‘We’re just getting started!’

‘We’re just getting started!’

HVRHS Class of 2021

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
Related Articles Around the Web

Latest News

Celebration of Life: Michael R. Tesoro, M.D.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.

A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keith Raven Johnson

SHARON — Keith Raven Johnson, a long-time resident of Sharon, died on April 26, 2025, a month after his 90th birthday, at Geer Rehabilitation and Long -Term Care facility in Canaan.

He was born on March 21, 1935, in Ithaca, New York, the son of John Raven Johnson and Hope Anderson Johnson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sue Ann Miller Plain

NORTH CANAAN — Sue Ann Miller Plain, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. Sue Ann faced her illness with incredible strength, grace, and determination, never losing her spirit or her love for those around her.

Sue Ann was born on April 21, 1957, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She lived in North Canaan for 50 years where she built lasting friendships and began a life rooted in community and family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Anderson Turnure

SALISBURY — Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.

Joan was born July 29, 1933, in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of the late Lawrence Anderson and Barbara (Ryan) Anderson. She grew up in Mexico and Maryland, later attending the Shipley School in Pennsylvania and earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vassar College.

Keep ReadingShow less