Speeches From WHS' Historic Grad [Video]

Principal Tom Murphy wondered aloud whether he should be funny or solemn in his first speech to a graduating class in Windham High School's history.

What he chose was both, drawing laughter from the crowd after telling them with a smile that they could finally sit over 80 seconds into his speech, but also adopting a serious tone as he told the students that they have what it takes to make change in the world.

"How you contribute in the future will be a personal choice," Murphy said. "You have what it takes to make a difference. It is here, in your heart."

Also invited to speak were class valedictorian Matthew Cotton and salutatorian James Tilley.

Both students eloquently delivered addresses to the crowd. Cotton started his speech by reeling the students and the rest of the crowd in, pausing for a moment before saying something that he sounded like he had been waiting for months to get off of his chest.

"Oh my God, we are finally done," Cotton said to a burst of laughter and applause from the packed gymnasium. "I can tell you right now, that senioritis is real, it hits hard and it hits... everyone."

Cotton said he wanted to avoid all quotes from famous philosophers, instead speaking from the heart.

He spoke of the realization over the past few weeks that school was ending "much too quickly," and that students began to realize that they were about to part from their years growing up as the first class to rise through the entire Windham school system together.

Tilley explained to his classmates that they all carry a huge burden as the first class to receive diplomas from WHS.

"We set the foundation of the culture and the character of Windham High School on which all other classes after us will continue to build," he said.

In total, 124 students tosses their caps in the air as the ceremony commenced after two hours. Of those 124 kids, 92 percent will be attending two-year or four-year institutions in the fall. 

Local businessman and former school board member Al Letizio Jr. was given the opportunity to address the kids before they were sent on their way.

He told the students that he had spoken to them over five years ago, when it was first decided that they would be the inaugural graduating class at WHS.

Each student receives the gift of a coin with their diploma from the Al Letizio and his wife Patti.