IMAGE GALLERY: Graduates Reminisce During Senior Breakfast

Graduating seniors gathered in the cafeteria for the traditional Senior Breakfast before heading to the gymnasium for graduation rehearsal early Friday morning. While enjoying bagels, muffins and fruit, seniors reminisced about their four years at the high school while sharing their hopes and dreams for what awaits after graduation. Nervous anticipation, sadness and eagerness all filled the air as the gathering was bittersweet for most.  

Chocolate kisses donned a “Kiss a Senior Goodbye” tag, a subtle reminder that time in high school has come to a close.

Many of the college bound seniors have definite majors in mind as they head to school in August.

Andrew Whamond will be attending Johnson & Wales University where he plans to major in criminal justice with the hopes of becoming a police officer upon graduation.

At the University of New Hampshire, Carli Barnes plans to study genetics. She will be spending the summer at UMass Medical working in a cell biology lab. In her words, Carli is “REALLY excited for college!” 

Class President Diana Zeng will attend Washington University where she plans to study business and computer science. She will be speaking at graduation on a subject she refers to as “Bubbles.” The idea, she said, was born out of a childhood love of blowing bubbles. “Bubbles,” she said, “are a basic combination of soap and water. They capture our imagination. We (the students) are also very simple but, like bubbles, we are capable of doing amazing things.” She makes the connection that Westborough is often referred to as “the bubble.”

Vice President of the graduating class, Rachel Bridge, will also be attending Washington University. She plans to study pre-med as well as anthropology and public health. In addition to working at camp this summer, she plans to volunteer at a hospital and take an EMT class. Rachel has many fond memories of her four years at Westborough High School. As co-president of the Darfur Student Alliance, Rachel recalls her best memory as “the time we got a person from Rwanda to come to school and speak. It was amazing.” 

This is a class of very focused students who are driven to pursue their dreams. Most are excited to receive their diplomas and gear up for college life. Some, like Lane Bennett who will be attending Assumption College, are nervous about the “big day.” She is not alone. Amanda Borglund, who will be attending Lesley University, is also experiencing pre-graduation butterflies. “I am not very graceful and I trip a lot,” offered Amanda, who plans to stay away from heels on graduation day.

With graduation taking place at 5 p.m., most students will be celebrating at local restaurants for dinner with family. Parties, for the most part, will be put off until a later date.

For Nicole Downey, who will be attending Anna Maria College, that means a party at the end of June at the Knights of Columbus.

Nick Coggin, who will be attending Providence College, has already celebrated with fellow Boy Scouts when he earned his Eagle Scout building a shed for the Historical Society. 

As the students left the cafeteria and headed to the gym for rehearsal there was the feeling that this group of over 250 graduates will make their mark in the world. They are excited to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world.

For the latest news and information on Westborough, follow Westborough Patch on Facebook or Twitter or simply click "like" at the top of this page.