Needham High School Graduation Finds Advice for the Future & Praise for the Past

When Superintendent of Schools Daniel Gutekanst wanted to find advice that he could pass on to Needham High School's graduation class, he looked to some of the community's youngest students.

"The fourth and sixth graders (in Needham) are remarkably sensible and they want you to get right down to business after graduation," he said during Monday evening's graduation ceremony.

Gutekanst related that he talked to over 50 elementary school students who "took time out of their research, their studies and their recess" at Elliot, Milton and High Rock Schools. All of the students, upon sitting with Gutekanst, had much to offer departing seniors.

"No wasting time or dithering with parties, beaches or lounging around," Gutekanst shared from his notes. "No waddling in nostalgia or sipping Starbucks late into a summer's afternoon."

Other advice shared included "you never fail, you only learn some things don't work," "remember things, even after the test is over" and "what you do shows who you really are."

In mentioning Needham's elementary students, Gutekanst stated that he wanted to convey that students, no matter where life takes them after graduation, should be proud of their achievements, but also mindful of the impact they have on future generations.

"Their advice to you," he said of the elementary students' words, "is a wish for their own future."

Gutekanst told students, and the hundreds of other gathered in front of the High School, that he has the utmost confidence in the Class of 2010. Needham High Principal Jonathan Pizzi related his own confidence in the class, telling students that they must meet all challenges with "courage, patience and gratitude."

"When I speak of courage, I don't speak of reckless disregard for what is prudent and safe. To be sure, courageous persons act responsibly, wisely and correctly in spite of danger or risk to themselves," Pizzi said, citing individuals like Rosa Parks and Captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger as examples of courage.

As important as it is to look forward, speakers on Monday also emphasized remembering where you come from.

"You have made great friends in Needham, don't forget them," said Gutekanst. "And don't forget what mom and dad have taught you."

"What will remain with me after I leave here today, other than a diploma?" Kaushik Vasudevan asked his fellow students. He then answered in Elie Wiesel's words, "Much must remain, for when two people meet a mystery is born."

"As we each head our own way," Vasudevan continued, "it is important that we continue the network of relationships that we have formed and remember those who affected us, because of the importance they have had in bringing us to the places that we are today and that we will be tomorrow."

Student Zoe Staum told the hundreds gathered at Memorial Field that students should keep a keen eye on the future, but also take a moment to relish their academic achievement.

"There is no denying that every person here today is deserving of praise for this accomplishment," she said. "By sundown tonight, we will have all officially graduated from high school. Finally, after four years of tests and quizzes, and pop quizzes and dances and late-night cramming and late-night movies, and everything in between, we will all have something amazing in common; we are about to be graduates of Needham High School's Class of 2010."

Pictures from graduation, posted last night, can be found at this link.