Pomperaug High School Graduates 367 Seniors

Rainy skies did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 367 seniors who received diplomas in Pomperaug High School’s 56^th commencement in Southbury Thursday evening. And, if the mood wasn’t already festive, Valedictorian Samuel Shapiro managed to put a humorous spin on the event with a great series of one-liners. The Guidance Department checked class rankings so many times, he said, that he only “found out five minutes ago that he was valedictorian. They handed me a pencil and an old napkin and said start writing,” he joked.

His well-planned address belied this story, however, and in a few succinct lines he told the graduating class that even though he would probably forget a lot of things about high school, he didn’t think he would ever forget the people.

Salutatorian Meghan Letendre advised the class of 2011 to find their passion, to dream big, and to never let any limits stop them in their endeavors.

Rohan Narayaan, President of the Class of 2011, told graduates that he was honored to represent all the members of this class. “I wasn’t a leader three years ago, but now I am…You guys inspire me, you’ve put me here, and you gave me your shoulders to lean on. Thank you for letting me lead you.”

Graduates heard a televised message from Congressman Chris Murphy, 5^th District, who was delayed in Washington, D.C. They were also addressed by Superintendent Frank Sippy who asked class members what they wanted to do. Hands went up for law enforcement, teaching, medical professions, computer science and a number of other careers. “Many of the jobs you’ll occupy haven’t been invented yet,” Sippy cautioned. “A survey by Yahoo claimed that the top 10 employment picks were all in information technology. What you will all need is a good skill set, being able to adjust to change, and maintaining your intellectual abilities.”

Out of the Class of 2011, 93 students received $190,625 in scholarship awards from 69 different organizations. At an earlier awards ceremony Sarah McVerry was named Outstanding Youth, Madison Clough received the Outstanding School Citizen Award, and Rohan Narayann, earned the Outstanding School Service Award.  Many other academic awards were presented during the graduation ceremony.

Class Advisor Tug Drysdale addressed the graduates for the last time as an assembled group. “My advice,” he said, “enjoy the journey. Remember that Ferris Bueller said ‘life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and look around sometimes, you’ll miss it’.”

The gym was filled with proud parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and friends. Jean O’Dea of Northhampton, Mass. was delighted to see grandson Connor O’Dea receive his diploma. He was the 12^th out of 13 grandchildren to graduate from high school and she had been there for each of them, she said.

Outside, the jubilant spirit was evident in flowers and balloons, and lots of hugs. Nichole Broadbrook , who is going to attend Cazenovia College in New York State, said it was the best feeling in the world to graduate. Her friend, Taylor Bickelhaupt, echoed those sentiments. “Sometimes I didn’t think I would actually do this,” she said. She plans to attend Lincoln Tech in West Palm Beach, Fla., to study culinary arts and business