Wet weather could not contain the spirit of celebration as local dignitaries, school administrators and teachers joined over 500 graduating seniors and their families to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2017 from New Britain High School.
“Starting from my days at Pulaski Middle School and in my 18 years in the New Britain School District,” said New Britain High School Principal Joseph Pinchera, “I have had the privilege of watching many of you grow from children into young men and women here at New Britain High School.”
Pinchera challenged the graduating seniors that, “Each and every one of you has the opportunity to do something amazing after graduation. Each and every one of you has the opportunity to shine. Ask yourself this simple question: Do I want to do something good or do I want to do something great?”
NBHS Class of 2017 Valedictorian Saimun Habib said, “today is our day. It is a celebration of all our accomplishments, it’s a celebration of everyone who has helped us get here.”
Habib thanked family, teachers and school administrators, saying “None of us got here alone and we owe the people around us so much.”
“I realize it sounds cliché but look at me,” Habib said. “Look at you. Look where we are. Class of 2017 isn’t just the best looking class to come out of NBHS, but also one of the most successful.”
“The fact we sit here ready to graduate shows we have experienced success,” recounted Habib. “I found great success and I think you all know what I’m talking about; it’s my stellar soccer career. Four years ago I couldn’t play soccer but with the help of my coaches and teammates, I became captain of the bench and we made it to states.”
“We have all done the impossible already,” Habib added, challenging fellow graduates to, “chase your dreams. They probably won’t come true, but that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you chase them. The pursuit of happiness is more important than happiness.”
Superintendent Nancy Serra challenged the graduates to share their own story. “The story of you. Who you were. Who you are. And how you can shape who you will be.”
“Why is it so important to share your story?” Serra asked. “The answer is we all have an important story to tell. Each and every one of you has value and telling your story with honesty and transparency gives value to your story. Your unique story, past and present, can have an incredible impact on other people’s lives.”
“Today, we gather not only as forthcoming graduates, future engineers, doctors, journalists, and many more,” said NBHS Class of 2017 Salutatorian Joseph Bechard, “but also as the future of the world itself. There’s no shortage of issues in today’s world- from social justice, fake news, strained international relationships and more. As concerning as many of these issues may be, there is no doubt in my mind that all of us graduating today have the capacity to tackle these issues armed with the knowledge and experience we have received during our high school education and will continue to receive moving forward. For this reason, I am proud to be part of the class of 2017, and proud to be a part of our future – a sentiment I hope all of you feel as well.”
“With that said,” Bechard concluded, “we will continue to finish one journey with the conclusion of our high school experience, and begin our next journey into our futures. Thank you all for making my journey so special and memorable.”
