Class of 2012 Graduates

The 175 members of the Class of 2012 received their diplomas on Friday, June 1, on the Town Green under clear skies and cool temperatures.

 

After the traditional processional of the faculty, led by bagpiper, Douglas Moffat*, Music Director Christopher Memoli directed the Weston High School Band in Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. The Senior Choral Group then led the audience and graduates in the National Anthem and serenaded their classmates with the Senior Song.

Principal Anthony Parker welcomed the seniors, their families and the gathered members of the Weston community, noting that this was Weston High School’s 144th graduation ceremony. Mr. Parker then talked about dreams, asking,” What are your dreams Class of 2012?” and stating that “The core values that allowed you to accomplish this dream of sitting here on the Town Green today can help guide you as you recast and expand your dreams for adulthood.”   Read Mr. Parker’s speech.

 

Additional speakers included Class President Tanner Skenderian; Weston METCO Director David Fuller, the day’s guest speaker; Class Speaker Victoria Piccione, who gave the Class Address; Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Maloney; and School Committee Chairperson Richard Manley. 

 

Class President Tanner Skenderian welcomed the audience, and reminded her classmates that "The way in which we’ve learned most about ourselves,...is through the risks we have taken. Risk is how we have grown, and risks don’t stop presenting themselves. And graduates – keep taking risks....And if the risks we take lead us to failure, and I know failure will not evade us forever, learn from it and improve. For failure is learning and risk is growth."  Read Tanner's speech

 

Mr. Fuller, who is leaving Weston after 27 years exhorted the students to “resist the temptation to become too comfortable when the world around you is experiencing so many challenges. As the future leaders of this nation, you need to begin the next phase of your life knowing that the realities of this complex world won’t change for the better until decisions are made, by many of you sitting before us, to become agents of positive change.” Read Mr. Fuller’s  speech. 

 

Victoria Piccione took her classmates back in time to remember key moments of school together.  She reminded them of all those who supported them: parents, teachers, classmates, and then looked into the future predicting greatness among them. Read Victoria’s speech. 

 

Dr. Maloney noted that “Given the ever increasing pace of change, you are entering adulthood in a very exciting and challenging time. Your willingness to be inclusive, supportive and kind will be very welcome in a world that often seems to value divisiveness and self-interest over community.  We have confidence in you, knowing that whatever endeavors you choose to pursue, you have the skills and experience to be successful,” and quoted Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Read Dr. Maloney’s speech.

 

Senior Awards were distributed on Thursday, May 31, at Senior Class Day.

See the complete list of awardees.

 *  Bagpiper Doug Moffat (husband of WHS teacher Janet Kresl Moffat) has led the graduation procession for almost 20 years.