preschool. But, the mission has stayed the same: learning doesn't end. We've renovated buildings, and technology has advanced with smartboards, memory sticks, laptops, iPods, iPhones, and other smartphones. Only blackboards and chalk existed when I was in school."

"I'll keep this short. I know you're eager to get your diplomas and plan for your future. Lynnfield Public Schools prepared you for a challenging life. We all know this class loves music and drama. You've been a joy to work with, and I wish you the best of luck!"

Dorothy Presser, School Committee Chairperson, then presented the diplomas to the LHS' newest alumni.They switched their tassells from left to right, threw their caps in the air, and moved onto other important moments in their lives.