‘We’re just getting started!’

FALLS VILLAGE — The Class of 2021 at Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s (HVRHS) graduation ceremony was as traditional as could be managed, given the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The graduation was held under a large tent on the grass in front of the high school on Thursday evening, June 17.

HVRHS Principal Ian Strever noted that the seniors specifically asked for the most traditional event, and contrasted this year’s graduation with last year’s, a drive-in event held at Lime Rock Park.

Strever praised the seniors for their adaptability and willingness to work with the administrators during the pandemic.

“Everything has been different,” he said. “And they’ve adjusted to every challenge.”

Strever said valuable lessons can be taken from the pandemic experience. 

“We learned something about control. We have a lot less of it than we think.”

Salutatorian Mia Tittmann said her success in high school was not a solo endeavor.

“I did not do it without the help of many people,” she said. “Our collective efforts will make change. Please keep working together to make this world — our world — a little brighter.”

Region One School District Superintendent Lisa Carter started by saying how nice it was to see everybody “in 3D.”

“Kudos to all of you for your perseverance and patience over the last 16 months,” she said.

And she reminded the seniors that their peers have all been through the same disruptions.

“You will be poised to rebound from this experience with confidence.”

Former class president Aidan McCarthy said that looking back, her school career “feels like a sprint.”

“We’ve had great triumphs and failures,” she continued. “And we maintained a sense of community.”

Class president Sara Upson said during the pandemic the seniors missed out on things like the prom and field trips.

But “this day isn’t about what the pandemic took from us. It’s about what we took from it.”

She said there was only one way to meet the challenges of the pandemic — or anything else: “Head on.”

Essayist Emerson Rinehart had the crowd laughing as he issued a “confession,” admitting to damaging a ceiling tile in the auditorium, promoting a rumor that a teacher was actually a “Lizard Man,” and using a bench as a toboggan, among other misdemeanors.

Commencement speaker Kianjai Huggan (HVRHS Class of 2017) told the graduates to “open yourselves up” as they move through the next phase of their lives.

She said when she first came to HVRHS from Georgia, she resisted joining the FFA.

But she did join, and counts her participation as a valuable experience.

She urged the seniors to remember that “there is so much we don’t know.”

Realizing this will “allow you to see the variability in people’s lives.”

“I am confident each of you will be an advocate for positive change.”

Valedictorian Charlotte Clulow said she struggled to find the “golden words” for her remarks, only to “realize I have yet to find answers.”

She praised her classmates for their hard work and accomplishments in and out of school.

“Are we there yet? No, we’re not. We’re just getting started.” 

Class of 2021 Awards:

Good Sportsmanship Medal: Micah Matsudaira, Marguerite Bickford

Good Citizenship Medal: Justine Allyn and Brandon Sorrell

Chamberlain Arts Achievement Award: Cassidy Knutson and Aidan McCarthy

Community Award of Merit: The faculty, staff and administration of HVRHS (accepted by Social Studies teacher Peter Vermilyea).

HVRHS Class of 2021 essayist Emerson Rinehart, left, with class salutatorian Mia Tittmann, center, and valedictorian Charlotte Clulow. Photo by Alexander Wilburn

Senior Jacob Ellington of Sharon accepted his diploma from his father (and Housatonic Valley Regional High School Network Administrator) Mike Ellington. Photo by Alexander Wilburn

HVRHS Class of 2021 essayist Emerson Rinehart, left, with class salutatorian Mia Tittmann, center, and valedictorian Charlotte Clulow. Photo by Alexander Wilburn