6A Forum, Weston, Conn. June 18, 2015
POMP&CIRCUMSTANCEWESTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2015
GRADUATION
All photos by Bryan Haeffele
Juliette Sandak was among the 165 graduates to receive diplomas
at Weston High Schools graduation on Friday, June 12.
by Scarlett MachsonWeston Forum Intern
In the heat of the great white tent on the edge of the track on
June 12, hundreds of friends, relatives, students, and faculty rose
as the first strains of Pomp and Circumstance began to play. In
filed the graduating class of 2015, some looking nervous, others
tearful, others elated at this thrilling conclusion of their high
school careers.
Once the students had taken their seats, the 45th annual Weston
High School Commencement officially began with school Co-President
Jackson Marvin leading the assembly in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
This was followed by a student address by the president of the
Class of 2015, Kevin MacWilliams. In his speech, MacWilliams said
his experiences at Weston High School have helped him understand
friendship and all that it entails, learn to have the confidence to
change the things [he] can and the strength to face the things [he]
cannot.
He also quoted Mad Men character Don Draper, who said, Nostalgia
takes us to a place where we ache to go again, using this to
demonstrate what he called a patchwork quilt of memories he has of
Weston High.
MacWilliams finished by telling the gradu-ating class, The world
is our oyster.
After a performance of the song Goodbye from Sarah Metchick,
Spencer Shaw gave his student address. I just wanted to say that we
made it, he said. I would not have gotten to this point without the
generosity and care from this class. Shaw said that after
expe-riencing a loss in his family, he was touched by the support
and compassion from the rest of his grade. This is why I am really
happy to be graduating with this class instead of any other, he
said.
Math teacher Christopher Sadler then gave the faculty address.
He was overwhelmingly requested by the class of 2015 to be the
fac-ulty speaker, and he referred to this as a tre-mendous honor
and responsibility.
Sadler proceeded to share a humorous anec-dote about his
hesitance to accept this role, before he eventually asked himself
the ques-tion, What would I have most wanted to hear at my
graduation?
Sadler said the best advice he could give to the graduating
class would be to take risks in life. I am talking about calculated
risks, he said, that will aid you in your transition to adulthood.
Sadler encouraged the students to take courses in college that
would challenge their world view and to have the confidence to put
themselves in situations with which they would not ordinarily be
comfortable.
He finished by telling the class to take the risk to bet on
yourselves and that he could confidently say that the faculty of
Weston High School would take the risk to bet on you, too.
Principal Lisa Deorio presented the class valedictorian and
salutatorian, Micah Zirn and Henry Tracey.
Tracey spoke about seven unnamed individ-uals who helped him
become the salutatorian. He said he hoped the lessons these people
have taught him resonate as strongly with the rest of his class.
This is the end of us growing up together, he said. You can always
look back on which people made it possible.
Zirn described the time he had spent vol-unteering at the
Caroline House in Bridgeport, an organization that helps children
from lower income families learn reading and social skills. He said
while he was nervous about working with a child he had never met,
he was able to draw upon the friendships and experiences he has
gained at Weston High School to strike up a meaningful
conversation.
My passion for my experiences at Weston were able to bridge that
divide, Zirn said. Thank you to all the amazing teachers,
admin-istrators, parents. You all are the reason that I can talk
with so much passion about Weston.
Brian Babyak played a composition of his own arrangement on the
xylophone before retiring school counselor Nancy St. Clair was
presented with an honorary diploma for her commitment to Weston
students and her invaluable guidance through the college
appli-cation process.
Deorio once again took to the podium to present the Class of
2015. There arent words really to articulate how much you have
meant to us, she told the class. You have touched each single
person under this tent in one way or another.
Deorio then went on to describe some of her favorite memories of
several individual students, recognizing their contributions to the
school, some which seemed less significant than others but all that
have made an impact on Deorio. Youve made us laugh at your antics,
made us proud of your academic achieve-ments, she said. And at
times our hearts have ached as you have stumbled.
With one last reminder that there is no maid service at Weston
High (a phrase all Weston students hear multiple times over the
course of each year), she quoted John Legend: All of me loves all
of you.
The diplomas were presented by Philip Schaefer, school board
chairman, and Superintendent Colleen Palmer.
Palmer told the class, Your indelible mark of excellence has set
a very high standard for all of those who will follow you.
