At least 82 percent of the graduating class will attend college in September.
SOUTHWICK – “Do something nice for someone every single day, even it is simply to leave them alone,” Valedictorian Ellen Contois told the graduating class at Southwick-Tolland Regional High School Friday night.
“These actions aren’t great feats or difficult tasks, but they have the ability to make someone’s day,” she said to her 125 fellow classmates. “We have learned responsibility, leadership and how to be ourselves,” Contois said of the last four years.
Salutatorian Caytlin Van Etten referred to graduation as “bitter-sweet. Today our treasured time at Southwick-Tolland Regional High School comes to a close. My time here has served me well,” she said.
The 126 seniors made the traditional graduation march from the high school, down the long hill to the athletic field to receive their diplomas. Along the way, each let loose green and white balloons that filled the sun-drenched sky above parents, friends and relatives on hand to witness graduation ceremonies.
Just prior to the event, principal Pamela Hunter called the senior class “extraordinary. They are community minded kids.”
Hunter, named principal four years ago, also noted that the Class of 2011 is the first class to complete four years at Southwick-Tolland Regional High School with her administration.
At least 82 percent of graduating seniors will attend either two-year or four-year colleges or universities beginning in September.
Class president Hannah Griffin told fellow graduates to “embrace and love” each moment of the future.