Graduates get a soggy but spirited send-off

The Springfield High School class of 2011 got a soggy send-off on Saturday as graduation ceremonies moved indoors to the Riverside Middle School. But despite the rainy weather, nothing could dampen the spirits of 111 graduating seniors.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110612/NEWS02/706129827

Published June 12, 2011 in the Rutland Herald

Springfield High School seniors get a soggy but spirited send-off on Saturday.

By Christian Avard

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield High School class of 2011 got a soggy send-off on Saturday as graduation ceremonies moved indoors to the Riverside Middle School. But despite the rainy weather, nothing could dampen the spirits of 111 graduating seniors. According to Springfield School District Superintendent Dr. Frank Perotti, all of them have accomplished a major goal.

“Whatever it is that you do, you have proved that you are ready,” Dr. Perotti said.

Salutatorian Sarah Vrendenburgh welcomed students, family and friends to the Springfield High School commencement exercises. Vrendenburgh said she wasn’t “going to give advice” but to share with everyone the qualities of the class of 2011.

“Among us are boys who love their cars, girls who love their makeup, athletes, workers, siblings, writers, singers, fashionistas, hippies, and state champions. What makes us special is our ability to come together and persevere and any obstacles thrown at us, we had the ability to overcome,” Vrendenburgh said.

Former Gov. James Douglas gave the keynote address. Douglas said he was honored to speak at Springfield High School’s graduation as the town celebrates its 250th anniversary. He joked with students about a study he read recently that one out of every 10,000 graduates trips on their way up to the stage to receive their diplomas. His joke was well received.

Douglas shifted gears and told seniors that a diploma “is something they can’t take away from you.” He told seniors they “paid (their) dues” and now the world wants to know what they will expect “from each and every one of you.” Douglas congratulated the class of 2011 and said they were fortunate to be educated in the Green Mountain State.

“Whether you stay or go, I hope Vermont will always represent the best hope for the opportunity of our youth. You are so lucky to be a Vermonter,” Douglas said.

Valedictorian and Senior President Maria Stern spoke briefly. She reminisced over four years of memories with friends, faculty and staff and reminded classmates to remember the small stuff because they made high school memorable. In good times and in bad, Stern said that students “survived” four years of Springfield High School and the class of 2011 came through in shining colors.

“We all experienced working together toward a common goal,” Stern said. “This is what we worked for. This is what we did for four years.”