After the final diploma was given and the applause had quieted,
Student Government Co-President Jack Seigenthaler gave his clos-ing
remarks. Up here is an extraordinary group with extraordinary
bonds, he said, gesturing to the new graduates that surrounded him.
I love that I have been so blessed as to grow up here with these
people.
CLASS of 2015
See the full text of all
speeches and more
photos online at
theWestonForum.com
Above, the members of the class of 2015 applauded each other as
the graduates made their way to the podium on Friday, June 12, to
received diplomas and congratula-tions from School Board Chairman
Phil Schaefer, Principal Lisa Deorio, and Superintendent Colleen
Palmer.
At left, friends share their happiness and excitement and a
great big hug at the end end of the commencement exercises.
June 18, 2015 Forum, Weston, Conn. 7A
Micah ZirnValedictorian
Its hard to learn anything about someone from a rsum, but youll
understand a lot from the company that
person keeps, the people they surround themselves with ...
Differences only keep you apart from others if you let
them; if you feel strongly enough, are fond enough, about
something, be it your friends, parents, childhood, you can
relate with anyone. And even learn from them.
Henry TraceySalutatorian
The way I see it, this is the end of something huge. The end of
high school for us, certainly but also the end of a much greater
era in our lives. The time that weve spent
living at home, going to the same school its coming to a close
now. This is the end, really, of us growing up together. And when
things like this come to an end, you can always look back and see
who made it possible. For those people,
thank-yous are in order.
Lisa DeorioWHS Principal
Class of 2015, I expect greatness, and my one piece of advice I
would like to offer is taken from Joseph Campbell,
the recipient of the gold medal honor in literature. You have to
be willing to let go of the life you planned to have the life that
is waiting for you. Class of 2015, that is my wish that you take
risks and explore new opportunities. You
have made me so very proud.
Chris SadlerFaculty Speaker
The lesson I would like to leave with the class of 2015 is to
take risks. I am talking about calculated risks that will aid you
in your transition into adulthood. Risks that will help you grow as
individuals, cultivate your minds, and inspire
you ... I challenge you to take academic and intellectual risks
... Take social risks ... [And] four years from now,
when you are sitting in caps and gowns again, wondering and
maybe worrying about what is next, I implore you to
take the risk to bet on yourself. Seize the opportunity to go
for the job of your dreams, pursue your passion, and
find a career that provides you a life overflowing with joy and
fulfillment. You are a group of 165 intelligent, caring, and
creative young people and I can confidently say the
members of the WHS faculty and staff would take the risk to bet
on you, too.
Sarah Metchick sang Goodbye during graduation. Congratulations
to the Weston High School class of 2015!
Ryan Garvey celebrates his accomplishment.
Spencer ShawStudent Speaker
Over the years, you have proven to me that you are a class that
really cares about other people. Whether you believe
that or not, you set up charity events, create clubs that help
and support people, and even go to concerts to support
friends. This grade really does care about each other and people
in general. This is why Im really happy to be
graduating with this class instead of any other.
Graduate Bruna Messeda gets a hug from Principal Lisa
Deorio.
Julia Rogers greets her grandmother.
8A Forum, Weston, Conn. June 18, 2015
Marvin JacksonStudent Government Co-President
Our grade is not even 170 kids, which makes it the smallest
class in recent years at Weston, but I think
our small size was a good thing for us. We became a family, and
it didnt matter if youd been here since
Kinderland or just got here this year ... Andy Bernard once
said, I wish there was a way to know that youre
in The Good Old Days before youve actually left them. Well guys,
were in them right now, and we pretty
much nailed the past four of them, and Im confident that were
all going to rock the next four, no matter
where we go. However small we may be, I couldnt be more proud to
say that everyone here has had a huge
impact on my life, our school, and our town.
Kevin MacWilliamsClass President
Weston High School will always have a place in my heart and I
imagine the same goes for many of my
fellow classmates. I have grown up with all of you. I have seen
how special our grade is, and know that we
have all come to uniquely appreciate each other for our unifying
similarities as well as our diverse myriad of talents and
interests. I have seen us accomplish great things, and I know we
will continue to do great things
in the future, wherever it may lead us.
Jack SeigenthalerStudent Government Co-President
It occurred to me how much I love this class ... Behind me is an
extraordinary group with an extraordinary bond. And I love this
school. I love this faculty, that
invests in its student body on a very personal level. I love
this community, that supports and nurtures its
schools. And I love that I had the opportunity to spend my
childhood here, as part of this class. I love Weston. And I truly
wouldnt have had things any other way.
