Watch out world, here comes the HVRHS Class of 2016

FALLS VILLAGE — The 103 members of the Class of 2016 received their diplomas at Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS) on Tuesday, June 14.

It was the 77th commencement at the high school.

HVRHS Principal Jose Martinez asked the seniors, “What have you learned? [Pause.] No, really, I’m asking you a question.”

Learning about the War of 1812 (for example) is fine, he said, but employers are looking for punctual people with superior work habits, problem-solving ability, the willingness to take chances and to risk failure.

“My promise to you: Housy’s door isn’t locked. You’re always welcome.”

(And on that note he reminded the seniors that the Return to Regional event, where recent graduates return to the high school to share their experiences in their first semester of college, is already scheduled for Dec. 22.)

Salutatorian Jonathan Miller of Salisbury (who is also a tennis champion) recalled speaking with an elderly man at a tennis court. The man told him he should enjoy high school.

“Are you kidding me?” was Miller’s initial reaction. He thought of high school as “nothing more than a series of monotonous tasks designed to break every student.”

But he changed his mind.

“This high school is in a class by itself,” said Miller. “In a small, tight-knit community, the students at Housatonic accept each other.”

“Your energy, excitement and enthusiasm was evident throughout your four years,” Region One Superintendent Patricia Chamberlain told the seniors.

“Bring your A game to every task.”

Exchange student Ana De La Fuente Gil of Spain told the crowd,  “I don’t know what I’m going to do when I go back to Spain. This country — it’s cool.”

Ahmad Keir of Lebanon had left for home that morning, but his host, Andrea Downs of Falls Village (and chairman of the Region One Board of Education), read a farewell letter that included this observation: 

“I didn’t feel homesick. Why should I feel homesick when I’m already at home?”

And Luca Mastranderea of Italy cited the Falls Village Volunteer Fire Department for being “the funniest crew ever” and praised the members of the senior class. “They made me always feel part of the group.”

Essayist Karl Grannan of North Canaan  noted that the Class of 2016 are now “fully grown adults expected to pay taxes and, God forbid, vote.

“Let it be known: Housy is a good school,” he said.

Grannan thanked the faculty and said that in the future, “we will comprehend the gift you have given us.”

Essayist Jamie Long, also of North Canaan, said there is not a “single road map for everyone” regarding post-high school plans.

She is going to study in Connecticut, save some money and continue already established service work.

“Don’t be afraid to go left when everyone else is going right.”

James “Cricket” Jacquier of Laurelbrook Farm in East Canaan gave the commencement address. A graduate of the high school himself, he cited the FFA motto as his guiding principles in business and life: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.

In farming, he said, “the ultimate goal is not the cultivation of crops — it is the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”

He said he keeps a list of goals in his pocket — a list that changes periodically.

“By keeping a list of goals and the four principles I can stay focused on my goals.”

Valedictorian Marina Matsudaira of Cornwall said she started her senior year anxious to leave, only to realize the Class of 2016 is “a group of bright, smart, amazing individuals.”

She said her generation is defined by the use of technology. “We are the generation glued to a screen, that measures life’s worth by likes.”

And the generation that indulges in “narcissistic selfies.”

“I see the adults nodding. Hi, Mom!”

“This is completely accurate,” she continued, holding up her phone and taking a photo of herself.

She said that in a world of “global economic turmoil and climate change” the Class of 2016 has an advantage.

“We understand the technology.”

“Expect the remarkable. This class will do great things, and the world won’t see it coming.”

A freight train rolled past the school lawn and the ceremony at about 7:45 p.m., necessitating a brief pause. The engineer tooted the horn and waved.

2016 Awards

Good sportsmanship: Jamie Long, Jonathan Miller

Good Citizenship: Chelsea Kearns, Ted Perotti

Community Award of Merit: State Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64)

Awards for the graduating seniors will be published in the June 30 Lakeville Journal.