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Wilton-Lyndeborough graduates 32 at commencement

WILTON – One of the things he has learned in life, guest speaker Marc Belanger told the 32 members of the high school graduating class on Friday evening, “Nothing in life is certain. You cannot predict an outcome.”

Belanger, a social studies teacher and one of their class advisors, said that was one of three lessons he has learned. The others are “life doesn’t occur in a vacuum, it turns on a dime,” and to “beware of hubris.”

You do need to be self-confident, he told them, but “overconfidence can lead to failure.” He used his own first job search as a case. He didn’t get the job he was super confident he would, and that made him a better person. “Understand the perspectives of other people,” he said.”

Earlier in the strictly traditional ceremonies, Salutatorian Lexi Balam said, “It is important to work toward your goal. If you have a desire to do something, work toward it. Use your talent to make the world a better place.”

The school’s star softball player, she said she had devoted her life to softball, and will play in college. “Learn how to set yourself apart,” she said, in order to stand out. “You have to show a desire, a passion, to try your hardest. I’m not perfect – I had to overcome obstacles.”

Valedictorian Shane Partridge, who spent his whole 13 years of school in the system, said, “We’ll build on the lessons and values we learned here,” among them, “diligence and integrity.” He added, “We’ve overcome the challenges, from minor inconveniences to life changing with the support of our teachers who educated us both morally and ethically. Years from now, we’ll look back on school as preparing us for life.”

He thanked his classmates for “persevering to reach this point,” and closed with, “I’ve been beyond lucky to be a part of this group.”

Class President Emma Krug, in her welcoming remarks said, “We are the future individuals who will undoubtedly make a difference. We worked hard to be here, and we deserve it.”

Superintendent Bryan Lane told them, “Excellence is doing something a little better than usual. It’s what you do with what you know. Reach out with all that you are – it will make life worth living.”

The class conducted a traditional rose ceremony, each member presenting a rose, typically to mothers and grandmothers, but also other special people.

Principal Brian Bagley recognized four retiring teachers and noted, “they have served here for a total of 106 years.” One of those was physical education David Finch who has been at the school for 40 years. The others are art teacher Judi Wing, English teacher Marcia Contarino, and science teacher William Fox.

The names of the graduates were read by their advisors, Belanger and language teacher Audra Nolin.

Following the ceremonies, an informal reception was held outside on a lovely spring evening.