By Kaitlyn Kelly
On Wednesday, June 12th, family, friends, and alumni gathered at Dunning Field to celebrate the New Canaan High School (NCHS) Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony. Over 300 NCHS graduates took the leap away from New Canaan Public Schools to continue their respective life journeys.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Lawrence Sullivan, the Administrator for the Class of 2024. He began his speech by reflecting on how the past four years had shaped the graduates. “It’s been a joy to watch you grow,” he said, mentioning their achievements in the classroom, on the sports field, and in performances.
Sullivan spoke about how much of a pleasure it had been to get to know each of the students in the Class of 2024. He wished the graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors. The Star Spangled Banner was then performed by the NCHS Brass Ensemble, and Student Coalition member Drew Bench led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
First Selectman Dionna Carlson then addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of responsibility. Quoting President John F. Kennedy, she said, “To whom much is given, much is required,” highlighting the graduates’ unique talents, opportunities, and privileges, and the “responsibility to give back, to serve, and to make a positive impact on the world around you.”
First Selectman Carlson advised graduates to stay mindful and kind, and make a positive impact on their campuses through their interactions with others. She shared her hopes for the 2024 class, that they use their blessings to evoke positive change for society, “Your voices, your ideas, and your actions have the power to shape the future and create positive, lasting change.”
William Egan, the Principal of NCHS, spoke next. He began by bidding farewell to two staff members who will no longer be at NCHS after this year. Egan then turned his attention to the parents of the graduates, discussing the support the NCHS parents and staff had given to the students, and how they have prepared them for adulthood. Finally, he addressed the students themselves, who he noted have flourished during their time at school.
Egan also listed the various skills the students have nurtured, such as advocating for themselves, seeking assistance when necessary, and expressing their opinions, “But what stands out most is your kindness.” He explained that the graduating class created a culture of positivity and support for their community, “You’ve shown that kindness isn’t just an act, it’s a way of life.” Like First Selectman Carlson, he shared his hopes that the graduates remain kind, and that they bring this kindness with them on their journey.
The NCHS Chamber Orchestra performed ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ by Eurythmics, arranged by John Reed. The performance was met with smiles and applause from the audience.
After the performance, three students from the 2024 class shared reflections on their time at NCHS. Isabel Appelt, Celia Parkhill, and Melissa Rizzo were the three speakers for the ceremony. Each speaker gave a recollection of their time in the New Canaan Public Schools system, and their speeches spoke of growth and perseverance.
Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi introduced Michael Staffaroni as the Commencement speaker for the graduating class. Staffaroni began teaching social studies at NCHS in 2011 and started the AP Economics program in 2013. He was named Connecticut’s James Madison Fellow for 2014, which is an award for outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Staffaroni currently advises the Economics club which just won the Fed Challenge, is the President of the New Canaan High School Faculty Senate, and serves as the Senior Class Advisor.
Staffaroni described the class as, “A special group,” and went on to add that he knows many of the students personally. He gave thanks to all of the members of the administration, parents, faculty, and community who helped support the students during the last four years. Staffaroni then mentioned the challenges everyone faced during hybrid times, and how the students handled these changes with grace and humility.
Using his expertise in economics, he provided insight and advice for the graduates, mentioning that the plethora of new choices given to graduates by society can be overwhelming. Staffaroni advised the graduates to, “Not dwell on the opportunity cost and to focus on the opportunity gained.”
Staffaroni also spoke about how saying yes to new opportunities and taking risks is beneficial in today’s world of “endless possibilities.” Staffaroni emphasized how easy it is to get distracted in this digital fast-paced world, and he counseled the graduates to always try to remain true to themselves, “Greater happiness will result from applying your best self and focusing on all the positives you gain,” Staffaroni concluded.
After Staffaroni’s speech, The Board of Education chairman Hugo Alves introduced the class of 2024 before they were awarded their diplomas by Principal William Egan. An Irish Blessing by James E. Moore, Jr. was performed by the seniors in the NCHS Choral Program to conclude the Graduation Ceremony.
One key takeaway the class of 2024 will surely take with them is, “Once a Ram, Always a Ram,” which assures the graduates that they will always have a community to fall back on throughout their life’s journeys.
