BHS Class of 2018 Celebrates with Smiles, Confetti, Horns

With the town hall as a stage, decked out in anticipation of the Branford Festival, the Branford High School Class of 2018 took their seats. What would a graduation be without ​“Pomp and Circumstance”? And the decorated mortarboards.

It turned out to be a perfect evening and a large crowd of families and friends filled the green to witness the event, the awarding of 220 diplomas to graduating seniors. 

After the National Anthem was performed by the Music Makers, led by Michael Martone…

…Schools Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez welcomed the students. ​“May you always be surrounded by people who encourage you to be the person you wish to be,” he said.

“High school does not define you,” he added. ​“Never forget your families, your teachers, friends and the special place you call Branford.” Then he gave a shout-out to the champion Girls’ Lacrosse Team.

BHS Principal Lee Panagoulias, Jr. presented the top academic students, Caroline Erickson, valedictorian, and Bradley Stutzman, salutatorian (pictured).

He also presented the Faculty Key Award to Luna McCulloch (pictured). The Faculty Key Award is the highest recognition ​“bestowed on a member of the graduating class,” Panagoulias said of McCulloch’s award. He also presented honorary diplomas to three members of the faculty who are retiring this year: School Social Worker Suzanne Serviss; Guidance Counselor Doug White; and AP English teacher and BHS Dramat founder/director Maria Ogren.

Class President Katherine Spaulding (pictured) described Branford High School as a bubble, describing the school as their home. ​“BHS has shaped, inspired and challenged us, and introduced us to friends that we will love for life,” she said. ​“Have you done enough with you time here at Branford and for the world around you?”

She added, ​“Sufficiency is not an option – it implies an end – there’s always more out there for you.” She advised the class to not think about what they want to do, rather why they want to do it.

Class secretary Charles Hall introduced English teacher Christian Miller, commencement speaker.

Miller asked the class to ​“turn around and admire this beautiful green – don’t forget this community – remember the part of you who grew up in Branford.” He mentioned that his dad graduated with the class of 1955 and his son was graduating with the class of 2018. He said that there was the need to hold and let go.

Miller said, ​“The world can be a scary place – not like the game of Fortnight.” He encouraged the class to travel – ​“Be open to making friends different from you – take different classes.”

The audience gave Miller a standing ovation

Panagoulias (pictured) introduced the class of 2018. He said they were guided by a supportive community, parents and guardians, a dedicated and professional faculty, and a dynamic student body. They were involved in ​“creating a safe environment where you can take risks. You have developed characteristics this community values.”

Diplomas were presented to some 220 seniors by Panagoulias, Hernandez, and Board of Education chair Michael Krause; their names were announced by the class officers.

At the end Panagoulias instructed the newly minted graduates to move their tassels from right to left. His congratulations was punctuated by confetti and horns.

There were smiles everywhere.

Cosgrove Animal Shelter Director Laura Burban and her daughter, Cassandra.

The Klarman Family (L‑R)Andy, grandmother Betsy, dad Jeffrey and mother Lexie celebrated the graduation of Erica.

Emma Pierson (pictured) displayed her brand new diploma.

More smiles. (L‑R): Emily Borst, Sophie Spencer, LanLe Crotty, Lauren Elmsary, Daly Hynes, Keely Lepre.
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