'We Crushed It!' Needham HS Class Of 2017 Readies For Next Chapter Of Their Story

NEEDHAM, MA — The story is not over for the 151st Needham High School graduating class.

As pointed out by Principal Aaron Sicotte, the 408 members of the Class of 2017 have spent a quarter of their life preparing for their high school graduation. Addressing the crowd at Monday night's ceremony at the Conte Forum at Boston College, Sicotte asked Needham High School's newest alumnus what is next for them.

“What will your story be? What sort of main character will you be? The hero? The tragic hero? Even the villain? You have the opportunity to determine your path but you must be conscious of your choices and that starts now,” he said.

The principal added, “Your story is not tweets or text. At best it's a glossy book cover. Don't confuse what is immediate for what is important.”

Ariana Orozco, the first of two student speakers, implored her classmates to go beyond the bubble that is Needham.

“The best thing about Needham High School is the ability to grow from the bad and remember the good. We too often believe we exist in a Needham bubble. That sexism, homophobia, and racism do not exist. One person discomfort is everyone's to solve,” she said.

Class President Grace Ward reflected on the achievements of the seniors, noting that they brought the first gender neutral bathrooms to the school, won back-to-back Boston Globe Scholastic Awards, performed in Symphony Hall, and won six national art awards.

“We crushed it at Needham High. In five years, when we all return for our reunion, you will see the Needham High School sign and remember our four remarkable years together. We have changed the high school, now it is our opportunity to change the world," Ward said.

Beatrice Beutel, the second student speaker, discussed taking what they learned and using it to achieve personal goals, and therefore improving those around them.

“This is a time of significant change but take this time to grow as an individual,” Beutel said. “Every citizen. every person within the community can contribute something for the whole bit only if they achieve their own personal goal. We need to do what is best for yourself in order to do what is best for society and others.”

In the final remarks of the day, Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst passed on the wisdom of 50 wise people he went to for ideas and suggestion. Luckily, Gutekanst didn’t need to go far to meet with these scholars, the sixth grade classrooms of the High Rock School to be exact.

The practical advice included: Try to network and make new friends. Keep a curfew. Don't worry about the party, worry about the homework. Don't waste your parents' money on unnecessary things. Never drink and drive. Don't sass your teachers. Study hard so you don't end up living in your parents’ basement after college.

The profound advice included: Stand up for to beliefs to make this world the better place Keep trying, you never fail you only learn what doesn't work. Be proud of the community you come from, but don't be afraid to join a new community.

Finally, the personal advice: Keep in touch with the family. We may fight a lot but we are still sisters and love each other

“Their advice suggest that the world you create is not for me, it's for you and them. They want you to create a work that is exciting and innovative, but caring and humane,” Gutekanst said.

And with that and following a dab from Gutekanst that was suggested by the sixth graders, the degrees were handed out and 408 names later, the Class of 2017 left to continue their stories.

Image Credit: Dan Libon