PHS Grads Told to Embrace Risk, Conquer Adversity [VIDEO]

The 255 Seniors who graduated Friday night were told to embrace risk and meet adversity head on as they make their way in the world.

PHS Class of 2011 Salutatorian Lauren Olivia Nevin told her classmates to be proud of the four years they spent at Portsmouth High. She also helped them remember some of the most memorable events.

Beginning with the Boston Red Sox second World Series title in 2007, Nevin reminded them they were students when the nation elected President Barack Obama, the country's first black president, who later came and spoke at the school in August 2009.

Through it all, she said she and her classmates developed a unique relationship that comes with going to school together every day. She said they should never forget all of the great experiences they shared.

"Be proud that you were here at these times with these people," she said, "and remember all that your school and your community has done for you."

After welcoming members of the Class of 1961 back to Portsmouth High, Principal Jeffrey Collins told the students and their families sitting in the bleachers that graduation is a victory for everyone to savor. He said receiving a high school diploma is akin to winning a championship, which is something the school has experienced with the Portsmouth High Clippers baseball team winning three straight Division II titles while setting a national record for consecutive wins, a world champion percussion ensemble, and a girls lacrosse Division II champion.

"This is that moment. Take stock of it, take hold of it, and never let go of it," Collins said. "Tonight, in a sense, is all of our championship moment."

He quoted NFL coach Vince Lombardi when he said, "We leave here victorious."

Valedictorian Haley Lynne Bacon said graduation was bittersweet because dealing with the change that accompanies it and leaving the things that were so familiar for four years is difficult. She said many of her fellow students couldn't wait for graduation day to come and may have forgotten to enjoy the present.

As she and her fellow graduates move onto the next stage of their lives, Bacon said they should "enjoy the present -- don't focus solely on the past or rush to get to the future."

Portsmouth High Senior Eric Steven Levenson, who was also a member of the Student Council, advised his fellow graduates not to be afraid to take risks as they go out into the world. He said taking risks is often what yields the most memorable moments in people's lives.

Portsmouth Mayor Tom Ferrini told the Portsmouth High graduates to stand tall in the face of adversity and always persevere, no matter what challenges they may face in life. He said the excellent education they received at Portsmouth High and from the Portsmouth School Deparmtent, along with their home city's strong community spirit, should prepare them well regardless of where they may live in the future.

"If you go elsewhere, take some of us with you," Ferrini said.

After the students received their diplomas, Portsmouth School Superintendent Ed McDonough officially proclaimed that the Class of 2011 had successfully graduated from Portsmouth High. The 255 graduates and their families immediately erupted in cheers as the students threw their caps into the air and celebrated.