Fitch High School Celebrates the Class of 2011 (With Video)

Anxiety vibrated through the halls of Robert E. Fitch Senior High School Friday evening, as 294 graduates took to the stage at the school’s 81stgraduation ceremony.

A moderate downpour preceding the event upended prior plans for an outdoor ceremony. As a result, participating graduates were given four guest tickets to the new space, Hagerty auditorium, which offered limited seating. All other guests were invited to view the ceremony through a simulcast projected in the main gymnasium.

The Parents

Hagerty auditorium swelled with a sudden onslaught of nervous, twitchy parents.

“I’m trying to do really well, but I’m probably going to lose it now,” laughed Tracie Tenety, her drawl made jumpy by the emotionality of the day.  “You’re used to them being in your everyday life and now they’re not going to be there. I’m not ready to handle that.”

“Thank God, he’s done!” joked the father of FHS graduate Nathaniel Holfelder. “Now I got college ahead of me.”

“I’m very excited for my son,” said Ron Jenkins. “Number two and the last of two. It’s a great day.”

The Students

The graduates chirped in the gathering area shortly before the ceremony—no doubt enjoying freedom from something that they had yet to fully understand. Casual and pert, the students were expert in the business of graduation, with three prior rehearsals endured throughout the week.

“[I’m] a littled bummed out; because now I have four years of college and possibly six after college,” Joseph Walz waxed on graduating. “This is the first step to a bigger one: it’s exciting, but it’s going to be more exciting when I graduate college.”

The Ceremony

The ceremony began with the usual pomposity of infectious cheering and sweeping nostalgia. Seat assignments were abandoned, as parents rushed to snag a photo of their crested graduate.

As for those relegated to the gym—a secluded annex from the howls and hoots of Hagerty auditorium: “It [was] great!” exclaimed Jim Carson. “We got food, the bathroom, a view. We’re texting our girlfriends and they’re miserable. They’re stuck and have to pee.”

It wasn’t long before speeches began. Salutatorian, Aisha Lee delivered a remarkably eloquent charge to her classmates.

“Remember, you cannot change the past, nor can you predict what lays ahead in our future,” she continued. “There are only fuzzy memories and indefinite speculations. The only thing you have complete control over is the present. So, please, Class of 2011, do not lose the determination and focus that espied you over these years.”

Self-determination was served in healthy proportions during the night. Commencement speaker, Luke Watson, discussed fearless entrepreneurship.

“Starting in on something new is always a scary thing, especially for the first time,” said Watson. “All the ‘what-ifs’ come into play and self-doubt sets in pretty quick…Being able to tough it out is difficult, but..if we are willing to go through it, we’ll gain moral fiber. To reach the end may take a lot of courage, but it’s worth both the starting effort and continuous motivation.”

If one element has come to define the Class of 2011, it has been its restless pursuit of excellence. In his speech to the class, Principal Joseph Arcarese charted class success, drawing parallels between class accomplishments and the school’s recently-adopted slogan, ‘achieve more.’

“You shattered the record at the honor cord ceremony. More than five hundred and eighty eight cords were given to one hundred and ninety eight students. One hundred and ten students received approximately $757,000 in scholarships awards.  One hundred and eighty of you were involved in athletics, clubs and co-curricular activities. Five students are all-state. Sixty made all ECC selections. One became the second player in Connecticut to earn Connecticut Gatorade softball player of the year for the second time."

Still perhaps the most endearing overture of the evening was echoed by Superintendent Paul Kadri. Kadri spoke of the world of immediate connectivity and instant information upon which the graduates were embarking.

“No matter what you do in life, you will make mistakes, you will get frustrated, and you will have doubts,” said Kadri. “And at times you’ll feel alone, but during those times always remember that you are never alone. No matter where you are…you have the entire Groton family with you and supporting you.” 

Students and parents alike streamed onto the vinyl floor of a once-barren hall following the ceremony--its squeaky veneer reflecting pools of light from flashing cameras and the hollowy sounds of loud conversation. 

Though in time they're destined to go separate ways, the undeniable pull of lasting friendship, common ground, and fruitful memories ensures a safe flight home for all our beloved Falcons.