Hats off. Graduating seniors from Twin Valley High School toss their mortarboards into the air at the end of their ceremony Saturday.
Desiree Mack, senior class president, welcomed family, friends, and students to the graduation ceremony. She joked about Spencer’s weather predictions, claiming “eight months ago” it would rain, and then commented on the strengths of her graduating class. “Impossible has no home among this group of young leaders,” said Mack. “You do not back down to make others feel comfortable. You forge onward; supporters and onlookers will follow; and failure will be in your rearview mirror. We all learned that as a class.”
Spencer followed, commenting “It is always wonderful when it turns out to be a great day.” He highlighted the accomplishments of the graduating class. Recognitions included five art pieces at the annual congressional art competition; a band performer who played at the district and state music festivals and the Barack Obama presidential inauguration; two were recognized for outstanding acting abilities at the Vermont Principals Association one-act drama championships; three played for the 2007 division III champions girls’ soccer team; three were on the 2010 division III state runners-up track and field team; six seniors took part in the PRIDE program, teaching about the hazards of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse; one student is a volunteer firefighter; three are entering the armed forces; and each student completed 40 hours of community service.
“They don’t paint the full picture, but they’ve faced challenges. Their determination, commitment, and perseverance is known only to them and their successes came gradually,” said Spencer.
Valedictorian Brittany Roemmelt said high school was “frightening and exciting” and everything they’ve endeavored “has led (them) to today.” She said the coming year will be a test for all of them. Twin Valley High School will no longer shape their lives, but they, as individuals, will get to shape their own lives. “It will test your decision-making, determination, intuition, and individuality. Now it is up to you to choose your own path and pursue something you love,” said Roemmelt.
Roemmelt advised her classmates to do something “they love and are passionate about” and said that helping others is “the true meaning of life. Everyone deserves a chance to show who they really are. My class did an amazing job at giving everyone a chance to be themselves,” said Roemmelt.
Salutatorian Devon Spirka said “the class of 2010 is a class of dreamers” and all were “caught dreaming in Mr. Morton’s class” at some point. Spirka’s remarks drew laughs. She said the class of 2010 “is pursuing (their) own dreams now” and she was confident they can accomplish them. “We now leave as individuals and this transition will not be too difficult for this class,” said Spirka. “Our ability to adapt and accept change has gotten better as we’ve grown into young adults.”
Twin Valley athletic director Buddy Hayford was the first of two speakers. Hayford said he watched several students from the class of 2010 grow up since preschool. He recalled many fond memories such as coaching T-ball for the Deer Flies at Beaver Brook Park; standing in line for three hours to ride the Superman roller coaster at Six Flags New England; enduring heartbreaking losses at the Barre Auditorium; and laughing at the boys’ soccer team’s crazy haircuts during the playoffs.
Hayford told students to find their goals and go after them. He suggested they take a road map because it will help them in reaching their destinations. “Design your own dreamboard. It’s a proven fact if you visualize your dreams, there is a likelihood you’ll achieve them,” said Hayford.
Hayford told students that “life will be coming at (you) quickly, (you) will face opportunities when “(you) least expect them,” and they cannot afford to be indecisive. “Decide and follow through on how you want to shape your future and don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone,” said Hayford.
Finally, Hayford performed an experiment. He took out an empty jar and dumped golf balls, pebbles, and sand inside. He said the contents represent their lives. The golf balls represented students’ hobbies, family members, friends, and health. “They represent the big things in your life,” said Hayford.
The pebbles represented the things that matter, such as one’s house, car, and job. The sand represented “the small stuff. If I put the sand in first, there would be no room for the pebbles or the golf balls,” said Hayford. “If you allow small stuff to dominate your life you’ll never have room for the things that are important. Take care of the golf balls first and everything else is just sand.”
Twin Valley High School world history teacher Susan Sopper was the final speaker. She said Saturday’s graduation “celebrates a passage in your lives,” that they are now adults, and teachers and parents are no longer telling them “what you can and cannot do.” She said true freedom requires discipline. Now that they are on their own, Sopper believes their discipline will carry them through.
“We’ve given you some practice rounds. You are now prepared to take on more difficult tasks of work, love, and play. The choices are all yours,” said Sopper.
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