Lexington High School Class of 2010 Graduates

Lexington High School Principal Natalie Cohen sang the praises of the class of 2010 at yesterday's graduation, telling the students they had distinguished themselves through "hard work, kindness, selflessness and perseverance."

Cohen made those remarks to open yesterday afternoon's graduation ceremony, held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, as members of the graduating class sat before her in blue caps and gowns.

LHS's wind ensemble, the madrigal singers and jazz ensemble had first serenaded the graduates with "Pomp and Circumstance" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the ceremony began. 

Hank Manz, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, told the class that his generation envies the "youth and energy" of this year's graduates. He told them "three great secrets" as well: that life continues after high school, that Lexington's devotion to education remains intact and that the graduates have much to be proud of.

Manz also advised the graduates, once they hit college, to "pick up the phone and call your parents, and they'll forgive all your sins." 

Margaret Coppe, School Committee chairwoman, reminisced about the graduates' entry into kindergarten in the fall 1997, and said watching them leave to venture into the world brings her sadness mingled with joy. 

Superintendant Paul Ash quoted Thurgood Marshall, saying "none of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps." He named 19 Lexington principals and teachers retiring this year, and encouraged the students to thank their teachers and parents. 

Rachel MacNeil, senior class vice president, waxed nostalgic about school field trips, MCAS, the recent Mr. LHS competition and games of hacky sack played on the quad, after being introduced by Sabeel Saif Hakim, class president.

Student speaker Peter Saudek recalled being granted a break from classes to watch on television in the LHS auditorium President Barack Obama's inauguration, saying he feels the seniors are leaving high school with a greater sense of community. 

"The bonds between us are unique," Saudek said. "And they will hold." 

Dr. Jay Bradner, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, gave the commencement address, filling in for Dr. Edward Benz, Dana-Farber president, who was originally scheduled to speak. 

Bradner quipped that, especially for this event, he'd hired a babysitter and traveled from the Old North Church on horseback – in accordance with tradition – and urged graduates to work for the greater good. 

"Stop downloading and start uploading," Bradner said. "Take enough chemistry to make molecules, take enough history to make history. We need new ideas." 

In closing, he advised the graduates to "find a big problem that resonates with your passion and attack it." 

Student speaker Noha Ahmed reiterated Bradner's message about doing what you love. Recalling Crockett Johnson's beloved children's story "Harold and the Purple Crayon," Ahmed encouraged graduates to do as Harold does: create the worlds in which they want to live. 

"It doesn't matter whether you have the 60-crayon box with the built-in sharpener or the three crayons from the kids menu at Friendly's," Ahmed said. "You have the crayons you need. Use them." 

Shane Wilson, LHS social studies teacher, gave the class one final homework assignment: "I would like you to be happy," he said.

In the words of Alan Chalmers, Wilson told graduates that in order to be truly happy, they must remain open to learning new things. Wilson also reassured parents, admitting that he talks to his parents more now than he ever did in high school or college. 

"In fact, my mom wrote this speech," he joked. 

Closing the ceremony, Cohen looked back on her own high school graduation, and encouraged graduates to remember where they come from. 

After receiving their diplomas, the graduates last night celebrated at an all-night party held inside Lexington High School's field house.