Class valedictorian Samuel Hanson said Hampshire is a very safe school that offers "kind of a sense of unity."
Samuel Hanson, the Hampshire Regional High School class valedictorian, said if he had to describe the Class of 2011 in one word, it would be “involved.”
He said they’re not only involved in sports, but in music programs and the arts. He said there are 12 seniors in the jazz band alone and seven in chorus.
The Hampshire Regional 2011 class of 133 graduated Friday night at John M. Greene Hall in Northampton.
Hanson, of Williamsburg, said Hampshire Regional, in Westhampton, is a very safe school that offers “kind of a sense of unity.”
He will be heading to Northeastern University in Boston where he’ll be studying engineering with a minor in music.
According to the guidance office, 90 percent of the class is heading to either two- or four-year colleges.
“This class is amazing,” said principal Patricia A. Clem. “The have excelled in academics, athletics and the performing arts. In addition, they led the creation of a school-wide bullying assembly that has fundamentally changed our entire school climate and has become a model across the state.”
Class salutatorian Cailee Dean agreed that program was “extremely successful,” and is a reflection of how respectful the class is.
She describes her class as “really respectful.” She said even the senior prank was respectful; the class filled assistant principal Mark A. Folta’s office with balloons. She will attend Holy Cross, with biology as her major.
Her message to her fellow graduates - to continue what they have begun.