From left, Isabel Kerr, Allie Steinberg, and Anna Kimberly make
their way to the graduatiion tent.
Brendan Robert Armbrust Mulcahey
No information availablePatrick Michael Baber
Dickinson CollegeBrian Michael Babyak
Bucknell UniversityMarcl Beaudry
Kings Collegellana Beth Berger
SUNY PlattsburghSamuel Israel Bieler
Harvard UniversityDaniel James Bogaev
Bowdoin CollegeJulian Bombart
University of TampaJulia Caroline Branden
Central Conn. State UniversityBryn Colette Bradshaw- Mack
University of MiamiAlexandra Jane Brostoff
Lehigh UniversityEdouard M. Buisson
Pennsylvania State University,Berks College
Adam Harrison ByerSouthern Methodist University
Zachary Ben ByerWashington University, St.Louis
Kristin Collett Caolo*Vassar College
Brian Michael CassMichigan State University
Jackson Paul CatalanoSouthern Methodist University
Carmine Joseph CenatiempoEndicott College
Cole Austin ClarkCollege of William and Mary
Emily Claire Clark*Providence College
Julia Wyndham ClarkThe George WashingtonUniversity
Julian Frederick CohenNo information available
Mary Katherine ConnorsMassachusetts College of Artand Design
Will Charles CorcoranUniversity of Vermont
Alexander Davidson Crowell
University of New HampshireCelia Margaret Crum*
Yale UniversityNupur Mohan Daptardar
University of ConnecticutSchuyler DeBarger
Tulane UniversityDanielle Diana DeCanio
Virginia TechOlivia Nicole Donnelly*
University of Notre DameRamazan Dovoljani
Western Conn. State UniversityCameron Clare Dunlap
No information availableTrevor Patrick Dyment
Wentworth Institute ofTechnology
Jordan Previn EdwardsClarkson University
Sydney Elizabeth FainFairfield University
Emma FineganSkidmore College
Barrett Nicklaus Fitzgerald*University of Michigan
Ana Ray Flooks*Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology
Matthew James FolgerNo information available
Dominic Nelson FreireNo information available
Alejandro Guillermo Gallardo
Carleton CollegePeter John Gardell
Clarkson UniversityRyan Christopher Garvey
Michigan State UniversitySarah Jane Greisman*
Brandeis UniversityKathryn Grace Grotto
University of MichiganMegan Rose Grotto
Southern Methodist UniversityMatthew Scott Gurman
Indiana University atBloomington
Lucas Martin HazanNo information available
Elliot Cole HollanderSouthern Methodist University
Olivia Jane Hollyer*University of Michigan
Zoe Chase Howard*Tufts University
Alexander Ishin*Texas A&M University
Cole Scott JonssonMiami University, Ohio
Adele Marianna KaczmarekUniversity of Delaware
Samuel David KadezabekRochester Institute ofTechnology
Shayla KellyNo information available
Isabel Rachel KerrMount Holyoke College
Anna Adams Kimberly*University of Connecticut
Kendall Eileen Grace KirkThe George WashingtonUniversity
Daniel Reed KleinUniversity of Maine
Addison Claire KolenikUniversity of South Carolina
Alexander Ryan LeeVanderbilt University
Melissa Rose Lesner*The George WashingtonUniversity
Jacob Benjamin LiebowUniveristy of Colorado,Boulder
Eric Nicholas LouisonChamplain College
Frank Christopher Lugossy Jr.
