Naugatuck High School Class of 2017 Graduation [UPDATED]

Graduation exercises for the Naugatuck High School class of 20167 were held on a very sunny Wednesday evening at Veterans Field on the high school campus. NHS teachers Michele Russell and George Macary once again served as Graduation Directors.

The NHS Concert and Symphonic Bands seated on the field accompanied the processional under the direction of Jennifer Fatone with “Pomp and Circumstance” arranged by Merle J. Isaac. The seniors were led by faculty members that included most of the principals from other borough schools. Once the students had made it to their seats Presentation of the Colors was done by Air Force JROTC members, immediately followed by the “Star Spangled Banner” arranged by Bill Moffit. Choral music teacher Ms. Fatone directed the senior members of the Chamber Singers.

Principal Janice Saam welcomed family and friends to the graduation ceremony and introduced all the dignitaries in attendance, including central office members, Board of Education representatives, and representatives from the borough. Mrs. Saam asked the students to acknowledge all the teachers and administrators in the district that had helped them to get where they are.

Salutatorian Justin Lastra gave his address first. Mr. Lastra began by recognizing be name several teachers who have retired as of the end of this school year. He also spoke of how nervous he was on his first day of kindergarten, but was put at ease by his teacher Mrs. Laurie Murtha. He credited Mrs. Murtha with inspiring him to chose a career in elementary education.

Naugatuck Mayor Warren “Pete” Hess addressed the students with a speech of congratulations and urged them to treasure the memories of the day that will remain with them forever.

Class Essayist Tyler Deitlebaum began with some thank yous and then reminded his classmates to let their high school experiences, both good and bad, to shape the person they want to be. He ended with the phrase “Oh, the Places You’ll Go…”

BOE Chair Dorothy Neth-Kunin was in charge of presenting the last of the scholarships. The printed program included a seven page list of all of the scholarships awarded at Honors Night. Sixteen students who had won department awards wore an extra cord; congratulations to Christina Tran for wearing the pink cord awarded by the Choral Music Department and to my former student Matthew Johnson for wearing the gold cord from the Health Department. BOE student representative Stephanie Dube was recognized by the French (royal blue, white and red cord) and Social Studies (dark green cord) Departments.

The Principal’s Award goes to students who do things the RIGHT way; they have made it through their four years at the high school without a discipline referral. This year there were 100 students recognized for that honor. Many students were also awarded a medal for completing 100 hours of community service. These students were recognized by Tom Pompei, Interim Associate Principal.

The valedictory address was given by Peter J. “PJ” Morrissey. He thanked everyone who attended the graduation, including his fellow graduates, although “they had to come.” He called his high school one of the “most incredible in the state” and he ended with “I am proud to say that I am from Naugatuck.”

Presentation of diplomas was handled by Superintendent of Schools Sharon Locke. The name of each student and what they have planned for the fall was read aloud as Mrs. Locke handed them their diploma case. Class officers and members of the National Honor Society are presented with their diplomas first, followed by the rest of the class in alphabetical order.

Nicole Crowley was voted the student to give a farewell speech (“Surprise Mom”) Turning of the tassles was led by Class President Mr. Morrissey and Tyler Suarez and then the graduates tossed small beach balls into the air.

The latest graduates of Naugatuck High School exited the field through two lines of NHS faculty members and then greeted family members and friends outside the field.

Anthony Purcaro recorded the graduation as he always does, stationed close to the podium. The DVD memories of the 2017 graduation is available for purchase at Purcaro Video Production for $20. Mr. Purcaro’s phone is 203 723-9009.

As always, it was such a joy for me to see some of my former students walk to the podium to receive their diploma and hear what they have planned for the future. Congratulations to Maple Hill graduates Ashley Daymonde, Matthew Johnson, Ryan Dumschott, Aaron Jairus Gilbert, Christopher Ross, David Verrilli, Matthew Goggin, Brett DeSantis, and any of my former students that I may have missed.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE CEREMONY