The 223 graduates from the Barre school are heading to colleges, jobs and the military.
BARRE – Student essayist Haley Crockett told her fellow graduates at Quabbin Regional High School Friday night that as much as it is important to look ahead they also have to pay attention to the here and now.
“Who knows what is to come,’’ she said. “It is best to focus on what is happening now.’’
Crockett also told some vignettes about a few fellow graduates who struggled with illness or other difficulties during their school years but refused to give up or even let conditions slow them down.
Crockett did not name names in these stories but talked of the qualities she saw in her classmates and how they inspired through will power and motivation. She quoted one as saying, “It is not as bad as it seems. It will always work out somehow.' "
Crockett was one of 223 seniors who received high school diplomas under a sunny evening sky at Quabbin Regional High School.
The other two student essayists, Kelsey Carpenter and Jackilyn Chisholm, spoke as a duo, the way they had been doing all year reading the morning announcements at the high school.
With a mixture of humor and inspiration, they talked about the importance of being classy, and also about being proud, courageous and strong and taking on all the challenges of life with class.
They also talked of the importance of having respect for fellow students, teachers and advisors.
Maureen Marshall, the district superintendent of schools, spoke briefly before certifying the seniors as high school graduates and said has has seen hope and class in them over their years at Quabbin Regional High School.
Noting “the quality of your life and your work,’’ Marshall told the Class of 2011, “You give us hope.’’
Of the 223 graduates, 52 percent are heading off to four-year colleges and 27 percent will be attending two-year colleges.
Another 4 percent will continue their education in certificate programs.
Nine of the graduates, or 4 percent, are heading into the military and 28, or 13 percent, will be joining the work force.
The Excellence in Education Award was presented to physics teacher Robert Kolesnik by student Evan White.