East Hampton Class of 2012 Graduates

Change, inspiration, dreams and goals, all eloquently spoken of as the East Hampton High School Class of 2012 graduated on Wednesday night marking the end of high school but the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

What this senior class had accomplished wasn't about to be confused by a hot and humid June evening or be obscured by the setting sun, Principal John Fidler made sure of that.

"I want you in the audience to know how much the leadership and example these seniors have put forth every day in so many ways has meant in creating a pervasive positive atmosphere and a student body that is so incredibly hard working, talented, giving and caring. It has amazed me all year, that no matter what the cause, students were willing to help out and support what their fellow students believed."

Fidler went on to list the efforts and achievements of many, calling their actions "inspirational," then summed it up by telling the Class, "You have made more of a difference than you know and your presence wil be missed."

Valedictorian Rosse Gates said "I look out over all of you and all I see are talents, and many of them I can't even fathom the years of dedication they took to perfect. And it's beautiful."

A common thread throughout the evening was the bond this group of seniors had forged.

Class President Jeffrey Fidler hit on that note best when he said, “Whether we are to sink or swim in the future, I can’t wish for a better group to do either with.”

He went on to encourage his classmates to embrace the situation they will be in a few months down the road. It will be different, there will be change, he cautioned.

"Take a second to realize that the words 'Try something new' don't only apply to when your parents tried to get you to eat your brussel sprouts," he said.

There was another Gates who spoke. Caleb Gates, the twin brother of Rosse, was the Salutatorian.

"Realize that dreams are the start to a brighter future," Caleb said. "We all have aspirations, but to achieve a dream you must make it a goal, direct effort toward it, kindle it and allow it to evolve."

Both Gates will be attending the UConn School of Engineering in the fall.

The graduation was noteworthy in other respects. For Fidler, it was his first as principal, and for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Judith Golden, it was her last. Golden, who has worked for 42 years in the field of education, five as East Hampton's Superintendent, will be retiring at the end of June but will continue in the position until a replacement is found.

Toward the end of the ceremony, the parents of Kelly Coughlin, a kindergarten classmate of the Class of 2012 who died in April 2000, received an honorary diploma in her name. The Coughlin's walked to the podium to a standing ovation.

After Kelly's passing, a fund was established to honor her memory, with the money raised going to scholarships for the Class of 2012.

It was a touching moment, one befitting the bond this graduating class shared from the beginning.

For a list of graduates, see the attached pdf. Why not follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook?