Northwestern Graduates Embark on a New Era


You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

— "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!"

By Dr. Suess

 


WINSTED — Senior Class President Marrit Budny spoke those words to her peers during her invocation to the elated Northwestern Regional High School seniors during graduation Monday in celebration of their growth and accomplishments.

Parents, family and friends lined the bleachers in anticipation of the first snapshot of their graduating high school senior. Fan hats and foam fingers for "Emily" bouquets, balloons and cameras on edge welcomed the ceremonial procession of the class of 2007.

The Northwestern Regional Band played proudly, competing with the cheers and yells from the crowd calling out to the graduates as they stepped down the aisle.

Memories were recalled in addresses during the evening from Class Secretary Marrit Budny, Class President Zachary Humphrey, Salutatorian Brendan Smith and Valedictorian Maridel Fredericksen. Guest speaker William Sullivan, chairman of the Social Studies Department, also spoke.

Smith reminded his peers to remember that "Life is a highway" after reminiscing about the Curse of the Class of 2007 and catching a snowball to the "right side of [his] dome piece" during a parking lot snowball fight.

After receiving their diplomas, Class Vice President Ryan Duggan and Class Treasurer Andrew Fitzgerald gave their farewell addresses.

The graduated seniors marched out and cheered one last time for their last day in high school. Family and friends met them in the cafeteria following the graduation ceremony for a small reception hosted by the National Honor Society.

"We really can change the world," Humphrey said. "Be ready but don’t be afraid."

 

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