Needham Class of 2016 Graduates

NEEDHAM, MA - For the 150th time, a group of young adults have left Needham High School with a diploma in hand, ready for what challenges await them.

With a crowd of loved ones behind them, Needham High School held their annual commencement ceremony at Memorial Park.

Principal Joseph Barnes was the first speaker of the evening, providing a lesson on civility.

“As an early age, you were taught to say hello, thank you, please, how our you. Pretty basic but important stuff,” he said. “Now as you grow and mature you hear about holding a door or giving up a seat. All what we call basic civil skills.”

Barnes reflected on the class’ civility, recalling their effort to bring gender-neutral bathrooms to the high school and cheering on their fellow Rockets without demeaning their opponents. At the same time, Barnes admitted that there has been a decline in civility, fueled by the anonymity of the internet and seen in this year’s presidential campaign.

“Class of 2016, don't get caught up with this rising tide of hateful and demeaning behavior. You are better than this. Civility demands listening and the ability to put the interest of many above self-interests,” he said. “Being civil is hard work. Listen with those whom you disagree with and try to learn their beliefs.“

"Be the adults of tomorrow that make a difference.”

Student speaker Zachary Kaplan also recalled the accomplishments of his class, praising his classmates for a robotics team that has competed on the state and regional level, produces a weekly newscast, created the first senior field day, turned the senior banquet into a bar-b-que, and won seven MIAA state championships.

Kaplan also channeled the words of the late Muhammed Ali for those uncertain about the future.

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing,” he said.

Graduate Sonia Raja encouraged the Class of 2016 to cherish the future but write their own future.

“I imagine each of us has cherished memories that will accompany us on the next journey,” she said. "The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Finally, Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst made a confession to the seniors, something they may have already known.

“School is meaningless. Education is meaningless. I said it, you needed to know that," he said "Don't hate me but you need to know the real deal. The books, homework, projects, MCAS, all of it is meaningless.”

The statement came with some clarification.

“Unless education provides us with the tools and mindset to nurture, academics and lessons in school serve no purpose,” he said. “What education should be all about is connecting your head to your heart.”

Gutekanst told the class to leverage their successes and failures from high school before leaving them with one last message before the diplomas were handed out.

“Your time here has been well spent, he said. “Remember now to use your mind, heart, and body to enrich a world that needs your leadership, creativity, and love. “

During the ceremony, Dianne Lee received the award for academic excellence. Jeremy Sutherland received the award for service.

Class president Samuel Cruikshank announced that the class gift will be a new sign for the Admiral Gracey Drive entrance.