No information availablePeter Carleton Lummis
Gettysburg CollegeKevin David MacWilliams
Elon UniversityErin Glenn Major*
Davidson CollegeChloe Elizabeth Mandell*
Lehigh UniversityCaroline Claire Maretz*
Duke UniversityCole Darshan Mariyappa
Southern Methodist UniversityRebecca Brynn Marks*
Washington University, St.Louis
Jackson Bachne Marvin*University of Missouri,Columbia
Jake Stephen MatluckSkidmore College
Liam John McCarthyBelmont University
Peter Anthony McGloneUniversity of Delaware
Joseph McGlynnNo information available
Bruna Tabajara de Oliveira Messeder
University of ArizonaMax Lear Messulam
Syracuse UniversitySara Elizabeth Metchick
University of TampaZachary Metviner
University of ConnecticutReed Addison Monges
University of ArizonaDevyn Hayley Mufson
Skidmore CollegeBridget Michelle Murphy
University of ConnecticutMadison Connolly Murray*
Miami University, OhioEric Patrick Nalbandian
University of MarylandNina Claudia Nickel
Pennsylvania State UniversityBrenna Collins ODonnell
Ithaca College
Simeon OkoroUniversity of Virginia
Emily Hannah OlinUniversity of Michigan
Christian OrrUniversity of Washington
Samuel Rohan PantonNo information available
Maren Elizabeth Panzirer*Northeastern University
Adam Loren ParksIthaca College
Anna Elizabeth PetersonEastern Conn. State University
Christopher William PettyClemson University
Christine Melissa PeyreigneMercy College
Russell George PhillipsUniversity of Rochester
Lillian Esther PianinLafayette College
Taylor Paige PomerantzPennsylvania State University
Gregory Frederic Scott Portner
Union CollegeMegan Lambert Quinn*
Boston CollegeIsabella Jane Randazzo
Muhlenberg CollegeKayla Jade Ratner
Indiana University,Bloomington
Casey RedcayOberlin College
Zachary Harris RegensteinSyracuse University
Brian Joseph ReillySouthern Connecticut StateUniversity
Cameron Jacques Riach*Yale University
Annie Morgan RichlingDrexel University
Emanuele Filberto RidolfiNo information available
Michael Francis Riley Jr.University of Massachusetts,Amherst
Kristen Elise Rivera*Vanderbilt University
Luis Reinaldo Enrique Rivera
No information availableRachel Eva Roberts
Washington University, St.Louis
Julia Laine Rogers*Clemson University
Samuel James RosenthalIthaca College
Jack Richard SacaneGeorgia Insitute of Technology
Ariana Catherine SalhiMiami University, Ohio
Juliette Ayden SandakUniversity of Colorado,Boulder
Michael Bernard Santa- Maria
Pennsylvania State UniversityElizabeth Caroline Saul
Syracuse UniversityDaniel Aaron Savitz
Skidmore CollegeHenry James Scavone
Gettysburg CollegeJordan Andrew Schaffer
Iowa State UniversityJohn Brock Seigenthaler*
Stanford UniversityAmber Sharkany
No information available
Spencer Norman ShawNo information available
Nour Dhiaa ShubberUniversity of Connecticut
Jackson Lloyd SiffCornell University
Samantha Rose SilversteinBoston College
Haley Ennis SingerPennsylvania State University
Michael Adam Sitver*University of Chicago
Allison Parker SteinbergUniversity of Wisconsin,Madison
William Michael SteinharterGettysberg College
Jolie Renee SternSyracuse University
Rebecca Elizabeth StuartManhattanville College
Ian Aloysius StuebeUniversity of South Carolina
Justin Mitchell SummersGeorgetown University
Alexander Jake Sydney*University of Pennsylvania
Olivia Grace Tartaglia*University of Michigan
Jessica Anionia TerryMiami University, Ohio
Samantha Lee TompkinsNo information available
Dennis Henry Tracey IV *Dartmouth College
Ryan Harrison TreppNorth Carolina StateUniversity
Garrick Timothy TsuiRensselaer PolytechnicInstitute
Spencer Jacob TurkelUniersity of Delaware
Devon Lee TylerIthaca College
Joshua Daniel ValentineDickinson College
Elena Katerina Valteris*No information available
Joseph Alee VoightCurry College
Vincent Joseph WaltersIthaca College
William Alexander Watanabe
New York UniversityOlivia Katherine Watson
Dickinson CollegeJulia Brooke Weisman
Syracuse UniversityDylan Michael Weiss
Florida State UniversityAlexa Stelling Werner*
Colgate UniversityBlake Samuel Wertlieb
University of Missouri,Columbia
Noah Christopher WinzigUniversity of Rhode Island
Benjamin Louis WittensteinMitchell College
Justin T. WrynnQuinnipiac University
Austin John Wysota*Boston College
Nathaniel Chase ZettlerUniversity of Pittsburgh
Michah Joseph Zirn*University of Pennsylvania
Valedictorian / Salutatorian *National Honor Society
WESTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Simeon Okoro and Frank Lugossy display their diplomas.
